Projecting the Detroit Lions starting lineups for the 2020 season

With training camp underway, let’s project the Detroit Lions starting lineup before we see majority of the team in action once again.

The Detroit Lions have reported to training camp in preparation for the 2020 NFL Season. Before we get to see where each player is at with their development and/or current skill level, let’s map out the team’s projected starters.

Here’s our my guess of what those lineups will look like when the Lions kick off the regular season against the Chicago Bears in Week One at Ford Field …

Detroit Lions Starting Lineup – Offense

QB: Matthew Stafford #9
RB: Kerryon Johnson #33
WR (Z): Kenny Golladay #19
WR (X): Marvin Jones #11
WR (Y): Danny Amendola #80
TE: T.J. Hockenson #88
LT: Taylor Decker #68
LG: Joe Dahl #66
C: Frank Ragnow #77
RG: Jonah Jackson # 73
RT: Halapoulivaati Vaitai #72

This starting lineup is based on the “11 personal” offensive set. The Lions figure to use multiple sets that includes tight end Jesse James, wide receiver Marvin Hall, and rookie running back D’Andre Swift. Running back Kerryon Johnson projects to be the starter, however, Swift among others should receive a healthy workload.

Left tackle, center, and right tackle seem to be set in stone. The starters at both guard spots are up for debate. Joe Dahl has a slight edge due to his tenure with the team, pay close attention to the right guard position.

Detroit Lions Starting Lineup – Defense

DE: Trey Flowers #90
DT (0-Tech): Danny Shelton #71
DT (3-Tech): Da’Shawn Hand #93
LB (Jack): Julian Okwara #45
LB (Mike): Jahlani Tavai #51
LB: (Will/Sam): Jamie Collins #58
LCB: Desmond Trufant #23
RCB: Jeffrey Okudah #1
S: Duron Harmon #26
S: Tracy Walker #21
S: Will Harris #25

This starting lineup is based on head coach’s Matt Patricia base 3-3-5 defense. In some instances we’ll see safeties Tracy Walker and Will Harris shift to linebacker, also linebackers Julian Okwara and Jamie Collins will occasionally move down to edge rusher.

Expect defensive end Romeo Okwara, safety Jayron Kearse, cornerback Amani Oruwariye, defensive tackle Nick Williams, edge rusher Austin Bryant, linebackers Jarrad Davis and Reggie Ragland to see playing time off of the bench.

Going off speculation, cornerback Desmond Trufant should be the starter on the left side, while rookie Jeffrey Okudah will start on the right side.