Detroit Lions 2018 Roster Review: Offensive Line
Improving the offensive line was a major focus for the Detroit Lions at this time last season. Did the front office accomplish that goal or did they miss the mark?
The Detroit Lions made some major investments in their offensive line last offseason. The Lions inked two high-priced veterans via free agency to bulk up the right side of their O-Line. Unfortunately, injuries plagued this positional unit all year, never allowing this group to build proper chemistry.
So, how will this unit perform following another offseason training program under their expanding belts? Let’s look at the current roster to try and determine their direction heading into 2018.
Offensive Line
Roster
Taylor Decker, OT
Brian Mihalik, OT
Joe Dahl, G
Graham Glasgow, C
Leo Koloamatangi, C
T.J. Lang, G
Emmett Cleary, G
Ricky Wagner, OT
Corey Robinson, OT
Dan Skipper, OT
Free Agents
Travis Swanson, C
Zac Kerin, G (RFA)
Don Barclay, G
Greg Robinson, OT
Analysis
Last offseason, the Lions’ front office made some major investments into this positional group. Detroit inked veteran free agent T.J. Lang to a three-year, $28.5 million contract in March. Lang started for the Lions at right guard and earned himself his second Pro Bowl bid in as many seasons despite struggling with injuries all year.
The Lions also signed Ricky Wagner to start at right tackle, giving him a five-year, $47.5 million contract to do so.
But what really sunk this positional group was the shoulder injury suffered by 2016 first round selection Taylor Decker. Detroit’s starting left tackle missed the first eight games of last season, giving this unit next to no chance to really succeed. The top priority for this O-Line is to simply stay healthy this offseason and build that much needed chemistry among its starters.
Next: Detroit Lions - Best and Worst of 2017 (part 2)
It’s expected the Detroit Lions will move on from Travis Swanson this offseason and instead move forward with Graham Glasgow as their starting center. This leaves an opening at left guard that Joe Dahl has a chance to fill. Regardless, look for Detroit to add some quality depth via free agency and the draft to this offensive line this offseason.