The Detroit Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, but the unit has gotten some uniquely lofty props from an NFL.com analyst.
The Detroit Lions had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, top-five in scoring and total yards, top-10 in passing yards and top-12 in rushing. Jared Goff was also sacked just 23 times.
The core of the Lions success offensively is up front. The offensive line has three first-round picks (left tackle Taylor Decker, center Frank Ragnow, right tackle Penei Sewell) as the centerpieces, and it almost doesn’t matter who is playing the guard spots. Left guard Jonah Jackson was a Pro Bowler in 2021, and he may get a nice contract extension in the coming months.
There is no offensive line ranking that won’t logically and realistically have the Lions in the top-five of the league. Where they belong can be discussed, but they’re probably not No. 1.
Detroit Lions offensive line gets very lofty props from Bucky Brooks
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com and NFL Network recently ranked his top-five position groups in the NFL. The Lions offensive line made the list, of course, at No. 4.
"Dan Campbell’s trench warriors can mash and maul defenders at the line of scrimmage in the run game, while also displaying the cohesion and connectivity to handle exotic twists and stunts on passing downs. The O-line’s ability to excel within a balanced offensive approach speaks volumes of the individual and collective talents. The unit’s three best players are a trio of former first-round picks: tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, as well as center Frank Ragnow. Jonah Jackson, a third-round pick in 2020, has become a rock at left guard. The RG spot is a bit of a question mark at the moment — with Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Graham Glasgow the most likely candidates — but Detroit only needs passable play to complement the aforementioned quartet."
Again, Brooks has the Lions’ offensive line No. 4 among all position groups in the league–not just offensive lines. Only the Philadelphia Eagles defensive front, the Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers and the San Francisco 49ers linebackers are higher in his ranking.
Taking off the Honolulu Blue-colored glasses. Do the Lions have the best offensive line in the NFL? I don’t know if I can quite get there, but Brooks has clearly noticed the Lions’ front five.