All-NFC North Offense: How many starters do the Lions have?

Right Guard: James Daniels

Backup: Lucas Patrick

Nobody is touching James Daniels, who is presumably moving from left guard to right guard this season. The Vikings are expected to start rookie guard Wyatt Davis. Before diving deep, I’d figured that Lions’ guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai would be the default here.

But then I ran into Packers guard Lucas Patrick, who became a starter for the first time in his four-year career last season. Patrick allowed three sacks in 650 pass-blocking snaps, two of those sacks coming in one game.

However, the narrative in Green Bay is that he’ll be competing for the job this season. Which made no sense to me. However, I don’t think that will be the case, and he is a name to watch with his pending free agency after the season is over.

Right Tackle: Brian O’Neil

Backup: Billy Turner

Vikings’ right tackle Brian O’Neil is one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL. Yet, I rarely hear recognition for his play. Despite that, he’s every coach’s dream at the position, posting elite play in pass blocking and run blocking.

Packers lineman Billy Turner played a swiss army knife role last season. Having multiple starts at three different positions. However, this season he will be their starting right tackle. With that being said, I do believe he is a better overall player than Bears’ right tackle Germain Ifedi.

Hence the decision to give him the backup spot. Although, with Lions’ rookie Penei Sewell present, I expect this to change in the future.

Totals:

Packers Starters: 2 Reserves: 5 Total: 7
Vikings Starters: 5 Reserves: 1 Total: 6
Lions Starters: 2 Reserves: 4 Total: 6
Bears Starters: 3 Reserves: 2 Total: 5