Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart

Linebackers:

Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Overview:

The Lions entered 2012 with the linebacking core of Stephon Tulloch, Justin Durant and DeAndre Levy intact. The trio combined for 297 tackles, but combined for just two forced turnovers. Tulloch was out of position on many plays causing missed tackles (His 19 were second worst in the NFL last season), and Durant struggled in zone coverage. With the Lions defensive line failing to perform up to their own expectations, it left this unit to clean up — which they often didn’t.

Weakside Linebacker:

1. DeAndre Levy:

Levy has grown as a linebacker over the years, adapting well to the weakside linbacker position. Levy has become the units top playmaker, forcing seven turnovers in his four years with the team. If the Lions defense is to improve from a lackluster year, Levy will have to lead the charge.

2. Travis Lewis: 

Lewis was grossly underdrafted in 2012, leaving the Lions to scoop him up atop the seventh round. He now will attempt proving the league wrong as he attempts to vie for playing time at the vacated strongside linebacker position.

3. Carmen Messina:

Messina is a high energy player, who will look to make his presence felt on special teams this season. With playing time up for grabs along the linebacking unit, look for him to have a big preseason.

Middle Linebacker:

1. Stephen Tulloch:

Tulloch has taken over the void left by former teammate Kyle Vanden Bosch as the vocal leader of the Lions defense. He has repeatedly challenge his entire unit to rise above their play in 2012. Tulloch will have to lead by example as the Lions look to reshape the defense for 2013.

Strongside Linebacker:

1. Ashlee Palmer:

Following the team moving on from Justin Durant, the Lions re-signed Palmer — after a pro bowl season as a special teams ace — with the intentions of him taking over the strongside linebacker position. With young linebacker’s Whitehead, Lewis, Messina and seventh round pick Brandon Hepburn vying for playing time, Palmer will have to prove himself to the coaching staff as he looks to become a full-time starter in 2013.

2. Tahir Whitehead:

The Lions traded a 2013 fourth round selection to move up and take Whitehead atop the fifth round in 2012. Last season he appeared in seven games, strictly on special teams. This year, however, he will look to increase his playing time as he battles to become the Lions starting outside linebacker.

2013 Preview:

This unit will need to step up next season, as they grossly underperformed last season. The Lions return two-of-three from their linebacking core last season (Tulloch and Levy). With the departure of Justin Durant, this will become one of the top position battles for the team heading into training camp.