Lions training camp preview: What to expect from IOL overhaul

The next installment in our training camp preview series looks at the Detroit Lions’ interior offensive line.

In this installment of our Detroit Lions 2025 training camp preview series, we examine the Lions’ interior offensive line, speculate on current and future roles, and discuss how many players from this group could make the 53-man roster.

Previous training camp previews:

• QB: Can Hendon Hooker stick at QB2?
• RB: Will there be any changes to the room?
• WR: Loaded with depth options and youth
• TE: Who will win the TE3 job?
• OT: All eyes on Giovanni Manu

Setting the table

The Lions entered the 2024 season with as solid an interior offensive line as they’ve had in the past decade. All-Pro Frank Ragnow returned at center, Graham Glasgow was coming off arguably his best season as a professional, and Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler was signed to replace former Pro Bowler Jonah Jackson. Kayode Awosika returned as the top reserve along the interior, while Michael Niese gave the Lions another option at center. There were high hopes for rookie Christian Mahogany, but his season got off to a slow start after contracting mononucleosis and missing the first half of the season. Additionally, rookie Kingsley Eguakun spent the season on the practice squad, and Netane Muti missed the entire season after landing on injured reserve following an injury sustained in training camp.

The Lions entered the offseason with a plan to invest in youth along the interior offensive line, a decision that likely prevented Detroit from getting into a bidding war with Tennessee over Zeitler. Making matters even more complicated, Ragnow’s decision to retire left Detroit with two starting roles to fill for the upcoming season.

But the cupboard is far from bare for the Lions. Glasgow will return for his third consecutive season, and Mahogany showed tremendous promise in his two starts the previous season, suggesting he could be ready for a starting role. Additionally, the Lions returned four players from the last season, acquired three rookies, and added another position-flexible veteran in free agency.

Here’s a look at the additions/returns:

• Tate Ratledge was drafted in the second round
• Miles Frazier was drafted in the fifth round
• Mason Miller was signed as a UDFA
• Kayode Awosika was not tendered with an RFA but was re-signed to a one-year deal
• Michael Niese was given an ERFA designation (one-year deal)
• Netane Muti was re-signed to a one-year contract
• Kingsley Eguakun re-signed on a futures deal
• Trystan Colon signed a one-year deal during OTAs

Roster construction

Under the Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell regime, the Lions have consistently added offensive linemen as the season progresses. While they typically begin each season with eight to 10 offensive linemen, they’ve consistently finished with 10 or 11 on the active roster.

Let’s take a look at what they’ve done on the interior offensive line in the previous four seasons:

• 2021: Opened with five...