Pride of Detroit
With an unexpected opening at center with the retirement of Frank Ragnow, could Graham Glasgow transition from guard to center?
Last season, the Detroit Lions had one of the best—if not the best—offensive line in the NFL. They got help in free agent guard Kevin Zeitler to help beef up the interior, and guard Graham Glasgow was coming off his best season ever. Center Frank Ragnow was now the top center in the league with the retirement of Jason Kelce, Taylor Decker was holding his own at left tackle, and Penei Sewell continued his argument as the best offensive tackle in the league.
A year later and there are question marks all over the interior. Zeitler left to go play for the Tennessee Titans, and Ragnow announced his retirement, leaving questions not just at guard, but now at center, too. The Lions had Christian Mahogany play in seven regular season games last year, mostly on special teams, but got one start—as well as another start in the Divisional Round—and did well in his limited time with the starters. The Lions also drafted guards Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier in the 2025 NFL Draft to help give them more options on the interior.
The Lions have only a few months left to figure out the interior of the offensive line, and their best option at center could be the most experienced player on the interior in Glasgow. Here is why I think Glasgow might move from guard to center in 2025.
Previous installments: Previous previews: RB Sione Vaki, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta, OT Giovanni Manu, EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Brodric Martin, LB Grant Stuard, CB Ennis Rakestraw, K Jake Bates
Coming off his best season in the league, Glasgow re-signed with the Lions on a three-year $20 million deal. Glasgow had some high expectations to continue his great play and help the offensive line continue to be the best unit on this team. When the Lions signed Zeitler though, there were questions on where he would play: either at left or right guard. Glasgow has experience at both, but has performed better on the right side.
Zeitler had played his entire career at right guard, with only two snaps at left tackle and left guard. With that, it was clear that Glasgow wasn’t going to be the right guard and move back to the left side between his best friends Ragnow and Decker. Despite it being a tough transition for him, the Lions were fine with moving Glasgow over and giving Zeitler his comfortable spot at right guard.
Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated
Regular season — 16 games (16 starts): 36 pressures allowed, 23 hurries allowed, nine QB hits allowed, six penalties, and four sacks allowed.
PFF Offensive Grade: 57.9 (57th out of 83 qualifying guards — minimum 236 snaps)
PFF Run Blocking Grade: 57.8 (59th out of 83)...
