Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart

Offensive Tackle:

Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Overview:

Heading into the 2012 season, the Lions kept their entire offensive line intact. Jeff Backus anchored the left side for 186 consecutive starts, before sitting out in week 5 due to a hamstring injury. Gosder Cherilus started on the right side, with Riley Reiff, Jason Fox, and Corey Hilliard all on the opening roster.

Left Tackle:

1. Riley Reiff:

The apparent heir to Backus on the left side, the Lions made it quiet obvious their plans for Reiff following the draft. He took over for Backus in week five and showed he could handle the blindside. Now with more on the line, he will look to prove the organization right by selecting him in the first round.

2. Free Agent

Although I won’t be projecting free agent signings into this column, it’s quiet obvious the Lions will bring someone in to complete the 53-man roster. Last year — with both tackle spots firmly intact — the Lions carried five offensive tackles out of the nine offensive lineman on the roster. Now, with youth and inexperience at both tackle positions, the Lions will certainly look to add a veteran heading into training camp.

Right Tackle:

1. Corey Hilliard:

This will be the position battle to watch as training camp wears on. Both Jason Fox and Hilliard have the tools to start on the right side for the Lions next season. The key in this battle will be health. Both players have battled to stay on the field, and this season that will be of utmost importance.

2. Jason Fox:

Due to the inability to stay on the field, Fox hasn’t seen the field as much as he would have liked. Now with the opportunity to see the field, this position battle should be fierce down the stretch.

2013 Preview:

Behind Fox, Hilliard and Reiff are two undrafted free agents — Austin Holtz and LaAdrian Waddle. That’s a scary proposition for a team that already features youth and inexperience at both tackle spots. Following their acquisitions of veteran interior offensive lineman Jake Scott and Leroy Harris, the Lions must add experience to the tackle position as training camp nears.