Detroit Lions: 2018 offensive Training Camp preview
Offensive Line:
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Taylor Decker (starter): 3rd year
Frank Ragnow (starter): Rookie
Graham Glasgow (starter): 3rd year
T.J. Lang (starter): 10th year
Rick Wagner (starter): 6th year
Joe Dahl: 3rd year
Tyrell Crosby: Rookie
Adam Bisnowatty: 2nd year
Wesley Johnson: 5th year
Leo Koloamatangi: 2nd year
Brian Mihalik: 2nd year
John Montelus: Rookie
Beau Nunn: Rookie
Corey Robinson: 2nd year
Dan Skipper: 2nd year
Kenny Wiggins: 6th year
Last but most definitely not least, we make it to the offensive line.
If healthy, the starting five offensive linemen for the Detroit Lions could gel into one of the best units in the NFL. That would be great news for both Matthew Stafford and the stable of Lions running backs!
The injury bug hit the O-line starters pretty hard in 2017 with only Graham Glasgow healthy enough to start in all 16 games. Unfortunately, injuries are commonplace in the NFL so building a talented pool of depth is something that teams all try to accomplish to varying degrees of success.
The Lions have invested quite a bit into their offensive line over the past three years and in addition to having five talented performers up front, they also have some quality talent waiting in the wings such as former starters G Joe Dahl and C Wesley Johnson. In the fifth round of this year’s draft, Detroit nabbed the reigning Pac 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, OT Tyrell Crosby.
Offensive line coach, Jeff Davidson has a wealth of knowledge and experience and he should be able to lead the development of Crosby into a valuable reserve/insurance plan in the event a significant injury occurs to either Decker or Wagner.
If somehow the injury bug rears its ugly head again in 2018, Detroit has contingency plans at guard, center, and tackle already on the roster. Building quality depth is vital and Lions general manager Bob Quinn is proving his worth in that regard.
Next: Was the NFL’s ranking of Matthew Stafford fair?
Talent development and roster evaluations are two calling cards of NFL general managers and head coaches. I am looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds this year for the Detroit Lions.
Next week, I will turn my focus to the defense and break down that side of the ball.