Detroit Lions: First rounder rounding into shape

After a rough start, the Detroit Lions 2018 first round selection, offensive guard Frank Ragnow, is starting to live up to his lofty draft status.

Entering the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions figured to have several different areas along their roster that they could address with their first-round selection. Especially considering the fact Detroit had a brand new chef in the kitchen in first-time head coach Matt Patricia.

Although running back and defensive end were often mocked as the Lions’ potential position of choice with the 20th overall selection, Detroit opted to use the pick to further fortify their offensive line.

The Lions shockingly selected Arkansas center Frank Ragnow, whom most had projected as a Day Two selection. But Ragnow was a late-riser on draft boards and Detroit believed he could be the missing piece to help solidify their offensive line.

Even when you are selected in the first round of the NFL draft, there are very few rookies who are ready to play in the big leagues from day one. For most, it takes time to get acclimated to the NFL game. That was the case for Ragnow in Detroit.

After an impressive offseason performance, the rookie lineman seemed to regress in his first two games as a professional allowing several quarterback pressures. But following that shaky beginning, the first rounder has started to come around.

Here’s what Mark Chichester of Pro Football Focus had to say about Ragnow’s improved performance this season.

"“After allowing a staggering 13 total pressures in his first two games in a Lions uniform, Rangnow [sic] has now allowed just four total pressures over the last five weeks, so the signs are still encouraging for the former Arkansas star.”"

Frank Ragnow has had a bit of a rocky start to his rookie season. But the first rounder is clearly talented and has shown flashes of great potential. You have to believe with more experience, Ragnow will only continue to improve.