It's no surprise at all, but Pro Football Focus has ranked the Detroit Lions offensive line among the best in the NFL again.
You don't have to look very far to find a ranking of NFL offensive lines that lauds the Detroit Lions. And that's been with their projected five starters not playing a single snap together over the last two seasons.
But with three first-round picks (Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell) and left guard Jonah Jackson, who has made a Pro Bowl and looks like a long-term piece, the Lions are top-notch at four of five spots on their offensive line. Right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai is back healthy to try to take back that job, with Graham Glasgow as competition in training camp. Many teams would love to have the Lions' offensive line.
Pro Football Focus ranks Detroit Lions offensive line among the best in the NFL again
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus is out with fresh offensive line rankings heading toward the 2023 season. The Lions come in at No. 5. At this same point last year, they were No. 3 in PFF's ranking.
"5. DETROIT LIONS (UP 3)
Projected Starting Lineup
LT Taylor Decker
LG Jonah Jackson
C Frank Ragnow
RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai
RT Penei Sewell
"
Monson had some notes too.
"Detroit’s interior was a revolving door last season, with several problems along the way. The return from injury of Halapoulivaati Vaitai at guard could be huge, both literally and figuratively. Detroit’s offensive line never ranked outside the top 10 in the rankings last season and should be notably better with a healthy interior."
So it can be argued, with a more stable situation at right guard last year, the Lions would be even higher in this ranking. The Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are ahead of them, with the Green Bay Packers (No. 8) the only other NFC North team higher than No. 15.
In any case, the Lions are lined up to have one of the league's best offensive lines in the NFL again this year. And if anything, they could be higher in this same ranking a year from now if things break right.