A post-draft look at Detroit Lions' depth chart and a way-too-early 53-man projection
Allen Park — The Detroit Lions will hit the field for the first time this offseason later this month, presumably with a complete 90-man roster.
With nine undrafted free agents reportedly set to sign with the franchise, the Lions still have five open roster spots. After the draft, general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged the team intended to circle back on some veterans, which could also include some pickups from the UFL spring league.
Regardless, most of the puzzle is in place. And while some bigger names remain on the market, the Lions aren’t likely to add any of the more expensive options, given contract extensions with multiple star players is the team's spending priority.
With what’s in place, let’s explore how the depth chart is shaping up, capped by an admittedly premature 53-man projection.
*— yet-to-sign undrafted free agent
Quarterback
Starter: Jared Goff
Key depth: Teddy Bridgewater
Contending for a roster spot: Luke Altmyer*
Analysis: Goff remains firmly entrenched as Detroit’s starter coming off a third Pro Bowl selection in four years and his second straight campaign with a passer rating north of 100.0.
Bridgewater returns to serve as the backup, on a modest $1.8 million deal that’s mostly guaranteed.
Presumably, the Lions will carry a third QB, likely on the practice squad. Altmyer will get first crack at earning that developmental opportunity. As a fifth-year senior at Illinois last year, he completed 67.4% of his passes with a healthy 22-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.