Tag: Right Guard

Lions agree to terms with OL Kenny Wiggins

The Detroit Lions announced they have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins, bringing him back for the third consecutive year.

The Detroit Lions announced they have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Kenny Wiggins, bringing him back for the third consecutive year.

“Wiggins joined the Lions as an unrestricted free agent in 2018 and has previously spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers (2013-17),” the Lions said in a press release. “He also had stints on the practice squad with the San Francisco 49ers (2012) and Baltimore Ravens (2011). “Wiggins originally entered the NFL with the 49ers as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. He has appeared in 75 career games (38 starts).”

The third member of the Lions three-guard rotation in 2019, Wiggins saw the field for 438 snaps typically seeing time at both right and left guard each game, before landing on injured reserve with a torn biceps mid-December.

Wiggins is a balanced player who is experienced at both guard spots and saw time at right tackle during his time with the Chargers. He is well-liked and respected by both players and coaches in the locker room and offers the Lions depth and stability on the interior offensive line — something they desperately need.

The addition of Wiggins won’t prevent the Lions from acquiring more competition in the draft — they will still likely consider taking an interior offensive lineman in the first 100 picks — but he gives them some much-needed positional insurance. Now the Lions can head into the draft without having to reach for a guard prospect.

Wiggins will likely enter training camp as the front-runner for his old position as the third guard, or potentially win the starting job outright — currently he probably the leader for the job.

Graham Glasgow explains differences between playing guard and center

Broncos offensive lineman Graham Glasgow explains what it’s like to switch between playing guard and center.

Broncos offensive lineman Graham Glasgow makes switching between guard and center look easy. It’s not as easy as it looks.

“Contrary to what a lot of people would say, I think that it’s actually a bigger switch than people would like to let on — primarily the biggest difference being the differences in blocking a three-technique versus blocking a one shade is pretty sizable,” Glasgow said during a conference call with reporters on March 24.

Glasgow explained that guards receive less help and often face better pass rushers than centers do. Centers, on the other hand, often give help to a teammate instead of being left in a one-on-one situation.

That’s not to say center is an easier position across the board, though.

“In the pass game, I would say that it’s definitely more challenging to play guard, but in the run game I would say playing center is a little bit harder,” Glasgow said. “I think that establishing the — in a lot of ways center is a lot more mentally taxing than physically.

“[As a center], you need to know what’s going on and you’re setting the scheme for everything. That’s something I have always enjoyed doing. I think that kind of describes the difference between the two.”

Glasgow spent time at both guard and center while with the Lions and he even played offensive tackle while in high school. In Denver, Glasgow is expected to start at right guard and provide emergency depth at center.

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Graham Glasgow adds versatility to Broncos’ offensive line

“That’s nice to have [his versatility] especially when you’re heading into a draft and your total team is not set right now,” Fangio said.

One of the Broncos’ first moves of the offseason was signing former Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow to a four-year, $44 million contract. Referring to Glasgow as an “offensive lineman” is key because he’s not bound to a single position.

“Any time you can add a guy that has versatility — not just can go in and play two different positions but play them well — it’s an advantageous thing to do,” Denver coach Vic Fangio said during a conference call with reporters on March 31. “Right now, we’re looking at him as a guard, but we know he can play center very well.

“That’s nice to have especially when you’re heading into a draft and your total team is not set right now. He plays both positions very well. He’s been very durable. I don’t think he’s missed a game the last few years with the Lions. He’s the type of guy we’d like to add to our team at a bunch of positions.”

If a top guard prospect unexpectedly falls to the Broncos during the draft, the team could select him and have Glasgow play center. Or, if Denver drafts a center, Glasgow can start at guard and provide injury depth at center. Glasgow’s versatility will be crucial if offensive linemen suffer injuries during the season.

Glasgow was a key signing for the Broncos and he should prove to be a reliable offensive line — regardless of whether he plays guard or center.

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Broncos officially sign OL Graham Glasgow to 4-year contract

The Broncos have signed Graham Glasgow to a four-year deal. Where will he play on the offensive line?

The Denver Broncos agreed to terms with former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow on a four-year deal on March 16. The contract could not become official until the start of the new league year on March 18.

Glasgow’s contract didn’t become official right at the start of the new league year, though.

In response to COVID-19, the NFL told teams they were not allowed to travel to players or have players visit their facilities for physical examinations. That has resulted in many free agency signings remaining unofficial even a week after the negotiating window opened.

Denver managed to have Glasgow take a physical (presumably from a doctor near him) and made the deal official on March 23. Glasgow will earn $44 million over the course of the four-year contract and $26 million is guaranteed.

It remains to be seen where Glasgow will fit on the offensive line.

Glasgow can play both guard and center — his flexibility gave him increased value during free agency. Denver lost center Connor McGovern to the Jets but that does not necessarily mean Glasgow will start at center right away.

The Broncos might have Glasgow start at right guard with a drafted rookie starting at center. Denver may also consider starting Patrick Morris or Austin Schlottmann at center. Alternatively, the Broncos could start Glasgow at center and have Elijah Wilkinson start at right guard.

Glasgow’s flexibility will give Denver options and no matter where he initially starts, that flexibility could come in handy when injuries hit.

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