The Detroit Lions open training camp in less than two weeks, and there are still some legitimate roster battles to sort out before Week 1. From the left guard competition to a murky cornerback situation, Detroit has questions that need answering. Here’s one more look at a projected depth chart for the Lions heading into the 2026 season, starting on the offensive side of the ball.

Offense

I’ve got Ben Bartch as the starting left guard, and I know some people might push back on that. Christian Mahogany is the name a lot of fans expect to see there, and maybe I wind up being wrong. That’s totally fine. But here’s the thing: Mahogany has shown he’s unbalanced. He’s really good at run blocking, but he’s not good at pass blocking. He’s letting up too much pressure and too many sacks.

You have to understand, even though the Lions want to run first and set up the pass that way, you still have to protect the quarterback when the pass comes. If Jared Goff can stay unpressured, there’s not a more dangerous quarterback in football. Bartch, in the starts he’s had at left guard in the NFL, has looked balanced. He’s been good in pass protection and good in the run game. He’s a veteran who has played a lot of left guard, and I think he’s the guy fans aren’t paying enough attention to right now.

You might also notice I’ve got Miles Frazier listed behind Penei Sewell at tackle. That’s me tinkering with the idea that he could serve as the third tackle behind Larry Borum, who I believe has the swing tackle job locked up at this point. Detroit doesn’t have much tackle depth beyond that.

Frazier won’t necessarily play tackle full-time, but the Lions drafted him because he can play tackle, both guard spots, and probably even center if they needed him there. He’s like what Evan Brown used to be for the Lions, but better, because Brown could handle all the interior spots but couldn’t slide outside. Frazier can do all of it. He still has a chance to win the left guard job, too, but even if he doesn’t, his versatility makes him valuable off the bench.

The other move worth discussing is Jackson Meeks lining up at tight end. He’s been playing there during OTAs and minicamp and has put on some weight. I think he’s going to fill that Devin Funchess type of role, where he’s a tight end at times but can also slide out to receiver. That allows the Lions to keep fewer receivers on the 53-man roster. I’ve got him listed at tight end and underneath a fellow receiver on the depth chart because he’s going to be a hybrid player who lines up all over the field. It might look rough on paper, but the flexibility makes sense for how Detroit wants to build its roster.

Defense

On the defensive side, I still have Jimmy Rolder competing with Jacob Rodriguez at linebacker. Once the pads come on, I think Rolder is going to show he’s ready faster than people expect.

I also have Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both starting Week 1, and I know people think that’s crazy. I don’t think Kerby Joseph’s injury is nearly as bad as the internet will tell you it is. As for Branch, Dan Campbell has indicated he has the opportunity to return at training camp. There haven’t been any setbacks. I’m not saying he comes back Day 1, but I think about halfway through camp he should be back on the field getting reps, and I believe he’ll be out there for Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints.

The cornerback spot opposite the other starter is where things get uncertain. There are cornerbacks on this roster, but I genuinely don’t know who starts in Terrion Arnold’s place. The easy answer would be Rock Ya-Sin, but I think it’s going to be somebody who isn’t on this team right now. Whether that means a trade for someone like Riley Moss or Khristian Fulton from Kansas City, or a free agent signing, I just don’t know yet. That’s the question that will get answered over the next month and a half as training camp unfolds and the season approaches.

We’ll see how it shakes out.

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