4 2024 draft prospects Lions could tab as potential successor to Frank Ragnow

If the Detroit Lions are thinking about their succession plan for center Frank Ragnow, these four draft prospects make sense.

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NFC Wild Card Playoffs - Los Angeles Rams v | Ryan Kang/GettyImages
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4. Beaux Limmer, Arkansas

Limmer started 23 games at right guard over the 2021 and 2022 seasons at Arkansas, before playing center in Arkansas' bowl game to end the 2022 season. That set the stage for his switch to center last season, where he started 11 games at (one start at left guard).

Limmer did 39 bench press reps at the combine, so he has plenty of sheer strength and he gets high marks for his agility, technical skill and football IQ. He could stand to add some weight (302 pounds), and he had struggles in pass protection. But his 77.6 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus was ninth-best among college centers last season.

Limmer is a projected fourth or fifth-round pick, and he could serve as a capable backup to all three interior line spots while waiting to possible succeed Ragnow at center in a couple years.

3. Dylan McMahon, N.C. State

McMahon played both guard spots and center at a solid level over the course of his career at N.C. State, but he easily projects as a center in the NFL. At the NFL Combine he posted a top-notch 9.81Relative Athletic Score (33-inch vertical, 9-foot-7-inch broad jump, 7.26 short shuttle). He gets high marks for his football IQ and playing technique, but his weaknesses (size, arm length) are what will make him a Day 3 pick. That may also make him a more ideal fit for the Lions.

As the Lions eye that succession plan for Ragnow, it would not be shocking if they have McMahon higher on their draft board than the consensus suggests.

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