Offensive linemen for Holmes and company to watch
Having spent three recent first-round picks on offensive linemen, the Detroit Lions have one of the most exciting groups of young blockers in the NFL. Penei Sewell looks like one of the top tackles in the league through two seasons, while center Frank Ragnow has already been extended after being drafted in 2017.
Despite some of the stability that Lions general manager Brad Holmes has inherited, there are still some concerns up front heading into 2023. Health is a big one, as starting right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai missed the entire 2022 season with a back injury.
One way Holmes can help combat these concerns is by drafting another piece up front. There’s plenty to choose from in the 2023 draft class, which boasts plenty of players with versatility and the ability to play multiple positions.
Here are five players the Lions should evaluate at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine, which runs from Feb. 28-March 6 in Indianapolis, Ind.
O’cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida
Torrence was once a littleknown prospect playing at Louisiana. However, he took advantage of the opportunity to follow coach Billy Napier to Florida, and is now one of the top interior linemen prospects in the draft.
He’s worth a look for the Lions, which have to make a decision about Vaitai’s future at right guard. Torrence would slot in as his replacement, but Detroit would have to select him in the first round in order to secure his services.
The combine should provide clarity, as he’ll compete in onfield drills, as well as show off his athleticism. Holmes and company will likely be keeping tabs on his performance.
Cody Mauch, IOL, North Dakota State
Mauch has the opportunity to be the next small-school lineman taken highly in the draft. Cole Strange was a firstrounder out of Chattanooga last season, and Quinn Meinerz was a Day 2 choice by the Denver Broncos in 2021.
Where Mauch will play at the next level remains to be seen. He was a center at North Dakota State, but analysts project that he’ll move to guard at the professional level.
He’s physical and has the strength to be a solid competitor in the NFL. However, he’ll need to fine tune his technique. Regardless, he’s highly valued, and a good combine
showing will vault him into first-round consideration.
Dawand Jones, T, Ohio State
The Lions are set at
tackle, but Jones could be a good developmental piece to back up the tandem of Sewell and Taylor Decker. His skill set needs some fine-tuning, but Jones has all the size wanted in a tackle prospect.
Standing in at 6-foot-8, Jones projects as a massive presence on the offensive line. There’s more to the picture, though, as he excelled at the Senior Bowl and proved himself among the best this draft class has to offer at his position.
Steve Avila, G, TCU
Avila enters the combine after being a pivotal player in TCU’S magical run to the national championship game. He was a huge part of the line that kept Max Duggan upright, while paving run lanes for the Horned Frogs.
He’s polished enough to start right away, and could be the answer for the Lions if they elect to address defense early in the draft. With three picks on Day 2
of the draft, Detroit could use one on Avila, if it feels the need to go defense earlier in the draft.
Joe Tippman, C, Wisconsin
The Lions are set at the center position with Ragnow, but backup Evan Brown is set to be a free agent. Brown also played some guard, so his departure would mean the Lions need depth at both positions.
Enter Tippman, another collegiate center who may slide to guard at the next level. At 6-foot-6, he uses his length to his advantage, and makes an impact in both the pass and run game.
Tippman is an intriguing developmental piece who could be a valuable depth addition early in his career.