Tag: Detroit Lions offensive line

Lions rank high in Pro Football Network’s offensive line rankings

Lions rank high in Pro Football Network’s offensive line rankings

It’s no secret at this point that the Detroit Lions sported one of the best offensive lines in the NFL during the 2024 season. Right tackle Penei Sewell was originally selected to go to the Pro Bowl, left tackle Taylor Decker is replacing Sewell due to injury and center Frank Ragnow is also heading to Orlando.

Overall, the Lions were strong up front, and that fact is supported by the offensive line rankings provided by Pro Football Network. The Lions checked in at No. 6 on the board.

PFN’s metrics “combines pressure and sack rate stats with time-to-throw data to build a profile of an offensive line’s performance in various situations. We then sprinkle in ESPN’s pass block (PBWR) and run block win rate (RBWR) stats to give a comprehensive overview of these units’ performance.” PFN also took into account season-long performance, data over the last four weeks and general trends from each unit week by week.

In grading the Lions, PFN gave Detroit an overall score of 85.6 for the regular season and 82.7 between the regular season and the playoffs.

After a wobble in the middle of the season, the Detroit Lions’ offensive line has finished the season strongly, ranking sixth after clinching the division in Week 18. They are fourth over the last four weeks, and that includes a D- performance against the Bills in Week 15. Finishing with a B- against a very good Minnesota Vikings defense is also a huge credit to this group.

The Lions rank 12th and 16th in PBWR and RBWR, respectively, and are 11th in pressure rate (32.6%). Yet, they’re second in RBYBC/rush (1.08). Detroit’s pass-blocking numbers are helped by the fact that Jared Goff is in the top 10 in time to throw (2.71).

Where the Lions’ pass blocking has excelled is against the blitz. Goff is 10th in the NFL in time to throw against the blitz, but the line ranks seventh in pressure rate (37.1%) and fifth in sack rate (5.2%). Intriguingly, they actually have negative splits when not facing the blitz, ranking ninth in time to throw and 12th and 13th in pressure rate and sack rate, respectively.

Detroit’s worry is that its struggles have come against other playoff teams. They graded as a C against the Buccaneers, a C- against the Vikings, a C+ and a D+ against the Green Bay Packers, a C against the Houston Texans, and a D- against the Bills.

When the competition ramps up, Detroit’s line has tended to struggle, but finishing well against the Vikings will have helped alleviate some of those concerns.

We saw those concerns against better teams come to a head in the Divisional Round. The Lions finished the week graded as a C+, thanks in large part to allowing a high-pressure rate both against the blitz and against three- or four-man rushes. They allowed a 66.7% pressure rate against the blitz (16th) and a 43.2% pressure rate when the Commanders did not blitz.

You can certainly point to those issues with pass blocking regarding some of Goff’s struggles against the Commanders. All season, Goff has been superb from a clean pocket but struggled under pressure. That showed up in a three-interception performance for the veteran quarterback.

Most of the line still stay intact in 2025 but left guard Kevin Zeitler is a free agent this spring. Detroit may also look to upgrade at right guard after Graham Glasgow struggled overall this season. But overall, the Lions should feel about those protecting Jared Goff and opening holes for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Lions offensive line has 3 of the best linemen at not losing on plays

The Lions offensive line has 3 of the best linemen at not losing on plays, including the best center and tackle in blown block/pressure rate

By this point of the season, it’s well established that the Detroit Lions have one of the best overall offensive lines in the NFL. Many analysts and analytics label the Lions line as No. 1 in the league.

One of the reasons why is the consistency of performance. Every lineman is going to have a bad play here or there, but the Lions are very good at having a lot fewer than normal. Three Detroit linemen in particular rank in the top eight in the entire league in blown block rate.

Center Frank Ragnow checks in at No. 2 in the rate of fewest blown blocks and pressures allowed, as determined by FTN Advanced NFL Stats data. Only perennial Pro Bowler, guard Brandon Scherff of the Jaguars (and formerly the Commanders) tops Ragnow’s 1.19 percent combined metric.

That rate is the best among centers, with Ragnow tied with Steelers rookie Zach Frazier. Ragnow has one blown block and eight pressures allowed in 758 snaps.

Lions right tackle Penei Sewell has the top blown/pressure blocking rate amongst all tackles at 1.54 percent. Sewell is the only tackle in the top 20 listings. He’s No. 7 overall, one spot ahead of Lions teammate Kevin Zeitler, who plays to Sewell’s inside shoulder at right guard.

