If the Detroit Lions were looking to snag one of the top remaining centers on Day 3 of the NFL draft, they have to think again.
The Green Bay Packers selected center Jager Burton at 153rd overall, getting him just four spots ahead of the Lions in the 5th round. Detroit could've used a center like Burton to develop within their system, and to backup Cade Mays and Juice Scruggs in 2026.
Burton stood out in pre-draft evaluations thanks to his ridiculous RAS, where he ranked seventh out of a ridiculous 676 center prospects, going all the way back to 1987. While he might not have been the most technically sound center in this year's draft, he was by far one of the most athletic linemen available.
Lions lose out on ideal center thanks to Packers
Detroit found a very cheap option in Mays in free agency, who can immediately start and replace former lineman Graham Glasgow in 2026. Scruggs can also play at center, but he hasn't graded out very well in his short career. It would've been such a find to be able to land someone like Burton in the 5th round.
The Lions' depth chart at center is just Mays, Scruggs, Michael Niese, and Seth McLaughlin. Adding here would be nice, although Detroit has to feel good about Mays' ceiling after watching him become a critical part of the Carolina Panthers' playoff push last year.
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Detroit's drafted extremely well otherwise, managing to snag a likely-starting right tackle in Blake Miller, a potential EDGE2, a tackling specialist in Jimmy Rolder, and an underrated cornerback in Keith Abney II. So, it's tough to complain about losing out on just about anyone.
It just stinks whenever a potentially great Lions fit lands with a rival. Green Bay has some needs at center, with Sean Rhyan dealing with injury woes throughout the 2025 season. So, good for them, we guess.
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