After the first episode of “Hard Knocks” and before the first preseason game, the Detroit Lions first dept chart isn’t too surprising.
They hype around the Detroit Lions is all about Tuesday night’s first episode of “Hard Knocks”. But the also released the first depth chart of the year, “officially unofficial”, as head coach Dan Campbell called it Wednesday morning.
Dan Campbell calls the depth chart released last night "officially unofficial."
— Ben Raven (@BenjaminSRaven) August 10, 2022
"It means something. But it doesn't mean something ... I wouldn't put a lot of stock into it." Jokes that there is a pretty good chance Jared Goff stays as starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/qm5hulKk3w
Detroit Lions first depth chart contains few surprises
Backup quarterbacks Tim Boyle and David Blough may be battling for what ends up being one 53-man roster spot. Boyle seems to have a loose hold on the No. 2 job, as he should, but preseason games (starting Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons) will be critical in the battle to be Jared Goff’s primary backup. The Lions could take an opportunity to add someone else too.
One listing of note is Will Harris listed as the starting cornerback opposite Amani Oruwariye, over Jeff Okudah. Campbell dismissed the significance of that at this point.
AJ Parker is listed as the starting slot/nickel corner, over Mike Hughes.
Dan Campbell, on Will Harris being listed ahead of Jeff Okudah on the unofficial depth chart: "I would say it's officially unofficial."
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) August 10, 2022
Also of note is Chris Board listed as the other starting linebacker with Alex Anzalone. Board, a free agent signing previously primarily a special teamer with the Baltimore Ravens, has been working as a starter during OTAs and camp though. Anzalone feels locked into a starting spot, for better or more likely worse, but the competition at linebacker is ongoing and wide open. Rookie Malcolm Rodriguez listed as fourth string isn’t backed up by his seeing camp reps with the first and second-team defense.
Going a little further, Austin Seibert was tabbed by Campbell as ahead of Riley Patterson in the kicking battle earlier this week and the initial depth chart backs that up. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is listed as the backup punt returner, after reports he’s gotten a little bit of work there.
What do you think about the Lions first depth chart, as informal as it is right now?