The top NFL draft selections frequently have both short- and long-term potential. Zach Frazier, a West Virginia interior offensive lineman, may be able to help the Detroit Lions find both, according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
In his second 2024 NFL mock draft, Jeremiah projected the Lions to choose Frazier with the 29th overall pick.
Frazier may initially assist the Lions in replacing their free-agent offensive linemen, according to the NFL draft analyst. However, Frazier may eventually run for the position of center Frank Ragnow’s replacement.
“This feels like Dan Campbell’s type of player, and the starting guards for the Lions are set to reach free agency this offseason,” Jeremiah said. “Frazier, a high school wrestler who won a state championship, could start out at guard and eventually move to center.”
Ragnow stated unequivocally that he will not be retiring in the offseason. However, the six-year veteran center struggled with several ailments in 2023 and missed more than two seasons of play due to an incapacitating toe injury.
How Zach Frazier Might Fit in for the Detroit Lions at Guard
The Lions should target a defensive player in the first round due to needs at edge rusher, cornerback, and safety depth following Tracy Walker’s release.
But the Lions may lose Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow, their two starting guards from 2023.
Detroit’s cap space is greater than $48 million. Therefore, it’s probably on the table to resign one or both of the guards.
Glasgow might be less expensive, but Jackson is five years younger.
However, the Lions need to address their defensive shortcomings and would like to extend the contracts of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, quarterback Jared Goff, and possibly other players this offseason.
Frazier fills at least one starting guard position for the Lions.
Is Frank Ragnow Set to Be Replaced at Center by Frazier?
Following the NFC title game loss, Ragnow gave reporters some confusing information before confirming that he would be back for the 2024 campaign.
Ragnow declared, “I’m not retiring,” at the Las Vegas reward show. “I guess I just kind of dive right back into it throughout the offseason, but I think as I get older, I need to realize that maybe there are situations where less is more.
“And we’ll get going again after I take a little time to make sure I’m well.”
In May, Ragnow will only be 28. It’s difficult to imagine him playing for five or six more years, though. During the 2023–24 season, he played despite experiencing pain in his toe, ankle, knee, and back.
That being said, Detroit’s contingency plan is entirely acceptable.
A backup plan where the player can contribute elsewhere till Ragnow maybe retires would be excellent for the Lions. Frazier might be that perfect player because he can play both guard and center.
While Jeremiah projected Frazier to be the Lions’ guard, most draft experts believe Frazier will be among the best centers available in the 2017 class.
“Frazier is a skilled center-only prospect with good size, strong athleticism, and excellent play strength. He combines these traits with competitive toughness and high-level football intelligence to lead and find ways to get defenders blocked in a variety of schemes, as well as run the show pre-snap,” the BR NFL Scouting Department wrote. “He appears to be a steady, long-term starter at the pivot.”
Frazier is rated as the No. 27 overall talent in the 2024 draft class by Bleacher Report.
Although Frazier is ranked No. 95 overall in the class by the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN’s draft analysts still regard him as the class’s top center.