These metrics are all subjectively determined, so the actual figures aren’t as important as the place in the overall pantheon of blocking. And the Lions have three of the eight most consistent at getting their job done, including the best center and tackle in the league.

Lions sign offensive lineman Ike Boettger

Lions sign offensive lineman Ike Boettger a day before veterans report to Detroit training camp

With training camp on the horizon for teams across the NFL, the Detroit Lions continue to find ways to bolster their offensive line. As we saw in free agency and the draft, they added players such as Giovanni Manu, Christian Mahogany and Kevin Zeitler to their offensive line.

Today, it was announced that the Lions have also signed offensive lineman Ike Boettger to a contract.

It’s unclear if Boettger is signing a one-year contract or a longer term deal. However, this deal becomes official hours after the Lions announced that Giovanni Manu was placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list. While there’s no reason announced by the Lions, Manu had been a full participant in all mini-camp and OTA’s earlier this off-season.

For Boettger, he joins the Lions for his 7th season in the NFL. Previously, he had stints between the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts. He’s only played in 36 games in his career with 17 total career starts. Those 17 starts happened in Buffalo between the 2020 and 2021 season. He was undrafted out of Iowa in 2018 and had signed with the Bills.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Boettger had 636 offensive snaps played in 2021 and he allowed one sack while earning a 59.8 overall grade. In 2020, he didn’t allow a sack while playing 623 offensive snaps. This was good enough to earn a 65.3 overall grade.

Last season he only played 8 snaps on special teams for the Colts. He didn’t take a snap on offense. It’ll be interesting if Boettger can make the 53-man roster for the Lions. Either way, he’s a veteran player as the Lions prepare to start training camp on Tuesday.

Video: Breaking down the Lions offensive line depth chart ahead of training camp

Video: Breaking down the Lions offensive line depth chart and potential ahead of training camp

The latest in the series of Detroit Lions positional breakdowns is now available to watch and stream. Recorded via the Detroit Lions Podcast, this edition goes over the offensive line room as it stands heading into training camp.

From the excellent starting five, which many feel is the best in the league, through the veteran depth and the rookies, this one covers coach Hank Fraley’s unit. What is in line for rookies Christian Mahogany and Giovanni Manu? Can a newcomer like Netane Muti seize a reserve spot over a holdover like Kayode Awosika? What’s the backup plan behind All-Pro center Frank Ragnow?

All that and more in this video, which I recorded during the week.

An audio-only version of the show is available from your favorite podcast provider.

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Lions earn the NFL’s top OL rating in aggregate rankings

Lions earn the NFL’s top OL rating in aggregate rankings heading into the 2024 season

There is no doubt about the ability of the Detroit Lions offensive line. It’s been a focal point for the team’s surge upward in the standings. The investment in the trenches has really paid off for Detroit.

But are they the best O-line in the league, even after losing Pro Bowl left guard Jonah Jackson to free agency?

Based on a combined aggregate ranking recently compiled, the answer is yes. Adding vet Kevin Zeitler and snagging sixth-round draft steal Christian Mahogany for upgraded depth posits the Lions on top of the OL heap.

Texans Wire editor Cole Thompson compiled the rankings by combining several different offseason offensive line ratings,

To arrive at our composite, we made an average of the most recent offensive line rankings at Footballguys, FTN Fantasy and Pro Football Network.

In doing so, the Lions came out on top. Detroit finished ahead of the Falcons, Eagles, Browns and Chiefs in the top five. Note that four of those teams were in the postseason after 2023.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Washington Commanders bring up the rear. New Orleans, Tennessee, Arizona and New England round out the bottom five. None of those teams finished 2023 with a winning record.

Video: Breaking down the Lions’ top 5 offseason needs with Ourlads Scouting

Video: Breaking down the Lions’ top 5 offseason needs with Ourlads Scouting

What are the biggest needs for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2024 offseason?

With the NFL’s free agency about to hit and the NFL Scouting Combine on tap for next week, there’s going to be a lot of attention on what the Lions need to fill out their roster. What will help Detroit remain as legitimate Super Bowl contenders and even augment their chances to bring home the team’s first title since 1957?

In this video, in conjunction with OurLads Scouting, I went through the top five Lion’s needs entering the offseason. The biggest need is self-obvious, but beyond that, there is some flexibility in the need flow chart.

