Should the Detroit Lions move Frank Ragnow to center?

First-round picks have high expectations. The Detroit Lions‘ most recent selection has been a disappointment thus far. Is a position change in order?

Coming back down to earth doesn’t take that long, just ask Frank Ragnow. Things haven’t been so easy since he’s joined the Detroit Lions. In a matter of just two weeks, Ragnow has already allowed more pressures than any offensive lineman in the NFL. Pretty bizarre considering his dominance at the University of Arkansas, never yielding a sack at right guard or center.

What’s even odder is the Lions’ decision to make him their left guard. He hasn’t played on the left side of the offensive line since his senior year in high school, and that was at tackle. I understand these linemen are athletes but flipping from one side to the other, changing positions and in some cases, both at the same time, isn’t easy. Some guys make it look easier than others.

Overall, the film doesn’t lie. Ragnow has struggled in his new role. You don’t want to jump to conclusions but I think the Lions made a mistake putting him at left guard. It begs the question, why did they put him there?

In most cases, the left guard position is less daunting than right guard. Detroit also has a Pro Bowler at that spot with T.J. Lang. Although the rookie has played an extensive amount at right guard in college and the veteran has played left guard in previous years, the Lions felt it’d be best to proceed with their lineup the way it is.

Where Ragnow truly shined was at center, but Detroit preferred Graham Glasgow there instead. This is where my head gets thrown for a loop. Why wouldn’t the Lions just start Glasgow at the position he’s most familiar with and let their first-round pick do the same? It makes too much sense.

Beyond that, both players are better fits at the other’s spot. Essentially, they’re flip-flopped. Just by watching the tape and surveying these two hogs during their respective drafts, I can tell you neither is best suited for their current roles.

Starting with Ragnow, his best attribute is his power. He has the anchor necessary as well as the patience and intelligence to operate as the snapper on offense. His major weakness is limited athleticism. He’ll get the job done, but against twitchy defenders, he gets exposed. That evidence has already surfaced, proving that playing center is probably the best fit him.

The opposite can be said for Glasgow. Athletically, he moves well in space and makes some impressive blocks all over the field. Although he’s very strong, sometimes he gets out leveraged because of his height (6-6). Coming out of college, many scouts thought the former University of Michigan lineman was a better fit at guard. Interestingly, he graded out higher there than at center.

Both players should improve as the season wears on but that doesn’t mean I need to like how the Detroit Lions‘ offensive line is constructed. Prove me wrong BQ (Bob Quinn) and company.