The Detroit Lions have fielded one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for the last few seasons. Yet there are some questions about the unit going forward after losing Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow to retirement and standout veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler to free agency.
The changes keep the Lions from being ranked atop preseason offensive line projections entering 2025, a departure from being either No. 1 or No. 2 on most lists entering the last couple of seasons. However, one recent ranking still sees the Lions line as very worthy of respect and a top-five ranking. Fantasy Points analyst Scott DiBenedetto, who was an NFL scout for 10 years, slots Detroit’s line at No. 5 even after the losses.
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After noting Detroit was No. 1 last year, DiBenedetto breaks it down thusly,
A disappointing finish to the season took away some of the glory this unit deserved. With some significant changes in the interior, things will likely be different for Detroit’s offensive line this season, but this is still one of the league’s strongest units.
The tackle combination of Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker is second in his rankings, behind the Eagles. Detroit’s coaching, led by OL coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley, and the combination of vets and promising youngsters–notably projected starting left guard Christian Mahogany–keep the Lions very high in the rankings even with the roster attrition.
Editor’s note: DiBenedetto also works for Draft Wire, our brother site
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions new-look OL still ranked in the top 5 by longtime NFL scout