Detroit Lions 2015 Draft Options at Offensive Tackle
By Kent Platte
Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Throughout the 2014 season, we often looked ahead at what the Detroit Lions would be likely to address in the 2015 NFL draft. Offensive line was at or near the top in every installment, and continues to be a long term concern for the team moving forward. Any rational mind would note that the biggest issue was in the interior of the line, where recently departed Dominic Raiola, and soon to be joining him Rob Sims caused almost as much havoc in the backfield as those they were blocking.
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The need for an interior OL will likely be addressed either in FA or in the draft, as it is a clear weakness. Plugging Travis Swanson in at center will help mitigate that somewhat, but the Detroit Lions have some options on how to handle the rest of the line. There are two likely scenarios that have gained some interest amongst fans and draftniks alike as possibilities.
The first is the most simple, wherein the Detroit Lions pursue a free agent at offensive guard to take over for (likely gone) Rob Sims. The most likely of those options are big name 49ers guard Mike Iupati and lesser known, but still likely to seek a pay day, Clint Boling out of Cincinnati. The second option is to shift starting left tackle Riley Reiff or starting right tackle LaAdrian Waddle inside to guard. Either of these options could leave the Detroit Lions looking for a offensive tackle in the draft. It is a deep class, so there are plenty of options available.
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