Lions projected depth chart, Part 1 (Offense)

Now that the draft is in the history books and the vast majority of impact free agents are off the board, its time to look at what the Lions have, and perhaps more importantly, what they don't have. This depth chart is in no way official, and may not be accurate as of now much lesswhen the season starts. This is me looking at the roster and putting guys in. Jim Schwartz and staff may have different plans.

Quarterback
Starter: Matthew Stafford
Bench: Shaun Hill

Running back
Starter: Kevin Smith
Second string/change of pace: Jahvid Best
Third string: Maurice Morris

Wide reciever
Starters: Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson
Third/slot WR: Bryant Johnson
Bench: Dennis Northcutt and Derrick Williams

Fullback
Jerome Felton

Tight end
Starter: Brandon Pettigrew
Bench: Tony Scheffler, Will Heller (3 TE sets)

Tackle
LT Starter: Jeff Backus
RT Starter: Gosder Cherilus
Depth: Jon Jansen, Jason Fox, Corey Hilliard

Guard
LG Starter: Rob Sims
RG Starter: Manny Ramirez
Depth: Stephen Peterman, Roy Schuening, Kurt Quarterman

Center
Starter: Dominic Raiola
Bench: Dylan Gandy

Quarterback needs no explanation, Stafford is the guy, Hill the veteran backup with little upside. Whats around Stafford is exciting. This offense showed flashes of brilliance last year, and with everyone growing a year older, and the additions of Burleson and Best, Stafford has toys to play with. The depth of this offense is underrated. They can go three deep at running back, run two-TE sets without sacrificing pass-catchers with Scheffler, and have three wideouts that can stretch the field and catch the ball (And a fourth that can just catch the ball-Northcutt-and a fifth that can just stretch the field-Williams). Northcutt and Williams are expected to play roles on special teams this year more than on the offense, as is fourth RB Aaron Brown, who will once again fight for the priamry kick return job.

The Downfall to this potential-packed offense once again is expected to be offensive line. The chart above is pretty much official, with one exception. Peterman will probably end up starting over Ramirez, but I'd prefer to see the younger guy in there. It is not that any of the players are bad, per se. I'd much rather have the talent on this line than, say, the Redskins or Raiders lines. Those lines suffer from a lack of talent. This one suffers from a lack of discipline and consistency. Stafford had pockets last year at times, and other games he was running for his life. Stafford's winning throw in the Cleveland game was because he had as much time as you can expect in the red zone. He was able to look at two full options and check down to the middle, despite the fact Cleveland sent extra guys. Another year of coaching might be the fix, and the fact that outside of Jason Fox and Rob Sims the team didnt address the line shows they think this is the case.

Overall evaluations
Strengths: Pass catchers
Weaknesses: Offensive line, youth at skill positions