Lions Should Claim Bryan Stork
By Jeff Risdon
If you’ve followed me at all this offseason, you know my biggest concern with the Detroit Lions offense is at center. Travis Swanson isn’t good, Graham Glasgow isn’t ready and Gabe Ikard is, well, Gabe Ikard.
I even brought it up in a podcast I did Tuesday night, hoping beyond all hope some short-term solution might fall into Detroit’s lap. Ask and ye shall receive…
Report: Patriots Cutting Center Bryan Stork: In a surprising move, the Patriots will reportedly release center… https://t.co/1rgIrYOtzS
— Boston Daily News (@BostonDailyNews) August 24, 2016
Stork started in New England the last two years after being a fourth-round pick out of Florida State in 2014. He was the starter when New England won the Super Bowl. If he was good enough to protect Tom Brady, Stork is good enough to at least try to protect Matthew Stafford.
Normally I espouse the mantra of “be wary when a good team gives up on a player”. However, desperate times call for desperate measures.
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The biggest advantage Stork would have on Swanson is his ability to interpret the defense and make the proper line adjustments. Like Swanson, he doesn’t anchor well; Stork’s bulk is top-heavy and his strength is in his shoulders and arms, not his legs and hips. Even so, he graded out significantly higher than Swanson at Pro Football Focus.
Why did the Patriots cut him? Here’s one theory…
If we're being honest, Bryan Stork should probably retire judging how serious his concussion problems may be. Lots of apprehension.
— Ethan Hammerman (@Ethanhamm) August 24, 2016
They also have David Andrews, who is healthier and more physical. New England found a promising starting left guard in rookie Joe Thuney and he unexpectedly shook up the O-line depth chart.
I suspect Stork won’t last long enough on the waiver wire to make it to the Lions. The rival Chicago Bears are desperate for center help as well and they are above Detroit on the waiver order. Even so, Bob Quinn needs to at least try to get a player he was strongly involved in drafting in New England.