The offensive line is the most intriguing aspect of the Detroit Lions’ offseason plans for 2024. Both starting guards, Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow, are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. Taylor Decker, the left tackle, is entering his contract year, while Penei Sewell is expected to receive a significant extension. Center Frank Ragnow is also in an unusual situation, having battled several ailments to remain a consistent piece in the middle of the line.
With decisions to make at both guard positions, Lions general manager Brad Holmes must decide whether to keep his seasoned players or go elsewhere for solutions. The NFL Draft features a strong crop of interior linemen, and the forthcoming scouting combine allows evaluators to get a thorough look at their athletic ability. The Lions should keep an eye out for these five offensive lineman at the NFL combine, which starts Tuesday. Zach Frazier of West Virginia
Frazier is one of several centers who are expected to be able to play both guard positions. He also has an interesting athletic history, which will appeal to assessors.
He is a punishing blocker, and his physicality can be traced back to his high school wrestling career, where he won three state championships and lost only twice in four years on the mat. Frazier shown the ability to pull from the center position, which will translate to the professional level. He has good feet and strong hands, which enable him to halt down blitzers.
Jackson Powers Johnson, Oregon Powers-Johnson is regarded the top center prospect in the draft, but he is also athletic enough to play guard. He was one of the top performers.
The current Rimington Award winner concluded the 2023 season with an 85.2 run-blocking mark and an 84.3 total offensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He was extremely effective in a high-powered Oregon offense. Powers-Johnson, a unanimous All-American, is capable of imposing his will on both sides of his blocks. In both the run and pass games, he shows an amazing ability to finish blocks and get downfield. Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
McCormick, who plays for FCS South Dakota State, is one of the more appealing small-school talents in this year’s draft. The Jackrabbits, captained by Isaiah Davis, used a run-oriented offense, and McCormick was an important element of their success.
He was a left guard in college and was named a first-team All-American in the FCS. He demonstrated his physicality and used his muscle to move opponents and create running spaces for Davis, who is also expected to be drafted in April. The combine will be a significant opportunity for McCormick to demonstrate that his athleticism is on par with the best at his position. Christian Mahogany, Boston College.
Despite Boston College’s troubles in 2023, the Eagles still had one of the best guard prospects in Mahogany. He finished the season with an 82.2 PFF pass-blocking grade and allowed no sacks.
He’s a physically aggressive player who appears to take joy in overpowering opponents. On tape, he uses his might to physically overwhelm his tasks. He can still improve in some areas, especially his footwork. Mahogany’s ability as a screen player and downfield blocker become clear when one watches him play. How he does in the combine will be very interesting.
Cooper Beebe, Kansas State Beebe was regarded one of the top talents in last year’s draft before returning to school. He had a strong final season with the Wildcats in 2023.
He is also versatile, having started at a variety of positions over his Wildcat career. Beebe spent two games last season playing right tackle before reverting to his preferred left guard position. Beebe concluded the campaign with a 90.4 pass-blocking grade, according to PFF. Despite being an older member of the class, he has the opportunity to advance with a solid performance at the combine.
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