We have officially made it to the day the Lions play NFL football against the Cincinnati Bengals. Detroit has released its unofficial depth chart for the game, and there are a few things that caught my attention. After breaking down the offense, let’s dive into the things that stood out to me on defense.
Defensive Line
For the most part, everything is as expected. Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams are starters listed at defensive tackle, with Aidan Hutchinson at right defensive end and D.J. Wonnum currently listed as the starter on the other side.
Surprisingly, it is not Derrick Moore listed behind Wonnum. But Tyler Lacy as Moore is still dealing with a groin injury and will not play in the first preseason game.
The second-round rookie out of Michigan is behind Hutchinson, while undrafted free agent Anthony Lucas has shown promise during training camp and is currently listed behind Hutchinson and Lacy. Seventh-round rookie Tyree West is officially listed as a defensive tackle. West is a versatile player who can play both edge and tackle and is currently listed as the third-string defensive tackle behind Williams and Chris Smith.
Chris Smith is listed as the backup behind Williams. Levi Onwuzurike also appears to have a legitimate shot at making the team. The former second-round pick has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career but finally appears to be healthy and is currently listed as the backup behind McNeill.
Former 2025 sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein is listed as the third-string edge rusher behind Wonnum and Lacy.
Linebackers
If you look closely, you’ll notice that there are only two starting linebackers, Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell. This means the Lions have shifted from a traditional 4-3 defense to a 4-2-5.
A 4-2-5 defense is especially effective against pass-heavy offenses because it allows the defense to keep five defensive backs on the field without sacrificing a four-man pass rush.
Newly signed free agent Devin White is listed behind Campbell, while Malcolm Rodriguez is behind Barnes. I expect both Rodriguez and White to play a good majority of the first quarter, if not all of it.
Secondary
with Detroit rolling out a 4-2-5 defense, this means they will have a true nickel cornerback on the field. Roger McCreary is listed as the starter, with Christian Izien serving as the backup.
Izien can also play safety, but it appears the Lions believe he is better suited to play nickel.
D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin lead the way as the starting cornerbacks. Training camp standout Nick Whiteside is listed behind Reed at cornerback, as he has rapidly climbed the depth chart.
On the opposite side, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is listed as the backup behind Ya-Sin. Rookie Keith Abney is listed as the third-string cornerback and is expected to play a significant amount during the preseason.
When healthy, the Lions’ starting safeties are Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Unfortunately, both remain on the PUP list, meaning Chuck Clark and Avonte Maddox are expected to see the first-team reps in the preseason.
Dan Campbell previously mentioned that he liked how Maddox and Clark have worked together. Former seventh-round pick Dan Jackson is listed as the fourth-string safety, seemingly putting him on the outside looking in for a roster spot.
Meanwhile, Thomas Harper is listed as the third-string safety and could be on the cusp of missing the 53-man roster.
Special Teams
Finally, on special teams, Jake Bates and Jack Fox are listed as the kicker and punter, respectively.
Greg Dortch is listed as the punt returner, while Jacob Saylors is the kick returner. Tom Kennedy is listed as the backup at both returner positions.