Detroit Lions draft: Offensive line options beyond the first round
The Detroit Lions were last in rushing in 2017. The draft is near, though. After round one, what tackle or guard can solidify the offensive line? Let’s discuss it.
Detroit Lions fans, the draft is almost upon us. Last week, I urged readers to consider the benefits of drafting a tackle-guard in round one. This week, I wanted to do a follow-up. If the Lions draft a defensive lineman in round one, say Harold Landry(or any non-lineman), what options would Detroit have after? What players, after round one, can change a perennial problem into a strength? We’ll discuss this critical area of the roster.
Historical perspective
Almost as long as I can remember, the Detroit Lions offensive line has been no better than mediocre. Contrary to popular opinion, and some wishful thinking, people often even muse about what Barry Sanders may have done with a “good” o-line. The main problem, he had a pretty good line. Lomas Brown, Eric Andolsek, and Kevin Glover made up the best Lions left side in any modern era. The right side was never bad, just not as good as the Pro-Bowl caliber side, headed by Brown.
In the post-Barry era, names like Jeff Backus and Dominic Raiola, neither of whom were great, headlined the mediocre lines that protected the revolving door at quarterback. It has been a steady stream of not much at running back, not much at quarterback, and the line is maybe okay. Each successive general manager never really fixing the line.
Russ Thomas probably put the best line together back in that ’90’s era. Matt Millen and Martin Mayhew certainly never gave the line much help; they always opted for moves like the big splash of drafting a wide receiver. No wonder they’re gone.
Since Barry
The history speaks for itself. Since Barry Sanders hung up his cleats in 1998, the Lions have largely struggled to threaten opponents with their run game. Here we are, nearly twenty years removed from his retirement and only four times has a Lions runner eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in a season. In fact, ten of the eighteen times it was ever been done by a Lions player, were by Barry.
Fans get frustrated by front office personnel that don’t take the last step to finish the job of making our line solid from left tackle to right. Even if you believe that guys will be healthier, that the depth at most spots is better, you have to see that there are holes. Almost every year we see depth not addressed, starter positions not filled, and those areas usually come back to kick us in the crotch.
Excuse the colorful illustration, please.
A common explanation of the state of the Lions roster goes, “What is the definition of insanity?” Other person, “What?” Lions fan, “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Same old Lions … ” Such is the existence of a Lions fan. Fans watch each regime promise change but deliver mediocrity, or worse. Current general manager, Bob Quinn still has time to deliver.