Rookie Roles: Detroit Lions fourth-round pick, Logan Stenberg

In the fifth installment of Rookie Roles, we take a look at the Detroit Lions’ fourth-rounder

The Detroit Lions went into the 2020 draft with massive need at guard after losing starter Graham Glasgow to free agency … and not having depth at the position. So they double-dipped at the position with back-to-back picks drafting Jonah Jackson in the third and Logan Stenberg in the fourth.

Stenberg is the topic at hand today, and he is, in my opinion, the hardest player from the draft class to evaluate as his college career was spent in a very run-heavy scheme offense at Kentucky. There were only five teams in college football that passed less than Kentucky. Navy, Army, Air Force, Georgia Southern, and Wyoming.

It was so run-heavy you rarely ever saw him pass-blocking in a deeper conventional quarterback pocket … and when you did it clear he isn’t the most agile on his feet. In a pro-style offense, this could cause him a lot more issues against more athletic pass-rushers in the NFL.

Despite his athletic shortcomings, Stenberg was All-SEC first-team left guard in 2019 and only allowed one quarterback hurry and zero sacks. Logan also got some not so official awards during his senior season at Kentucky.

He was described by many as the SEC’s ‘most disliked player‘. Which I’m sure has a lot to do with both his trash talk and bully-style game. A role Stenberg thrived in at the NCAA level but will be hard to replicate in the NFL, at least at first.

Natural role?

Even with his impressive no sack allowed streak to end his collegiate career, to me, Stenberg projects best as a run-blocking specialist initially with developmental upside. Though Stenberg was a three-year starter at left guard for Kentucky, he played all-along the offensive line.

But again, the NFL has a way of exposing your weaknesses and limiting you to your strengths. Stenberg’s at his best when engaged, close quarters, and being a complete mauler in the run game.

For the most part in the NFL, your pass-blockers protect the quarterbacks blind-side on the left, and your better run-blockers battle on the right side of the line. I believe Stenberg’s role in the NFL is at right guard.

Projected Lions’ role?

Luckily for Stenberg, the Lions have an immediate opening right in his wheelhouse after losing the former starting right guard Glasgow this offseason. The aftermath of the fallout at the position is far from settled either.

With returning starter at left guard Joe Dahl being a proven plus in pass-protection, third-round selection Jonah Jackson projected to be a pass-blocking left guard, and Kenny Wiggins coming back … I don’t see the Lions getting too cute here. Stenberg is a right guard at the next level and for the Lions in 2020.