The Left Guard Battle No One Is Watching
Training camp is less than two weeks away, and there are still legitimate roster battles that need settling before Week 1. From left guard to cornerback, the Lions have questions. Here’s a projected depth chart heading into camp, and yes, there are a couple calls that might raise eyebrows.
Ben Bartch at Left Guard Makes More Sense Than You Think
I have Ben Bartch listed as the starting left guard. I know what you’re thinking.
Christian Mahogany is the name everyone expects to see there, and maybe I wind up being wrong. That’s fine. But here’s the problem with Mahogany right now: he’s unbalanced. He’s really good at run blocking. He’s not good at pass blocking. He’s letting up too much pressure and too many sacks.
The Lions want to run first and set up the pass that way, sure. But you still have to protect Jared Goff when the pass comes. If Goff can stay unpressured, there’s not a more dangerous quarterback in football. Bartch has looked balanced in his starts at left guard in the NFL. He’s been good in pass protection and good in the run game. He’s a veteran who has played a lot of left guard, and I think he’s the guy fans aren’t paying enough attention to right now.
Miles Frazier Might Be the Lions’ Secret Weapon
You might notice Miles Frazier listed behind Penei Sewell at tackle. That’s not a mistake.
Detroit doesn’t have much tackle depth beyond Larry Borum, who I believe has the swing tackle job locked up at this point. Frazier won’t necessarily play tackle full time, but the Lions drafted him because he can play tackle, both guard spots, and probably even center if they needed him there. He’s like what Evan Brown used to be for the Lions, but better. Brown could handle all the interior spots but couldn’t slide outside. Frazier can do all of it. He still has a chance to win the left guard job, too, but even if he doesn’t, his versatility makes him valuable off the bench.
Jackson Meeks Is About to Confuse the Hell Out of Opposing Defenses
The other move worth discussing is Jackson Meeks lining up at tight end. He’s been playing there during OTAs and minicamp and has put on some weight. I think he’s going to fill that Devin Funchess type of role, where he’s a tight end at times but can also slide out to receiver. That allows the Lions to keep fewer receivers on the 53-man roster.
It might look rough on paper. But the flexibility makes sense for how Detroit wants to build its roster. Meeks is going to be a hybrid player who lines up all over the field.
The Defense Has One Glaring Question Mark
On the defensive side, I still have Jimmy Rolder competing with Jacob Rodriguez at linebacker. Once the pads come on, I think Rolder is going to show he’s ready faster than people expect.
I also have Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both starting Week 1. I know people think that’s crazy. I don’t think Kerby Joseph’s injury is nearly as bad as the internet will tell you it is. As for Branch, Dan Campbell has indicated he has the opportunity to return at training camp. There haven’t been any setbacks. I’m not saying he comes back Day 1, but I think about halfway through camp he should be back on the field getting reps, and I believe he’ll be out there for Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints.
The Cornerback Spot Is the Real Problem
The cornerback spot opposite the other starter is where things get uncertain.
There are cornerbacks on this roster, but I genuinely don’t know who starts in Terrion Arnold’s place. The easy answer would be Rock Ya-Sin, but I think it’s going to be somebody who isn’t on this team right now. Whether that means a trade for someone like Riley Moss or Khristian Fulton from Kansas City, or a free agent signing, I just don’t know yet.
That’s the question that will get answered over the next month and a half as training camp unfolds and the season approaches.
