Could the Detroit Lions move T.J. Lang to left guard?
Versatility is something every NFL team covets in their players. The Detroit Lions have themselves a versatile guard in T.J. Lang.
As a late injury replacement to the 2018 Pro Bowl, Detroit Lions‘ right guard T.J. Lang was added to the NFC squad. Once he entered the game, the then ninth-year veteran took snaps at left guard.
Lang is no stranger to position changes either. With the Green Bay Packers in 2012, they moved him to right guard after spending his rookie season as a swing tackle and the next two seasons at left guard.
In college, the Eastern Michigan alum started off his career as a defensive lineman before moving to offensive tackle his last three years with the Eagles. That’s a hell of an athlete right there.
Entering year ten, Lang is about to endure more change in the form of a new offensive line scheme. Jeff Davidson has assumed the role as the Lions’ offensive line coach for 2018. He’s bringing along a power blocking scheme.
Right guard is a very important role in the NFL, especially in the power blocking scheme. Lang is capable of handling that position, but left guard might be his best fit.
Sure, Lang will be 31 at the beginning of the 2018 season. Yes, he hasn’t played a full season since 2014. Those points are valid but they aren’t good enough reasons to move someone to what is typically regarded as the easier of the two positions.
In a power scheme, the center typically slides to the left, which leaves the right guard in more one-on-one situations. But, the truth is, both guards should be identical in ability. Whoever needs the most help is where the center goes.
Not every offense has their feature guard lined up on the right side. A great example of this is the Buffalo Bills in Richie Incognito. They love to run to the right, so they frequently pull Incognito to that side.
Many see Notre Dame left guard Quenton Nelson as the best guard and offensive lineman in this years class. Some say the best in years.
Generally the better pass blocker is the left guard and the better run blocker is the right guard. Just like right tackles, left guards are getting more respect. It doesn’t matter what position it is on the offensive line, great players are at all spots.
So why put Lang at left guard? I only see it happening if the Lions draft or sign a right guard, which could very-well be the case.
Detroit played Taylor Decker at left tackle because he was most familiar with that spot coming out of college. If a rookie comes in and played right guard in college, Lang can switch over to left guard to accommodate the rookie. If the Lions sign a free agent, the same is applied.
There are only a few standout left guards in the NFL, but if Lang moved to that spot, he could be the best of the bunch. His ability to play both guard positions well is the reason he should move, not because he still can’t play at a high level on the right side.
If there is someone who has more to offer athletically, can maul people at the line of scrimmage and fits what Davidson wants in a right guard, then move Lang. For now, he is still highly respected and capable of sitting tight right where he is.
Next: Lions 2018 NFL draft: Full 7 round mock
The Detroit Lions have a great deal of flexibility and aren’t limited to who they can sign at guard. Assuming Graham Glasgow is the new center.
T.J. Lang will do good wherever he lines up. I trust this new regime will have the right players in the right spots.