Should the Detroit Lions draft an offensive lineman in round one?

The biggest problem for the Detroit Lions to fix is the offensive line. What happens if they draft a lineman in the first round? Let’s talk about it!

A big question for the Detroit Lions offseason is, “When do you draft offensive line help?” Perhaps, they will not draft help after a few free agent signings. In this installment we’ll discuss what happens if they draft o-line help in round one.

‘Tis the time of year when grown men wish on shooting stars. They say more prayers than usual. Fans have visions of rookie running backs, tight ends, and shiny, new defensive ends dancing around in their dreams. Ardent fans want Santa Quinn to bring them some new toys that will bring a Lombardi Trophy home to “The D.” This kind of wishful thinking must mean it’s nearing Draft Day.

The situation

No team has been a worse rushing team than the Lions over the last four years. In fact, the Detroit Lions have been the worst rushing team twice, and ranked 30th and 28th (their best showing, in 2014). General manager, Bob Quinn, has tried to remedy the situation using multiple methods.

Quinn drafted players, like left tackle, Taylor Decker, in 2016. Quinn has signed players, including Rick Wagner and T.J. Lang, last off-season. Those two years have been as bad as any before them.

Certainly, injuries have played a role. Decker was hurt before camp last year which seemed to cause a domino effect. Injuries plagued the line all season, forcing the team to use eleven line combinations during the year. Only Graham Glasgow, the center-guard, played in every game.

Detroit traded a late round pick for Greg Robinson, to try to hold them over, during the Decker convalescence. Robinson was routinely abused by opposing defenses, which put quarterback, Matt Stafford, in the cross-hairs of every end on the schedule. Decker came back during mid-season but did not play well. Although, his play was significantly better than the revolving door of other options up front.