Thanks to Greg DePalma and Ourlads Scouting for the fun, informative video and the invite to join them to break it all down.

Offensive line ‘will not be overlooked’ by GM Brad Holmes this offseason

With both starting guards hitting free agency, Frank Ragnow pondering retirement, and only two tackles total on the roster, OL needs to be a big offseason focus

The biggest strength of the Detroit Lions is play of the offensive line. Detroit has one of the best tackle tandems in the league in venerable veteran Taylor Decker and first-team All-Pro Penei Sewell. Center Frank Ragnow is a two-time second-team All-Pro, including in 2023. Guards Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow are both above-average talents when healthy.

It’s been a deliberate process to craft one of the best lines in the league. That line could see some major shakeups this offseason. Both starting guards are unrestricted free agents, as is former starter Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who spent most of 2023 on injured reserve. Ragnow is contemplating retirement from all the injuries over his six years in the NFL. Sewell and Decker are the only two tackles on the roster, period.

Lions GM Brad Holmes knows he’s got to keep the line as a major strength. In his end-of-season press conference, Holmes made it clear that the offensive line will be a major focus this offseason in the draft and free agency.

“I mean, our offensive line, us being able to protect the quarterback and run the football like we do, that’s extremely important,” Holmes said. “And so, that’s definitely going to be one that – that’ll be an area that will not be overlooked. As good as it has been in the past, just those points that you’ve raised, it’s definitely going to be a point of emphasis still.”

The Lions drafted Colby Sorsdal in the fifth round last year, and the William & Mary product saw limited duty at both right tackle and guard. Finding his exact role, whether it’s the third tackle or a potential jump into the starting lineup at guard, is one of the questions Holmes & Co. must decide.

 

Ranking the Lions offseason needs for 2024

Here’s an early look at the Lions’ biggest needs in free agency and the 2024 NFL draft.

It’s officially the offseason for the Detroit Lions after the disspiriting loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. The offseason focus is on how to take the next step to potentially host that NFC title game after the 2024 season and win it, too.

The Lions will look different in 2024. All teams suffer some roster turnover, and the Lions are no different. Detroit has 19 unrestricted free agents who are coming off the roster, as well as some who are under contract but might not make the cut into the next year, for either performance or salary purposes.

What do the Lions need to make that next step? Here’s an early look at the biggest needs in free agency and the 2024 NFL draft.

 

Lions film review: Offensive line gives this team an identity when healthy

Lions film review: Offensive line gives this team an identity when healthy, from Russell Brown

It’s no secret that the Lions offensive line is one of the best in football. When they’re not healthy, the offense can still score. However, when the starting five (from left to right) of Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow and Penei Sewell are on the field at the same time, this team becomes different.

Their identity changes.

The whole script changes for the offense because they’re able to run the ball more effectively and quarterback Jared Goff gets far more comfortable in the pocket. Will Burchfield from 97.1 The Ticket, had a great post on X that showcased the importance of the Lions starting offensive line. It read:

When the starting offensive line is on the field together, the Lions are 5-0 and average an NFL-leading:

  • 38.4 points per game
  • 421.2 yards per game
  • 179.4 rushing yards per game
  • 5.5 yards per carry
  • Goff has a passer rating of 121.73

If this offensive line can stay healthy as the Lions push to the playoffs, it could be a fun winter for the fans and this team. When looking at the game against the Broncos, it was evident that the offensive line gets after it. They’re physical up front and create endless opportunities for the offense.

With 185 rushing yards and 448 total yards of offense against the Broncos, it was one of the best offensive performances on the season from the Lions. They went 5-for-10 on 3rd down and they converted on their only 4th down conversion of the game. Let’s look at the film to see some of the best blocks of the day from this Lions offensive line.

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If you’re a defensive lineman and you get aligned between right tackle Penei Sewell and right guard Graham Glasgow, I wish you the best of luck. Those two together make it a tough day for the opposition when they get to combo block.

The play above is a perfect example. Highlighted are Glasgow and Sewell, and they’re going to double-team Dre’Mont Jones (Broncos DL 93). With the defender aligned in the B-gap as a 3-technique, it makes it a much easier block. Once the ball is snapped, they crash into the defender and take him for a ride.

