2. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The aforementioned Powers-Johnson played both guard spots as a freshman at Oregon in 2021, then moved exclusively to right guard in 2022 before moving to center last season. All he did in that lone season at center was win the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best center in the country.
For his career in Eugene, Powers-Johnson allowed zero sacks and just one pressure. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, via Kyle Meinke of MLive, seemed to describe a player the Lions would love.
“It’s hard to find guys that big that can move like that,” Jeremiah said. “You can’t get through him. He just kind of catches guys and absorbs them. In pass pro, he is quick to the second level and good on combo blocks. He has some nasty to him. He is a bulldog.”
In theory, Powers-Johnson could backup all three interior line spots as a rookie and step in wherever a starter might be needed in 2025. That could be center, if not in 2025 then eventually, after however many more years Ragnow plays.
1. Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Frazier started his college career at left guard before moving to center. He is listed as a center as he moves to the next level, but a transition back to guard could be in play depending on the team that drafts him.
Over those three years at center for West Virginia, Frazier finished 17th, seventh and 21st in PFF run blocking grade. He suffered a fractured late in last year's regular season finale, but he finished the drive as the Mountaineers drove for a game-winning touchdown. He is recovered quickly enough to do on-field work at the NFL Combine.
Jeremiah has been on the idea of Frazier as a great fit for the Lions going back to his first mock draft of the year. During a media conference call last week, speaking about Frazier, Powers-Johson and Duke's Graham Barton, the NFL Network analyst doubled-down (via Lions Wire).
"If you asked me who’s the Lion in the group, I would say the third one, Frazier,” Jeremiah said. “The four-time state champ wrestler. A guy who’s got a tenacity and a physicality to and through the whistle. He kind of fits their style, as you know, there. I think he’s worthy of being taken there in the bottom of the first round. I have no problem with that at all.”
Frazier is a definite option for the Lions at No. 29 overall if he's there. If he's not, a trade down out of the first round may come.
Honorable Mentions: Graham Barton, Duke; Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin