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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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Taylor Decker

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker on the bench against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Taylor Decker, the Lions 1st round pick out of Ohio State, was originally my backup plan for the Lions if Ryan Kelly was unavailable. After the draft unfolded as it did I was disappointed with passing on Kelly for Decker but it may prove to be the much wiser choice with the Lions also grabbing Graham Glasgow in the 3rd round. The more I think about it the more sense the pick made.

The drop off from Kelly to Glasgow is not as high as the drop off from Decker to the 2nd or 3rd tier (depending on where you view Decker) tackles in the draft. Having watched some of his film I’ve been pretty impressed. Some people suggest his pass blocking isn’t as up to par as his run blocking but from what I’ve seen he’s a solid option to do both. I’ve also noticed that he is quick to the 2nd level engaging linebackers and usually being the offensive lineman furthest up the field on the majority of plays.

He’s surprisingly quick and agile and looks like he could be very on screen plays or where he may have to pull to the opposite side. He should be able to help the running backs in both the run and pass game as well as protecting Matthew Stafford at either left or right tackle depending on who between him and Reiff “win” the left tackle spot.

Next: Graham Glasgow

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