Multiple Lions offensive linemen ranked in top 10 by league execs
These top 10 lists that have been put together by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler with help from league executive, coaches and players have been quite fun to read. The Detroit Lions have been all over them. Aidan Hutchinson was in the honorable mention for edge rushers and C.J. Gardner-Johnson was in the top 10 for safeties. […]
These top 10 lists that have been put together by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler with help from league executive, coaches and players have been quite fun to read. The Detroit Lions have been all over them. Aidan Hutchinson was in the honorable mention for edge rushers and C.J. Gardner-Johnson was in the top 10 for safeties.
Now three more Lions have found themselves on the lists. First there's right tackle Penei Sewell. He was ranked as the sixth best tackle in the NFL. Here's what an NFL Personnel director had to say about him.
"He's really talented, a good young player," an NFL personnel director said. "Playing right tackle probably helps him become a natural left tackle later. Will be a good starter for a long time."
Sewell wasn't the only tackle that got votes to make that list. Taylor Decker was there too. He didn't make the top 10 and wasn't on the honorable mention, but he did receive votes. That makes sense. Decker is one of the more reliable left tackles in the league.
Then there's the interior part of the line. Lions center Frank Ragnow was ranked the 10th best interior offensive lineman in the league. That's a nice return to form for him. He did not make this list last year. the crazy thing is that he made it this year despite playing hurt the entire season. Here's what a fellow player had to say about him.
"He looked more like himself as the year went on," the player said. "He was elite before the injury and got back to that place. He's a great communicator at the line, makes all the calls, plays with leverage and physicality."
Former Lions GM Bob Quinn didn't do a whole lot well, but he did put most of this offensive line together. This line keeps getting nothing but love too. Pro Football Focus ranked it as a the fifth best unit in the league. This is truly the biggest strength on this team.
It'll be a big win for the Lions if they're able to keep everyone healthy an see what this line can do at full strength for seemingly the first time ever.
Feature image by Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
