Detroit Lions rookie living up to the draft hype

The Detroit Lions made a surprising move in the 2018 NFL Draft. But it was a calculated risk that now appears to be paying off with instant dividends.

The Detroit Lions were expected to address their running game woes early in the 2018 NFL Draft. Many experts speculated that a top-tier running back would be the Lions selection in the first round at 20th overall.

Instead, the Lions surprised everyone by selecting a late riser in Arkansas center Frank Ragnow with their top pick. After using a first round pick in 2016 to select left tackle Taylor Decker and spending significant monies to signed veteran free agents in right guard T.J. Lang and right tackle Ricky Wagner last year, general manager Bob Quinn wasn’t expected to address the offensive line this high yet again.

Detroit would trade up in the second round to find their future at running back in Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson. But it was the selection of Ragnow that stole the headlines in the Motor City. Projected to be a possible the third round pick, some wondered if the Lions had reached for the rookie offensive lineman.

But through training camp and three preseason games, Ragnow has looked every bit a first rounder. And according to Detroit Free Press writer Dave Birkett, he might end up being the best selection in the Bob Quinn era.

"“Ragnow’s selection came as a surprise to many on draft day, and while the initial frustration was understandable — the defense’s lack of playmakers has only become more glaring this preseason — no one should underestimate the pick now. Ragnow looks like he’ll be a special player in time, perhaps the best of Quinn’s first-rounders.”"

The knock on Ragnow coming out of Arkansas included critiques of his technique and some balance issues. But it was an ankle injury that he suffered halfway through his senior season that really sank his initial draft stock. Ragnow’s name started skyrocketing up draft boards as the annual selection event approach. And when Detroit called his name 20th overall, it proved just how high his hype across the league had become, as it was rumored that the Cincinnati Bengals were also intersted in taking Ragnow just one pick later.

Frank Ragnow has been earning rave reviews this offseason, improving throughout training camp and into the preseason. In fact, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday night, Ragnow showed just how good he already is by switching to right tackle and standing toe-to-toe with six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. It looks like the Lions found themselves yet another quality first rounder.