Detroit Lions: 5 bold predictions for the 2020 season
By Reuben Gasee
#2 – Offensive lineman makes Pro Bowl
In the offseason, general manager Bob Quinn invested in the offensive line as he selected two offensive linemen in the draft and also signed one via free agency. This was a necessary investment as it is crucial to protect Stafford at all costs in order to win games.
Believe it or not, the Lions may quietly have one of the better offensive lines this season. The offensive line consists of left tackle Taylor Decker, left guard Joe Dahl, center Frank Ragnow, right guard Jonah Jackson and right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
While widely young, this could be a strong unit if all goes well. The right side of the line does have some concern as Vaitai has only started 20 games prior to this season and Jackson is a rookie who’s entering his first year in the league.
The left side of the line though has the potential to be one of the best in the game due to the experience and talent that Decker and Dahl posses.
Snapping the ball to Stafford will be Ragnow who should also be a force on the line. While Vaitai and Jackson are no more than serviceable offensive linemen, Ragnow and Decker have the potential to be more than that.
Last season in 996 snaps played, Ragnow allowed only two sacks while only getting five penalties. Meanwhile, in 1017 snaps played in 2019, Decker allowed seven sacks while getting ten penalties.
The Lions also recently extended Decker to a five year contract worth $85 million with $37.5 million guaranteed. This season, one of Ragnow or Decker will improve on last year’s stats and be selected to their first career Pro Bowl.