Should the Detroit Lions add to one of their few strengths in the draft?

It isn’t glamourous but could pay big dividends

Perhaps the Lions’ biggest strength is their offensive line. Center Frank Ragnow is already among the best in the game. Left tackle Taylor Decker had an outstanding season last year, and second-year guard Jonah Jackson is coming off a terrific rookie campaign.

Now the right side of the line does have question marks, but overall the offensive line is a strength. So what if Brad Holmes decides to select Oregon Tackle Penei Sewell, should he be available, with the seventh overall pick?

That would leave one position on the line that needs to be solidified, but would also create a young, very talented core to help carry the offense.

The possibilities become the opportunity to run the ball at will, sapping opposing defenses of energy and the will to win. The other side of course would be giving Jared Goff time to throw the ball. Given the questions at receiver, more time wouldn’t hurt.

The point is simple; the ability to control the line of scrimmage creates opportunities to control the clock, keep the defense rested and on the bench while Holmes continues to construct one that is capable of creating havoc.

Let’s be honest, drafting an offensive lineman isn’t a glamourous pick, but if you assemble enough good ones, then the ability to be productive on offense increases. Controlling the line of scrimmage, on offense or defense, is how games and championships are won.

Remember back in the 1990s when the Dallas Cowboys had one of the historically dominant offensive lines and they allowed Emmitt Smith to run wild and gave Troy Aikman whatever time he needed to make plays in the passing game?

I’m not saying the Lions O-line would suddenly be that good, but they would be among the best in the league today, and that productivity up front would only help the rest of the offense.

So if the Lions don’t have a quarterback they are sold on available and can’t trade back, should they beef up the offensive line? There are many directions Brad Holmes and Lions can go, but becoming stronger in the trenches would certainly not be the worst move they could make.