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Detroit Lions: How many current Wolverines could play for the Leos?

By Michael Kirkland

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Bredeson celebrates a win
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions offensive line

Looking at the Michigan line, quite a few are probably going to play on Sundays. Ben Bredeson, who we pegged as a 2nd-3rd Round pick at guard, is the most talented at his position (6-4, 320, 5.28). However, upperclassmen John Runyan, Juwan Bushell-Beatty, both college tackles will assuredly get a chance in the NFL, Runyan (6-4, 310, 5.21) perhaps at guard.

JBB (6-5, 315, 5.33) is ranked as the 22nd tackle (NFLDraftScout) in this year’s class; if that is the opinion of the 32 NFL teams, he is a fringe draftee or high priority free agent while Runyan is ranked 11th at guard.

The average number of tackles drafted each year is 20, 17 for the guards, and just 6 centers per year. Those numbers do not count the number of undrafted or free agent players who will also be invited to camp by NFL teams (45, 42, and 22 more, respectively).

The odds are then, that perhaps Runyan would stick as a guard, while Bushell-Beatty may not.

Cesar Ruiz, the Michigan center and 2021 prospect (6-3, 319) may be even higher rated than Bredeson once he is eligible but for right now, he is a true sophomore; NFL Draft Scout has him at #3. Junior guard, Mike Onwenu (6-2, 350, 5.48) is stout but might need to get quicker to pursue an NFL career. Onwenu is ranked high enough (13th) to be a borderline draftee regardless, according to NFL Draft Scout.

Again, Ruiz is likely to be a high pick at center and would likely be a future starter for the Lions, while Onwenu might make it as a backup or would get cut.

The Lions really need help at tackle and guard. Rick Wagner, the right tackle is going to be making $12 million dollars for his services after this year according to Spotrac. TJ Lang, the right guard, is an injury liability (and was just placed on injured reserve) and has had multiple concussions that have nearly forced him into retirement; he, too, is due for a big payday $11.67 million for 2019.

Beyond that, the Lions lack quality depth behind their starters. The Lions have allowed 16 sacks in the last two games, so it’s safe to assume that several of the Wolverines would help.

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