The offensive line of the Detroit Lions may undergo significant changes in 2024.
In terms of offensive capability, the Lions were nearly unbeatable in 2023 when they were at maximum health. Due to their outstanding efforts, two members of the group, Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow, were named All-Pros.
However, coming into the offseason, both starting guards will be available as free agents. The Lions will therefore need to exercise caution when deciding whether to add Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow back to the roster.
In the event that the organization chooses to look through the Draft for possible interior line replacements, Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon is a promising young player who just had a great Senior Bowl week.
Playing as a guard and center during his week in Mobile with the National Team, he was outstanding. According to Ducks Digest, he was able to make an impression on scouts by owning his reps at both spots.
“Powers-Johnson was expected to do well in his reps at center, so his exceptional reps at guard really made him look good as teams wanting to draft him will not only get a center but an interior linemen that can play guard on both sides of the line,” said Israel La Rue. “He won all of reps at center and guard showcasing his pass blocking abilities, agility, strength and nimble feet among other traits.”
The Rimington Award winner is regarded as the greatest center in this year’s Draft and among the best prospects for the interior offensive line in general.
Powers-Johnson, a center for Oregon, excelled in both run- and pass-blocking ratings according to Pro Football Focus. He received an 85.6 run-blocking grade and a 90.3 pass-blocking grade for his 2023 efforts.
With Ragnow overcoming numerous injuries to perform at a high level in 2023, the Lions have a good center position. He intends to use the winter to recuperate and has openly committed to playing again next season.
Consequently, there is no pivotal requirement for the center position. Powers-Johnson seems to possess the athleticism necessary to transition to a guard position, though. He started one game at right guard while in college.
The offensive line has been the foundation of Detroit’s success, so it makes sense for the team to keep spending on young players to add depth.
Powers-Johnson, nevertheless, is anticipated to be selected in the first round. Whether the Lions choose to select a lineman early in the draft over other needs will probably depend on whether they decide to keep Jackson, Glasgow, or both.
The Lions have made a commitment to selecting players based on fit rather than need ever since Brad Holmes assumed the position of general manager. Therefore, even though it’s not their most pressing requirement, it wouldn’t be abnormal for the team to choose a lineman.
Since taking over, Holmes has made it clear that he would rather add the best players to his roster than choose a player in the position where the squad is most in need of improvement.
In light of this, the Lions could still choose to select Powers-Johnson in the draft just for competitive purposes. If Detroit does not return one of its starting guards, the possibility rises.
Powers-Johnson would be an intriguing addition to Detroit’s highly regarded offensive line because he has demonstrated the ability to play both guard and center.