Grading the last five Detroit Lions first-round draft picks
2018: C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas; 20th overall
Using a top-20 pick on an interior offensive lineman, with a new general manager and head coach in place at the time and on the heels of their last season above .500, was certainly pretty boring for the masses in Detroit. But in this case the Lions were well-reasoned to do it, and Ragnow has delivered.
Ragnow started his career at left guard, starting all 16 games there as a rookie with Graham Glasnow holding down the fort at center. He moved to center in his second season, starting 15 games there in 2019.
Ragnow was sidelined after Week 4 last season by turf toe. But he was off to a great start after earning Pro Bowl and second-team All Pro selections in 2020. By all accounts he is completely healthy now, and he was almost completely healthy as he started running right after last season ended.
The Lions are lined up to have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, next season and possibly for quite awhile. Still only set to turn 26 on May 17, Ragnow is the literal centerpiece of the unit.