The Detroit Lions’ first unofficial depth chart for 2026 doesn’t settle anything, but it does put a few training camp battles into sharper focus with the preseason opener coming Thursday.
Because the chart comes from the team’s communication staff, it may not line up perfectly with what the coaches are thinking right now. Still, it offers a useful snapshot of where things stand, especially along the offensive line and in a few crowded spots on defense.
Up front, the Lions are juggling three separate battles. Right tackle and left guard were already open competitions, and the injury to center Cade Mays added another layer. At right tackle, veteran Larry Borom is listed ahead of rookie Blake Miller, though Miller has gotten plenty of first-team work and is still very much in the mix to start the opener after being drafted 17th overall.
Left guard is just as unsettled. Juice Scruggs sits ahead of Christian Mahogany on the depth chart, but Mahogany has earned strong reviews early in camp and remains a real contender for the job. Scruggs is also expected to get center reps once he comes back from a soft tissue injury, which could leave Mahogany in position to reclaim the left guard spot.
That center competition becomes even more interesting when Scruggs returns. He’ll be in the mix there with Seth McLaughlin and Michael Niese. The depth chart has Niese ahead of McLaughlin, even though McLaughlin was the one taking first-team reps at Monday’s practice.
Receiver is more settled at the top, but not much beyond that. Amon-Ra St.
Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch are all treated as roster locks, with St. Brown, Williams and TeSlaa listed as the starters.
In 11 personnel, that setup would likely put St. Brown in the slot with Williams and TeSlaa outside.
Dortch is listed behind St. Brown, which fits the expectation that he’ll be used almost exclusively in the slot.
The real fight at receiver appears to be for the final spot or two. Dominic Lovett is listed behind Williams, while Tom Kennedy is the third-string slot option.
Those two are the names to watch for the fifth receiver job, and the team may lean one way or the other based on which player brings more versatility. Cedrick Wilson Jr. backs up TeSlaa and has flashed some strong moments in camp as another big-bodied receiver in the mix.
On defense, the depth chart hints at how Kelvin Sheppard may want to use his group in 2026. Detroit lists two linebackers and a nickel cornerback, which suggests a heavier lean toward nickel than base.
Roger McCreary is currently the top nickel, though his camp has been uneven and he still has work to do to lock down the role. Dan Campbell said Christian Izien would also get work there, and Izien is listed second behind McCreary.
At linebacker, Devin White and Malcolm Rodriguez are the top backups behind Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. White, a former All-Pro, appears to have the edge as the top option in Detroit’s three-linebacker packages.
There have also been some loud performances up front. Ahmed Hassanein and Tyler Lacy have both stood out over the first 10 days of camp, and that has carried over to the depth chart.
Detroit’s defense has traditionally used a big end, and both players fit that mold behind presumed starter D.J. Wonnum opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Lacy is listed second and Hassanein third.
Another name climbing the board is Anthony Lucas. The undrafted free agent is listed ahead of veteran Payton Turner, who has not practiced since the first day. Turner, a former first-round pick whose career has been derailed by injuries, could be in real trouble if he stays sidelined.
In the secondary, Nick Whiteside has gone from possible afterthought to one of the camp’s better stories. He’s now listed as the backup to D.J.
Reed, ahead of Khalil Dorsey and rookie Keith Abney. That’s a meaningful step for Whiteside and a strong sign for his chances to make the roster.
The chart also keeps Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph in the starting spots, even though neither is expected to play in Week 1. Their backups, Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox, are projected to start against the New Orleans Saints.
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