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Detroit Lions Preseason Week 1 Defensive Depth Chart

Reviewing potential Detroit Lions Week 1 preseason defensive depth chart.

John Maakaron

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The Detroit Lions revamped defense is expected to take the next step in their ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the run and force turnovers. 

With added talent, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will have an opportunity to finally showcase what his defensive principles are all about. 

With added depth, especially along the defensive line, the three preseason games will allow supporters to observe how players like Josh Paschal, James Houston and Levi Onwuzurike are developing in Detroit's system.  

Alim McNeill has also taken strides forward throughout training camp, as he has put in the work in the offseason to "get off" the ball faster at the line of scrimmage. 

"That's really the main thing that I kind of noticed myself," McNeill told reporters. "I just, that's the one thing I can really feel kind of, I'm getting off the ball a lot faster. Being able to make it hard, make them make decisions and stuff like that. So yeah, I definitely feel like my get off (is improved). 

In the second half of the 2022 NFL season, Detroit's defense did improve as well, as they limited opponents to approximately 20 points per game down the stretch, giving the team several opportunities to earn extra offensive possessions. 

Here is a look at how the defensive depth chart could look, heading into Week 1 of the preseason against the New York Giants at Ford Field. 

Additional reading: Lions Preseason Week 1 Offensive Depth Chart

Defensive line

EDGE

  • Aidan Hutchinson 
  • Charles Harris 
  • Josh Paschal
  • John Cominsky 
  • James Houston 
  • Romeo Okwara 
  • Julian Okwara 

Linebackers

Cornerback

  • Cameron Sutton 
  • Jerry Jacobs 
  • Starling Thomas V
  • Steven Gilmore
  • Khalil Dorsey 
  • Tae Hayes 
  • Emmanuel Moseley (PUP)

Safety

  • Kerby Joseph 
  • Tracy Walker 
  • Ifeatu Melifonwu 
  • Saivion Smith 
  • Brady Breeze
  • Brandon Joseph

Nickel/Slot

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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