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Evaluating Quinn’s Offensive Line Rebuild

By Oliver O'Brien

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Taylor Decker (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the number sixteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Taylor Decker (Ohio State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Detroit Lions as the number sixteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Lions struggles in both the run game and pass protection have been well documented for the last number of years. An attempt to rebuild the offensive line through the draft was made by former general manager Martin Mayhew using a pair of 1st round picks on Riley Reiff and Laken Tomlinson as well as two 3rd round picks on Larry Warford and Travis Swanson. Corey Robinson was also drafted in the 7th round.

Reiff is now occupying the left tackle position, Warford and Tomlinson look set to be the starting tandem at guard while Swanson has been the starting centre. Right tackle has been occupied by numerous undrafted free agents and veterans in a carousel, to no avail. Reiff has shown himself an adequate tackle, Warford remains the best offensive lineman in the unit, Tomlinson is looking to build on a solid rookie season but Travis Swanson has not had the best of times. Being plagued by injuries and generally inconsistent performances, his position as a starter is coming under threat.

Enter Bob Quinn. He instantly recognized the problems with both sides of the line and added a number of players in free agency. Not content with the additions made Quinn proceeded to use a 1st, 3rd and 5th round picks on offensive linemen as well as signing two more offensive linemen as undrafted free agents. So, let’s take a look at each of the new youngsters hoping to earn both starting jobs and roster spots.

Next: Taylor Decker

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