Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart

Defensive Tackle:

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Overview:

The lone bright unit on the Lions 2012 defense was the stellar play by Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. Following a season in which they combined for 13.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, the Lions will once again lean on them to dominate the interior of opposing offenses.

Left Defensive Tackle:

1. Ndamukong Suh:

Suh is the Lions leader inside. He struggled in 2011, but he seemed to find his stride down-the-stretch in 2012. As he began to figure the offensive gameplan against him, his overall play began to soar. His area of concern is defending the run. Now entering his fourth season, this should be the season we see him put it all together.

2. Ogemdi Nwagbuo

The fourth defensive tackle spot is up for grabs. Outside of C.J. Mosley, the depth becomes a concern. Jason Jones will see some time moving inside, but don’t be surprised if the Lions look to add a veteran tackle (i.e Corey Williams is still a free agent).

Right Defensive Tackle:

1. Nick Fairley:

Nick Fairley took huge strides towards becoming the player the Lions thought they drafted in 2011. The pairing of Suh and Fairley proved deadly at times throughout the season. Entering his third season, Fairley looks to improve on his 2012 campaign.

2. C.J. Mosley:

Quiet possibly the offseason’s under-the-radar move by the Lions. He brings the size and athleticism to be a major component against the run. With the teams desire to shuffle defensive lineman in and out of the game, look for Mosley to become a key contributor in the rotation.

2013 Preview:

There’s no reason why this postion shouldn’t become the Lions strongest next season. Suh and Fairley have become a dynamic duo when they’re on the same page. The problem is, it didn’t happen enough last season. With the addition of defensive line coach Jim Washburn, he will key on the development of these two playmakers.