Jones is one of the better defenders for the Broncos. However, he’s faced with a tough match-up on this rep. They turn him and clear him out of the way so Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t met immediately by contact.

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The most consistent and potentially, most dominant offensive lineman for the Lions is Penei Sewell. He’s been so good when run and pass blocking. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sewell has allowed a 2.8% pressure rate this season. That would be the lowest total for any offensive tackle in football.

Looking at the play above, it’s a pass play for Jared Goff and the Lions. But once the ball is snapped, you can see Sewell highlighted. Once the defensive lineman attacks the outside shoulder of Sewell, you can see that Sewell is under control and not panicking. His foot speed is good but his hand speed is quick and ready to attack. Meanwhile, he hits a snatch-trap technique on the defensive lineman. This forces the defender into the dirt and helps give Goff a clean pocket.

Additionally, look at right guard Graham Glasgow. He looks for work once he knows that Sewell has secured the defensive end. So rather than standing still, Glasgow turns his head inside and gets the ribs of the defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Decker and Jackson do a nice job on an exchange for the left side. Goff is kept clean, it allows the routes to develop and it ultimately leads to a first down for the Lions.

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The last play I want to focus on is one where quarterback Jared Goff is given plenty of time. In previous weeks, it felt like Goff was rushing through his reads and progressions. Against the Broncos, he looked more comfortable and much of that is due to the starting offensive line being on the field.

Looking at the play above, the Lions come out in a shotgun formation and once the ball is snapped, the Broncos four-man rush is immediately stopped in it’s tracks. This allows Goff to move in the pocket and scan the field. In the process, he finds Jameson Williams wide open in the middle of the field for a a first down.

Against the Broncos, Goff was only sacked twice and was only pressured 8 times (per Pro Football Reference). He looked more comfortable and much of that is due to the offensive line. Additionally, the Lions offensive line paved the way for the Lions to pile on 185 rushing yards. It was a big win for Detroit as they got their 10th win of the season. It’s evident that when the offensive line is healthy, they give this offense and team a new identity.

Snap count notes from the Lions win over the Broncos

Lions snap count notes from the win over Denver, including DB and RB splits and an intact offensive line

One of the first things that jumps out from the Detroit Lions’ snap count notes in the Week 15 win over the Denver Broncos is the continuity of the starters. It’s especially true on offense.

The entire starting offensive line played each and every one of the 66 offensive snaps. It was the first time since the Week 10 win over the Chargers that the team’s top five — Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Penei Sewell — started and finished a game together. And it showed on the field, with the Lions rolling to almost 200 rushing yards.

Those rushes came from David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in an almost even split of snaps. Montgomery played 34, while Gibbs got 32. No other RBs played. The Lions also did not use a fullback, though Dan Skipper played eight snaps as an extra tackle and blocking tight end James Mitchell was on the field for six. Mitchell still doesn’t have a single passing game target in his second season.

The wide receiver splits:

Amon-Ra St. Brown – 61

Jameson Williams – 45

Josh Reynolds – 38

Kalif Raymond – 20

Donovan Peoples-Jones – 11

On defense, LB Alex Anzalone was the only Lions player on the field for all 64 defensive reps.

The starting lineup changes in the secondary were definitive. Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu got the nod over Tracy Walker for the second straight game, and Melifonwu played 62 of the 64 snaps. Walker didn’t play on defense. The same was true at cornerback, where Khalil Dorsey replaced Jerry Jacobs. Dorsey (44 snaps) and Kindle Vildor (18) split the outside CB duties, while Jacobs only appeared on special teams.

Aidan Hutchinson’s heavy workload continues. The standout DE played 59 of the 64 snaps, another week over 90 percent participation. Some of that could be a function of the Lions deploying John Cominsky (46) and Josh Paschal (43) with more reps inside as part of a lighter front. Hefty DTs Benito Jones (30), Isaiah Buggs (23), Levi Onwuzurike (14) and rookie Brodric Martin (11) split more reps than usual with the lighter linemen.

Romeo Okwara (18) and Bruce Irvin (11) saw limited action. The Lions used rookie LB Jack Campbell in the SAM role a little amongst his 33 snaps. Derrick Barnes briefly left the game with a shoulder injury, and that held down his snap count to 35. Jalen Reeves-Maybin played 10, while Malcolm Rodriguez returned to the defensive lineup with five. Anthony Pittman played on defense for the first time in 2023, seeing action on four snaps.

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