Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart

Quaterback:

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Position Overview:

Following the injury history of Matthew Stafford — which saw him miss 13 games in his first two seasons — the Lions have carried three quarterbacks on the roster since his arrival in 2009. In 2012, Shaun Hill entered his third season as the backup to Stafford. In 2010, when Stafford appeared in only three seasons before a season ending injury, Hill started ten games throwing for 2,686 yards. Last season, Hill appeared in only one game. They signed Kellen Moore, of Boise State University, as an undrafted free agent. He appeared in the preseason but was a healthy scratch throughout the regular season.

1. Matthew Stafford:

The most obvious choice on the roster, Stafford is the face of the Lions organization. While Calvin Johnson set NFL and team records, the Lions stumbled with eight straight losses to close out the season. In that span, he compiled a mediocre 12 touchdowns, 10 interceptions,  2,574 passing yards and a 76.8 passer rating. Although he’s passed for over 10,000 yards the past two seasons, Stafford has to regain his 2011 magic and lead the Lions back to the playoffs.

2. Shaun Hill:

Hill enters his fourth season as the Lions backup quarterback, appearing in just three games the past two seasons due to the health of Stafford. He now enters the final year of his contract, and another healthy year from the teams starting quarterback may allow them to get younger at quarterback in 2014.

2013 Preview:

Hill is undoubtedly one of the top backup quarterbacks in the league. Pairing that with Stafford’s renewned health, the Lions may finally allow themselves an extra spot on the roster. With teams like the Packers, Ravens, Saints and Giants (among others) carrying just two quarterbacks in 2012 — due to stability atop the quarterback depth chart — the Lions may feel this is the year to put all their eggs in Matthew Stafford’s arm.