Former NFL general manager heaps praise on Lions center Frank Ragnow

The literal center of the Detroit Lions offensive line, a former NFL general manager has put some big praise on Frank Ragnow.

The Detroit Lions have invested heavily in their offensive line, including three first-round picks. It has paid off, with a solid running game again this year. Jared Goff has not been sacked in 10 quarters heading into Week 16.

Center Frank Ragnow once played with a fractured throat, so he’s surely not going to let another injury to the same toe that cost him most of last season derail him. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley has said Ragnow is essentially playing on one leg, which makes how well he has played really something.

After their Week 15 win over the New York Jets, and over the last few weeks frankly, praise has come from far and wide for the Lions. Former NFL executive Scott Pioli is an every Tuesday guest on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.” This week he was asked if there was a member of the Lions who deserves a moment the spotlight, and Ragnow was his answer.

Scott Pioli puts big praise on Lions center Frank Ragnow

Quotes via 97.1 The Ticket:

"When you talk about offensive lines, a lot of people like to talk about the tackles,” said Piloi. “And yeah, Taylor Decker’s playing well and yeah, Penei Sewell’s playing well, but to me, the guy that is making the difference for the Detroit Lions and their offensive line is center Frank Ragnow.”"

Pioli added how Ragnow has impacted Jared Goff’s level of play, which in a certain light may be more important than anything.

"When you watch him in games, he is the guy who is ID’ing the defense,” said Pioli, former GM of the Chiefs and director of player personnel for the Patriots over a 27-year front-office career. “And I really believe that his intelligence and his ability to see things and point things out has helped Jared Goff become a better player and become more comfortable.”"

Ragnow is in the mix for a Pro Bowl selection, to be announced Wednesday night as of this writing. But locker room sentiment, as passed along by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, suggests an expectation he will be selected.