SideLion Report
FanSided

Is Bob Quinn’s plan for the Detroit Lions working? Comparing 2015 to 2019

By Michael Kirkland

ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - FEBRUARY 07: General Manager Bob Quinn of the Detroit Lions speaks at a press conference after introducing Matt Patricia as the Lions new head coach at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
Ragnow Detroit Lions center
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions Offensive line

Then:

Riley Reiff was our starting left tackle and he was a former first-round pick. Laken Tomlinson, a guard drafted in the first round, and Larry Warford, drafted in the third round, were our starting guards. Travis Swanson was the starting center, originally a third-round pick out of Arkansas.

The right tackle spot was manned by a committee of players including La’Adrian Waddle, Michael Ola, and Cornelius Lucas. Thanks to the Football Database for the reminder.

Now:

The Detroit Lions spent another first-round pick in 2016 to select Taylor Decker to replace Riley Reiff at left tackle. Quinn spent a third on Graham Glasgow, who has been used at both guard and center. He replaced Warford, while Swanson hung on at center for another year.

Frank Ragnow was another first-rounder from Arkansas at the center position from the 2018 class, while Ricky Wagner has been at right tackle in Detroit since being signed as a free agent in 2016.

Guard Joe Dahl was a fifth-round selection in 2016 and he, Glasgow, and free agent Kenny Wiggins have all split time at guard. Reserve tackle and fifth-round prospect, Tyrell Crosby, is inconsistent, although he played well in Rick Wagner’s stead when called upon.

Verdict: Better but not great

While Decker to Reiff isn’t an upgrade, the rest of the positions are better comparatively. The 2015-2016 line was bad and didn’t play every game, either; the dual-threat of crappy line play.

So, the restart was mostly necessary, except at tackle where Reiff has been better and healthier than Decker even if not by huge amounts. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has still continued to be pressured and hit more than average but this season has seen the pass blocking rank twentieth in sacks given up with one less game than many teams, stats from the NFL’s website.

It’s important to note that the Lions have used a ton of draft capital to rebuild a line that is pretty average in talent. Quinn spent top-dollar, free agent money for Wagner, too. The modest depth and starters are better but they still struggle to run the ball and allow too many pressures against good pass-rushing teams.

The unit just has no exceptional talent, except for possibly Frank Ragnow who is in his second year and is back at the center position where he has looked very good. Decker and Glasgow have not had their contracts extended, however, Decker has an option year if the Lions want him back next year at a slightly below market value price.

Home/Lions News