How do the new Lions players fit into the depth chart?
The Detroit Lions have made a series of moves during the 2024 offseason to bolster their roster and position themselves for success in the NFC. These additions have come through the draft, free agency, and trades, significantly reshaping the team’s depth chart. In this analysis, we will break down how the Lions’ new players fit into the current depth chart, providing insight into their roles and what they bring to the table for the 2024 season.
Quarterback: No Changes
The Detroit Lions’ quarterback depth chart remains largely unchanged from 2023, with Jared Goff serving as the clear starter. Goff has led the team to significant success, including an 9-8 record in 2023, and his leadership will continue to be crucial for the Lions moving forward. As of now, there haven’t been any major changes to the QB position through new additions.
The backup role is filled by the second-year player, Hendon Hooker, who was drafted by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker is recovering from a torn ACL, and although he’s still rehabbing, he’s expected to be the Lions’ quarterback of the future. Hooker’s athleticism and strong arm give him great potential, but for now, he will remain behind Goff, developing and learning.
Depth Chart:
- Jared Goff (Starter)
- Hendon Hooker (Backup)
- Nate Sudfeld (Practice Squad/Third String)
Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs Adds Explosiveness
One of the most notable additions to the Lions’ roster in the 2024 offseason is running back Jahmyr Gibbs, drafted 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Gibbs is a dynamic playmaker, known for his speed, agility, and receiving ability out of the backfield. His versatility is what sets him apart from traditional running backs, and he has the potential to be an immediate impact player.
Gibbs joins the Lions’ backfield alongside incumbent starter David Montgomery, who was signed in free agency. Montgomery’s physicality and experience bring a complementary skill set to Gibbs’ speed and elusiveness. The duo will likely form a powerful one-two punch, with Montgomery handling the between-the-tackles work, and Gibbs providing a dynamic threat in both the running and passing game.
Gibbs’ presence should help the Lions diversify their offense and provide Goff with an added weapon in the short-to-intermediate passing game. His ability to line up as a receiver in the slot or out wide will stretch defenses and create mismatches. Given the NFL’s increasing trend of using running backs in creative ways, the Lions’ offense could become even more unpredictable with Gibbs on the field.
Depth Chart:
- David Montgomery (Starter)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Complementary Back)
- Craig Reynolds (Depth)
- Devine Ozigbo (Practice Squad)
Wide Receiver: A Young, Talented Corps
The wide receiver room saw a major shakeup in 2024 with the addition of Jameson Williams, who will serve as a key weapon for Jared Goff. Williams was a first-round pick in 2022 but missed much of his rookie season due to injury. After serving a suspension in 2023, Williams is now ready to take on a significant role in the offense.
Adding Williams to an already impressive receiving corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown gives the Lions one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. St. Brown’s crisp route running and reliable hands make him a security blanket for Goff, while Williams’ deep threat ability forces defenses to respect the vertical passing game. Alongside them, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and Marvin Jones Jr. round out the wide receiver depth, providing experience and versatility.
St. Brown will likely continue to be the team’s top target, but with Williams’ speed and deep-play ability, the Lions’ offense will be much more potent in 2024. The wide receiver room is deep, with multiple players capable of stepping up when needed.
Depth Chart:
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (Starter)
- Jameson Williams (Deep Threat)
- Josh Reynolds (Slot/Depth)
- Kalif Raymond (Speed Option/Depth)
- Marvin Jones Jr. (Veteran Depth)
Tight End: Sam LaPorta Brings New Hope
The tight end position in Detroit has seen some adjustments in 2024. Sam LaPorta, the Lions’ second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to make an immediate impact as the starting tight end. LaPorta is a versatile and athletic player who can contribute both as a blocker and as a receiver, offering another dynamic threat in the passing game.
While Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell remain on the roster as backup tight ends, LaPorta’s potential to become a top-tier weapon in the offense means he will likely be the focal point at the position. He has the ability to line up both on the line of scrimmage and out wide, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
With Goff’s success at utilizing tight ends, LaPorta’s skill set aligns well with the system. His ability to gain separation in the middle of the field will open up more options for the Lions’ offense, making it more difficult for defenses to predict their play calling.
