Our preview series for the 2024 NFL Combine is still going strong as we get closer to the big event, which is slated to air on Thursday, February 29.
The quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive tackles that the Detroit Lions should be studying have all been covered thus far in this series. In this piece, we examine the interior offensive lineman that scouts should be keeping an eye on.
What abilities to look out for in field drills
The ideal offensive linemen for the Lions are big, powerful, athletic, intelligent, and have experience with both zone and gap run-blocking systems.
During drills on the field, pay attention to the following qualities:
- Using their hips for balance
- Bend at the knees, not at the waist ideally
- Skills for lateral movement
- Exercises such as the lateral shuffle and kick slide can reveal areas of stiffness.
- Pull-and-drive exercises can demonstrate an athlete’s physical prowess.
- Reaction time for each exercise
The quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive tackles that the Detroit Lions should be studying have all been covered thus far in this series. In this piece, we examine the interior offensive lineman that scouts should be keeping an eye on.
What abilities to look out for in field drills
The ideal offensive linemen for the Lions are big, powerful, athletic, intelligent, and have experience with both zone and gap run-blocking systems.
During drills on the field, pay attention to the following qualities:
Using their hips for balance
Bend at the knees, not at the waist ideally
Skills for lateral movement
Exercises such as the lateral shuffle and kick slide can reveal areas of stiffness.
Pull-and-drive exercises can demonstrate an athlete’s physical prowess.
Time of reaction Every drill requires the team.
Guards With Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow no longer being restricted free agents (UFAs), Frank Ragnow, an All-Pro center, is the sole interior starter with a contract that is still in place. Another UFA, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, was competing with Glasgow for a starting position when he had a season-ending back injury for the second straight year, possibly raising the possibility of retirement once more. Frequently the next guards up in the rotation, Colby Sorsdal and Kayode Awosika are expected to be back, with Sorsdal starting his second season and Awosika as an exclusive rights free agent. Additionally, Michael Niese, Matt Farniok, and Netane Muti, three members of the practice squad, inked future contracts with the Lions.
It’s unknown what Jackson and Glasgow’s future plans are right now, but even if one of them leaves in free agency, the Lions will still need to spend money on an interior offensive lineman to bolster their strongest lineup. Both Sorsdal and Awosika appear to be capable backups who might push for a more prominent position come 2024.
Players who can play multiple positions will probably receive increased attention from the Lions, especially with left tackle Taylor Decker in a contract year and Ragnow’s persistent toe issue likely to be a career hurdle.
tackles switching to center or guard
Troy Fautanu, LT, (319 pounds, 6 feet 4 inches)
a guard-sized left tackle with above-average agility and athleticism who fights. The Lions want their guards to be as agile as Fautanu, and they ask them to pull, find, and hit defenders of all stripes. Although his strongest position is guard, he can play tackle at a higher level if necessary.
Duke’s Graham Barton, LT 6 ft 5 in, 311 pounds
Although Barton was a left tackle at Duke, he projects inside in the NFL and most draft experts think he has the brains and mobility to end up at center but possibly might play guard. He is a powerful blocker in the run game who employs precise hand placement to
centers having a protective perimeter
Jackson Powers-Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 334-pound Oregonian
Regarding pass protection, he possesses all the necessary abilities to be a first-team member in a scheme such as the Lions’.
Isaiah Adams, Illinois, LG/RT 6 feet 4 inches, 316 pounds
Due to injuries on the line this past season, Adams alternated between guard and right tackle, but his best position is guard at the next level. Although he has a strong build, he has the agility to drag himself to his blocks and unleash his aggression on other players. Regardless of the blocking technique, he appears to be quite comfortable working in space and is among the better movers in this class. Mahogany, Christian, RG, Boston College (6 feet, 2 inches, 318 pounds)
Mahogany, another large, strong guard with expertise in gap-blocking tactics, has the ability to overwhelm opponents in the run game. He tries to bully defenders off their spots and open up channels for runs when he clutches onto them. Although his pass protection game still needs work, he possesses all the tools necessary to start in a scheme like the Lions.
Isaiah Adams, Illinois, LG/RT 6 feet 4 inches, 316 pounds
Due to injuries on the line this past season, Adams alternated between guard and right tackle, but his best position is guard at the next level. Despite having a sturdy build, he has enough athletic ability to lift himself up to his blocks.
