Colby Sorsdal embracing role as versatile piece for Lions offensive line

A fifth-round pick out of William & Mary last year, and making the transition to guard in the NFL, Colby Sorsdal was a natural project for the Detroit Lions. Injuries pressed him into action for his NFL debut at right tackle in Week 3 last season. He made his first NFL start at right guard in Week 8, with two more starts at left guard (Week 11 and Week 12) and significant action back at right guard in Week 13.

To says Sorsdal struggled as a rookie would be an understatement, based on his Pro Football Focus grades and the eye test. But it's become clear he has a place on the Detroit offensive line, possibly as a future starter. For this year though, his ability to play multiple positions gives him an edge.

Colby Sorsdal embracing important role as versatile piece for Lions' offensive line

Via SI.com, Sorsdal spoke to reporters on Tuesday. He showed up to offseason sporting shorter hair, as a sign of a more business-like approach. He acknowledged he was a "deer in headlights" as a rookie, and he said the difference between this year and last year is "maturity."

"Hank (offensive line coach Hank Fraley) talks all the time about knowing every position on the offensive line,”Sorsdal told reporters at Tuesday's OTA practice. “I think as an offensive lineman, you take pride in knowing every position, right? So, just kind of adding to your resume of being able to play everything and anything when the time comes is huge."

"You saw last year, too. Atlanta, I was playing tackle. That was my first NFL snaps and then guard the rest of the year. Any way that helps the team.”

Fraley also spoke to the media on Tuesday, and talked about Sorsdal.

"He’s taking the right steps,” Fraley said. “He worked on some stuff we talked about in the offseason. We’re challenging him more. We’re going to move him around a little bit more, stuff like that, position flex, because he’s gifted enough to do it. He’s in a lot of good competition with those guys around him.”

The Lions have the best offensive line in the league. Depth behind their five starters is something of an issue though, as it is for every team in the league to some degree. A more experienced Sorsdal, with ability to fill in at three of four positions, will have a lot of value.