Depth Chart:
- Sam LaPorta (Starter)
- Shane Zylstra (Backup)
- James Mitchell (Depth)
Offensive Line: A Strong and Deep Unit
The Lions’ offensive line is one of the strongest units on the team and has remained largely intact in 2024. The front five consists of established starters, including Penei Sewell at right tackle, Taylor Decker at left tackle, Frank Ragnow at center, and Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai at guard.
The addition of Graham Glasgow in free agency strengthens the depth at the guard and center positions, providing much-needed experience and versatility. Glasgow has previously played for the Lions, and his return will allow the team to rotate players and handle injuries better throughout the season.
The offensive line’s ability to dominate in both the running and passing game will be crucial for the Lions’ success in 2024. With Montgomery and Gibbs running behind this powerful offensive line, the Lions can control the line of scrimmage, which will allow their skill players to excel.
Depth Chart:
- Taylor Decker (LT)
- Jonah Jackson (LG)
- Frank Ragnow (C)
- Halapoulivaati Vaitai (RG)
- Penei Sewell (RT)
- Graham Glasgow (Depth)
- Matt Nelson (Depth)
Defensive Line: A Strong Rotation with High Expectations
On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions added Jack Campbell in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to provide more depth and leadership to the linebacker corps. But the Lions have also made substantial improvements to their defensive line. Cameron Sutton, who was signed in free agency, is expected to be a key addition to the defensive backfield, providing a veteran presence and improving their pass coverage.
In the trenches, Aidan Hutchinson is primed for a breakout year after an impressive rookie season. Hutchinson will continue to serve as the team’s top pass-rusher, and with the addition of several key rotational pieces, the Lions’ defensive line should be more potent than in previous seasons.
Depth Chart:
- Aidan Hutchinson (EDGE)
- Isaiah Buggs (DT)
- Alim McNeill (DT)
- John Cominsky (DE)
- Charles Harris (EDGE)
- James Houston (EDGE)
Linebacker: Jack Campbell and New Energy
The linebacker room received a significant boost with the selection of Jack Campbell in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Campbell is an athletic linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range, capable of contributing both as a tackler and in pass coverage. Alongside him, Alex Anzalone remains a key starter, providing leadership and stability to the group.
Campbell is expected to take over a full-time starting role, potentially pairing with Anzalone to form a formidable duo in the middle of the defense. As a rookie, Campbell’s potential to impact the defense as both a tackler and in coverage makes him a key addition.
Depth Chart:
- Alex Anzalone (MLB)
- Jack Campbell (OLB)
- Derrick Barnes (Depth)
- Malcolm Rodriguez (Depth)
Secondary: Reinforcements for the Backfield
The secondary for the Detroit Lions was revamped with the additions of Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley. Both players are expected to immediately contribute and provide much-needed stability to a young group.
Sutton, in particular, is expected to be a starting cornerback and provide leadership in the backfield. Moseley will provide depth and competition at cornerback. Kirby Joseph and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson will remain as key starters at safety.
Depth Chart:
- Cameron Sutton (CB)
- Emmanuel Moseley (CB)
- Jeff Okudah (Depth)
- Kirby Joseph (FS)
- Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (SS)
Special Teams: No Major Changes
The special teams unit remains mostly unchanged for the 2024 season. Jack Fox continues to handle punting duties, Riley Patterson returns as the placekicker, and Kalif Raymond remains a primary option for kick and punt returns.
Depth Chart:
- Jack Fox (Punter)
- Riley Patterson (Kicker)
- Kalif Raymond (Returner)
The 2024 Detroit Lions have bolstered their roster significantly through the addition of key players, particularly on offense and defense. The depth chart reflects these changes, with immediate contributors like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell, as well as solid veterans like Cameron Sutton and David Montgomery. With a mix of youthful talent and experienced leadership, the Lions look poised to make a serious push for NFC contention in 2024.