Detroit Lions: Which Defensive Backs Will Make Final Roster?

The Detroit Lions enter the 2012 season with hopes of improving on their 2011 campaign; one that ended with the franchise's first trip to the playoffs since 1999.

That said, no area of the team enters training camp with more uncertainty than the secondary.

Last year, head coach Jim Schwartz had to deal with a lack of depth toward the end of the season. With the departure of Aaron Berry, depth is something that must be addressed, especially with the rest of the NFC North transitioning to more of a finesse, passing-oriented division offensively.

This could require keeping as many as 10 total cornerbacks and safeties on the 53-man roster.

Here are the players I project to comprise the 2012 Detroit Lions secondary depth chart.

Chris Houston, Cornerback

With few offenses lining up with only two wide receivers, you really don't have just two starting corners anymore.

I expect Chris Houston to be one of three corners on the field for Detroit on most downs, hoping to repeat the five-interception campaign he had in 2011.

Amari Spievey, Strong Safety

Spievey will fill the traditional starting strong safety role when the defense calls for it, building on a solid 2011 season where he recorded 70 tackles and three interceptions.

Louis Delmas, Free Safety

Delmas returns to roam center field for the Lions at the free safety position.

After missing five games in 2011, he'll try to regain the solid form he had during his first two seasons in the league.

Jacob Lacey, Cornerback

Newcomer Jacob Lacey makes his way to Detroit from Indianapolis ready to compete for a starting corner position.

In the wake of Aaron Berry's departure, Lacey will provide the secondary with invaluable experience and needed depth.

Dwight Bentley, Cornerback

Rookie Dwight Bentley figures to see a lot of playing time in 2012 at the corner position, if not be a permanent starter.

He'll need to mature fast alongside Lacey and Houston in order to prevent the secondary from being what holds Detroit back this season.

Alphonso Smith, Cornerback

Smith returns for his third season in Detroit in hopes of adding to the eight picks he has logged since his arrival.

He should play more of a supporting role in 2012 but still be very effective in doing so.

Jonte Green, Cornerback

Rookie Jonte Green may one day join Bentley as one of the top two corners on the roster, but for now he'll make his living on special teams, providing needed depth in the process.

Erik Coleman, Free Safety

Coleman's experience and Detroit's depth concerns in 2012 might be what lands him a spot on the roster.

He has taken reps with the first team in training camp early on.

John Wendling, Free Safety

Primarily a special teams player, Wendling provided valuable reps at free safety in 2011 and hopes to do the same during 2012.

Sean Jones, Strong Safety

Veteran Sean Jones will look to be a major contributor at strong safety just as he was in Tampa Bay, possibly winning the role outright over Amari Spievey.