Will Detroit address long-term O-line needs?
Over the next several days, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Offensive linemen.
• Current roster: Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Graham Glasgow, Kevin Zeitler, Frank Ragnow, Colby Sorsdal, Kayode Awosika, Dan Skipper, Netane Muti, Matt Farniok, Connor Galvin, Michael Niese
• Short-term need: Two out of 10
• Long-term need: Eight out of 10
• Top prospects: Joe Alt, Taliese Fuaga, JC Latham, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Troy Fautanu, Jackson
Powers-Johnson
• Day 2 options: Christian Haynes, Cooper Beebe, Christian Mahogany, Zach Frazier, Kingsley Suamataia, Kiran Amegadjie, Blake Fisher
• Late-round considerations: Zak Zinter, Matt Goncalves, Javon Foster, Christian Jones
Analysis: Even with a seemingly unending string of injury woes, the offensive line has been the strength of the Lions’ roster the past few seasons. And there’s no reason to think that changes in 2024.
Despite losing longtime left guard Jonah Jackson in free agency, general manager Brad Holmes moved quickly to plug the hole, signing Zeitler, a former first-round pick and 2023 Pro Bowler. He’ll play right guard, where he’s spent his entire 12-year career. That means Glasgow will be shifting back to the left side.
It also means the Lions will have three Pro Bowlers lining up side by side, from Ragnow to Sewell. So while losing the 27-year-old Jackson is a blow in the long term, it’s understandable why coach Dan Campbell boldly suggested the unit might be better in 2024.
Even Detroit’s depth is decent. With Ragnow’s chronic foot issues, Glasgow gives the team high-end insurance at center, while the guards are backstopped by Awosika and Sorsdal, the still-developing fifth-round draft pick from a year ago. Muti, a mauler who has battled injuries since college, could also push for a roster spot if his health holds up through the offseason program.
The tackle depth is slightly