Alim McNeill can be ‘exceptional,’ 1 of 2 rookie starters on Detroit Lions’ 1st depth chart

Two rookies are among the projected starters on the Detroit Lions‘ first depth chart of the summer.

First-round pick Penei Sewell, who has taken every first-team rep at right tackle during training camp, and third-round nose tackle Alim McNeill were listed as starters on the depth chart put together by the Lions’ media relations department ahead of Friday’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills.

McNeill has been one of the most pleasant surprises of camp, playing ahead of John Penisini and showing power, speed and strength.

[ Lions add CB Nickell Robey-Coleman on one-year deal for banged up secondary ]

“He’s better than I thought when we drafted him, to be honest with you,” defensive line coach Todd Wash said Monday. “I think we would all say that. We knew he was a heck of a run defender, he’s stout at the point, but he’s a lot better athlete than he showed on tape, which for us was unbelievable. He’s not just an A gap to A gap player, so if he continues to get better, we got to keep a thumb on him, and I think he can be an exceptional nose guard in this league in time.”

The Lions listed McNeill as a starter in the middle of their 3-4 defensive line, sandwiched between Michael Brockers and Nick Williams. Alex Anzalone and Jamie Collins are the starting inside linebackers, with Romeo Okwara and Trey Flowers at edge linebacker, and Jeff Okudah, Amani Oruwariye, Tracy Walker and Will Harris are starters in the secondary.

TRAINING CAMP OBSERVATIONS: These 2 undrafted CBs are turning heads at training camp

Offensively, D’Andre Swift is listed as the starting running back ahead of Jamaal Williams, and the Lions have two starting tight ends (T.J. Hockenson and Darren Fells) and two starting receivers (Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman).

Rookie draft picks Levi Onwuzurike, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Derrick Barnes and Jermar Johnson are listed as third- or fourth-string.

Here is the Lions’ full two-deep, as listed by the team: