Detroit Lions Positional Analysis: How to Improve the Offensive Line
By Eric Ranes
Russell Okung, LT (Seahawks) and Evan Boehm, C (Missouri)
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tackle Russell Okung (76) blocks San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the first quarter at Levi
The Seahawks’ Russell Okung is a balanced left tackle who has garnered just the 26th overall rating among left tackles per PFF this year. Since he’s been drafted, though, Okung has been known to provide good pass protection and above average production in the run game, consistently in the top half of the league across the board. I think Okung will likely get similar money to Cordy Glenn and would be a definitive upgrade in the pass department to Riley Reiff. However, I am not sure he best fits a power scheme to which the Lions are hopefully in the process of transitioning.
Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Evan Boehm (77) celebrates after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 29 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Enter Evan Boehm, center from Missouri, who has allowed zero quarterback hits or sacks in 2014 and is projected to go in rounds 3-5 of the draft per various sources. He would be a solid pairing with Okung and between the two of them the pass protection issues should be resolved. Swanson, if Boehm were drafted, would likely become a premier interior backup. This is a role which Manny Ramirez is currently occupying but I think it is likely he is not re-signed. This pairing would satisfy the team’s desperate thirst for upgrade in pass protection and likely maintain or improve the run game as well.
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