Newly signed tight end makes Lions roster in depth chart projection

We are now two weeks into Detroit Lions training camp and the Lions roster is starting to figure itself out. This week will no doubt be a big week for just about everyone. Especially the fringe guys that are fighting for a roster spot.  The Lions will host the New York Giants for two joint […]

Mike Payton Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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We are now two weeks into Detroit Lions training camp and the Lions roster is starting to figure itself out. This week will no doubt be a big week for just about everyone. Especially the fringe guys that are fighting for a roster spot. 

The Lions will host the New York Giants for two joint practices this week and then will host them for the first preseason game of the year. It's time to get some questions answered. 

Until then, it's time to update our evolving depth chart. Before we show you this weeks, take a look at last weeks edition here. Lets' jump into this weeks. 

Offense 

PositionStarterPlayer 2Player 3

Quarterback

Jared Goff

Nate Sudfeld 

Running Back

David Montgomery

Jahmyr Gibbs

Justin Jackson

Fullback

Jason Cabinda

Left Receiver

Josh Reynolds

Denzel Mims

Slot Receiver

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Kalif Raymond

Right Receiver

Marvin Jones

Dylan Drummond

Tight End

Sam LaPorta

James Mitchell

Darrell Daniels

Left Tackle 

Taylor Decker

Matt Nelson

Left Guard

Jonah Jackson

Logan Stenberg

Center

Frank Ragnow

Right Guard

Graham Glasgow

Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Right Tackle

Penei Sewell

Colby Sorsdal

There's some changes here this week that are somewhat significant. The first one is that newly signed tight end Darrell Daniels makes the roster. He just signed with the Lions last week and this is a bit of a Babe Ruth calling his shot moment for me, but I think he has what it takes to jump Brock Wright and make the Lions 53 man roster. 

Daniels is a better blocker than Wright and he's faster than Wright. Daniels can essentially be like another Darren Fells for the Lions. A primary blocker that also has pass catching ability. 

The other big one is that undrafted rookie Dylan Drummond makes the roster over seventh round pick Antione Green. The big reason here is that Denzel Mims sort of makes Green redundant. I think Green definitely makes the Lions practice squad, but Drummond should be able to do what it takes as a receiver and a special teams guy and make the roster. Turns out other people feel might that way too. 

Defense

PositionStarterPlayer 2Player 3

Defensive End

John Cominsky

Josh Paschal

Nose Tackle

Alim McNeil 

Levi Onwuzurike

Defensive Tackle

Isaiah Buggs

Brodric Martin

Edge

Aidan Hutchinson 

Romeo Okwara

Weakside Linebacker

Derrick Barnes

Malcolm Rodriguez

Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Middle Linebacker

Jack Campbell

Alex Anzalone

Sam Linebacker

Charles Harris 

James Houston

Julian Okwara

Left Cornerback

Jerry Jacobs 

Emmanuel Moseley

Starling Thomas V

Strong Safety 

Kerby Joseph

Savion Smith

Free Safety 

Tracy Walker

Right Cornerback

Cameron Sutton

Will Harris 

Nickel

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Brian Branch

There's no changes on the defensive side of the ball this week. This unit seems to be pretty well figured out. Things could get more interesting next week after we've seen the fallout from the preseason game against the Giants and the joint practices that precede them. 

Special Teams 

PositionStarter

Punter

Jack Fox

Kicker 

Parker Romo

Long Snapper

Jake McQuaide

Again, no changes here. We'll get to see the kicker battle up close and personal on Friday night though. Parker Romo seems to have the edge, but not by much. Riley Patterson could find himself taking over the role if he has a big game. 

Unknown Lions rookie is getting national attention

Last week we talked about undrafted rookie receiver Dylan Drummond and how he has been rising up the Lions depth chart and has a chance to find himself on the Lions 53 man roster. The former Eastern Michigan Eagle was a complete unknown up until then. Now he's getting some national attention from the crew […]

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