Detroit Will Feature a Top 10 Offensive Line
There was a lot to like about the Lions’ offensive line heading into the 2018 offseason. Lions general manager Bob Quinn completed the unit with first-round draft pick Frank Ragnow. The rookie out of Arkansas is slated to take over as Detroit’s starting left guard, rounding out a solidified interior OL that includes center Graham Glasgow and two-time Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang. The tackle position remains secure with Taylor Decker and Ricky Wagner returning. The group is also young, boasting an average age of 25.8 years old.
The constant concern along the Lions’ offensive front is its health. Of the four returning starters from 2017, only Glasgow played in all 16 games last season. A torn pectoral sidelined Decker for the first half of the season, but the 24-year-old returned for the final eight games, during which the Lions went 5-3. Wagner missed the final month of the season after suffering an ankle injury. Lang spent his second straight spring recovering for surgery and missed multiple games last year with back and ankle injuries and suffered a concussion. As training camp is underway, Detroit’s line finally seems healthy.
In two offseasons, Detroit has built an offensive line that Pro Football Focus projects as the 8th best in the NFL. With a year in Detroit under their belts, Lang and Wagner anchor the right side of the line. Heading into his third NFL season, Glasgow proved his dependability and versatility in the middle of the offensive line – enough so to move Ragnow from center to left guard in his rookie season. College football’s top-rated center, according to PFF, won’t have a problem sliding over to a position at which he has plenty of experience. Glasgow could easily make the switch if asked, as well, considering his experience at left guard and tackle during his Michigan days. It’s a beautiful thing to have such versatility along your offense line, and Stafford is blessed to have what should be his best OL to date.
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