What is a depth chart?

A depth chart is a tool used in sports, particularly team sports such as football, basketball, and baseball, to organize and display the order of player positions. Typically, a depth chart lists the starting players and their backup players for each position on the team's roster.

Depth charts are important for coaches, players, and fans alike. Coaches use the depth chart to determine which players to put on the field or court at any given time, as well as to strategize and make substitutions. Players reference the depth chart to understand their role on the team and to track their progress and potential for playing time. Fans use the depth chart to analyze their team's strengths, weaknesses, and overall outlook for the season.

Depth charts can be updated throughout the season to reflect changes in players' performances, injuries, suspensions, or other factors, and they are often subject to intense scrutiny and debate among fans and analysts. In some cases, teams may release multiple versions of a depth chart leading up to a game, appending various notes and annotations to indicate injuries, matchups, or other factors that may influence the lineup.