The biggest strength of the Detroit Lions is play of the offensive line. Detroit has one of the best tackle tandems in the league in venerable veteran Taylor Decker and first-team All-Pro Penei Sewell. Center Frank Ragnow is a two-time second-team All-Pro, including in 2023. Guards Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow are both above-average talents when healthy.
It’s been a deliberate process to craft one of the best lines in the league. That line could see some major shakeups this offseason. Both starting guards are unrestricted free agents, as is former starter Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who spent most of 2023 on injured reserve. Ragnow is contemplating retirement from all the injuries over his six years in the NFL. Sewell and Decker are the only two tackles on the roster, period.
Lions GM Brad Holmes knows he’s got to keep the line as a major strength. In his end-of-season press conference, Holmes made it clear that the offensive line will be a major focus this offseason in the draft and free agency.
“I mean, our offensive line, us being able to protect the quarterback and run the football like we do, that’s extremely important,” Holmes said. “And so, that’s definitely going to be one that – that’ll be an area that will not be overlooked. As good as it has been in the past, just those points that you’ve raised, it’s definitely going to be a point of emphasis still.”
The Lions drafted Colby Sorsdal in the fifth round last year, and the William & Mary product saw limited duty at both right tackle and guard. Finding his exact role, whether it’s the third tackle or a potential jump into the starting lineup at guard, is one of the questions Holmes & Co. must decide.
