Detroit Lions Offensive Line: A Work in Progress After Last Season’s Success
From being recognized as one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last year, the Detroit Lions now face a significant challenge as they head into training camp. With the preseason fast approaching, establishing a solid lineup on the offensive line is a top priority.
Led by tackle Penei Sewell, the Lions will need to adjust after the retirement of center Frank Ragnow. Additionally, the departure of right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency has opened up opportunities for at least two new starters. Graham Glasgow, who started at left guard last season and has experience playing center, along with rookie Tate Ratledge, have been getting snaps at center during the first four days of training camp. Veteran Taylor Decker, who is currently nursing an injury, remains a crucial part of the left tackle position.
Quarterback’s Perspective
“It’s been great,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff stated on Thursday agent.okebet.vip. “Tate has been doing a good job phpslot app. Graham was in there today, and I’ve been comfortable with him for quite some time. Whoever ends up getting the position, I’ll be fine with it.”
After Ratledge took most of the center snaps in the first three days of camp, Glasgow took over the role on Thursday. Ratledge, a second-round pick from Georgia, has only played as a guard during his college career, apart from some practice snaps at center. He’s making the necessary adjustments to both the NFL level and a new position.
“I think it’s just the speed of everything happening,” Ratledge explained. “At guard, you have a slight delay being off the ball, and then you come here and you’re up against faster guys.” He remains flexible regarding his position, emphasizing, “I enjoy football. It doesn’t matter where I am on the field 8k8.login.”
Coaching Insights
Coach Dan Campbell remarked earlier in the week about the offensive line situation, noting, “(Ratledge is) getting it all at once. It’s everything: the mental aspect and the technique. We’re demanding a lot from him. He’s drinking from a fire hose right now, but we saw things in college that made us confident he can play center.”
Currently sidelined due to offseason shoulder surgery, Decker is expected to return following the Hall of Fame game on July 31. He has been present on the sidelines throughout training camp.
“The standard is the standard,” Decker stated jili crazy 777 slot. “We’re expected to be one of the top offensive lines in the league. Despite losing key players, we’ve set high expectations for ourselves, and we must prepare to perform accordingly.”
Pro Bowl right tackle Penei Sewell remains healthy and is participating in practices regularly. Additionally, Christian Mahogany has served as a versatile lineman for the Lions over the past couple of years, playing in seven games last season and starting two, including a playoff match. Kayode Awosika, who started 11 games at guard in 2024, is also vying for a starting position.
How do you think the Lions will adapt to their new offensive line challenges this season? 50 jili.com