Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions offensive line in a post-Frank Ragnow world has a buffer—at least for the first five weeks of the schedule.
With Frank Ragnow now retired, the Detroit Lions will be breaking in at least two new starters on the interior offensive line — and potentially three at new positions, depending on where Graham Glasgow lands. That’s the new reality for offensive line coach Hank Fraley and assistant Steve Oliver. Fortunately, the Lions have been preparing for this possibility, investing in the offensive line the last few draft cycles.
The tackle spots are set in stone. Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell form one of the league’s best bookends. Decker’s 131 career starts are fifth-most by a Lions offensive lineman in the Super Bowl era. Sewell, meanwhile, already has more first-team All-Pro nods (two) in his first four seasons than any Lions lineman earned in an entire career. While the interior will be unproven, this unit will lean on those franchise pillars early.
The three interior jobs will likely be decided during training camp and early-season action, with Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, Graham Glasgow, and free-agent addition Trystan Colon expected to battle for starting roles. Depth options like Kayode Awosika, Netane Muti, Miles Frazier, Kingsley Eguakun, Michael Niese, and Colby Sorsdal will also push for reps and roster spots. From Week 15 through the Divisional Playoffs, Christian Mahogany was PFF’s second-highest-graded interior offensive lineman—while Graham Glasgow ranked 83rd.
Luckily, Detroit’s new-look interior won’t be thrown straight into the fire right away. The early-season schedule provides a relatively forgiving runway to build cohesion. The Lions will have five weeks to settle in before a more punishing stretch that includes Steve Spagnuolo’s Chiefs, Todd Bowles’ Buccaneers, and Brian Flores’ Vikings—three of the league’s most aggressive blitzing defenses in 2024—all in a three-game span from Weeks 6–9 (with a Week 8 bye).
Below, I’ll break down everything Lions fans need to know about the defenses the Detroit interior will face in those crucial first five games. Statistics listed are from the 2024 regular season.
Week 1: @ Green Bay Packers
Jeff Hafley had a strong debut season as Green Bay’s defensive play-caller, transitioning from his single-high roots at Boston College to a more balanced approach. He brought stability to a unit overloaded with former first-round talent—something Joe Barry never quite managed. The Packers rarely blitz (29th in blitz rate), instead relying on coverage disguise and front-four pressure to create havoc.
Defensive tackle T.J. Slaton’s departure could leave a void in Green Bay’s run defense early on, but Kenny Clark remains a dependable anchor in the...
