The Lions might use the draft to further bolster their interior OL.
The Importance of the Offensive Line to the Lions’ Offensive Identity
The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in recent years under General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell, transitioning from a team that was stuck in mediocrity to a playoff contender. One of the pillars of their success has been the strength of their offensive line. With a franchise quarterback like Jared Goff, who is best suited in a clean pocket, and a dynamic running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit’s offensive line has become essential to their identity.
The offensive line’s role in Detroit is not just as a group of blockers; they are key to the team’s overall strategy. The Lions employ a versatile scheme, blending elements of both power and zone running systems, which requires specific qualities from their interior linemen: strength, agility, and intelligence. The ability to move defenders off the ball and create running lanes is central to their play-action game, which allows Goff to exploit mismatches and maintain control of the game tempo.
The ability to protect Goff and open up running lanes for Montgomery and Gibbs is crucial, as Detroit relies on a well-balanced offense that keeps the defense guessing. Given the rise of other NFC teams with elite defenses, bolstering the interior offensive line via the draft could give the Lions an added edge in the 2024 season.
Detroit’s Current Interior Offensive Line Situation
The Lions are fortunate to have a few standout players already on their offensive line, specifically at center and left guard. Frank Ragnow is one of the top centers in the NFL, and his leadership and versatility make him the centerpiece of Detroit’s line. Ragnow is a true anchor in the middle, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection, a rare combination that sets the standard for the Lions’ OL. He also provides leadership and mentoring to younger players, and his presence allows the coaching staff to be more creative in their scheme.
Jonah Jackson, who plays at left guard, has been a steady force for Detroit since joining the team. He is a physical presence in the run game, excelling at creating initial push on the line of scrimmage. However, Jackson’s performance has shown some inconsistency in pass protection, particularly against faster defensive tackles or blitz-heavy schemes. His development could benefit from additional competition for starting spots, especially with a potential draft pick coming in.
The most concerning position, however, is at right guard, where Halapoulivaati Vaitai has been a starter but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. Vaitai, a veteran who has been a key figure in Detroit’s line, is capable when healthy but hasn’t been able to stay consistently on the field. His injury history raises questions about his long-term viability, especially considering the importance of consistency on the offensive line.
Behind Ragnow, Jackson, and Vaitai, Detroit lacks reliable depth. While there are a few backup players, none of them have proven themselves as legitimate starters, and the team could be in a difficult position if injuries arise during the season. This is where the NFL Draft comes into play.
The 2024 NFL Draft: Interior Offensive Line Prospects
As the Lions look to continue building a competitive roster, the 2024 NFL Draft offers a prime opportunity to strengthen their interior offensive line. The 2024 draft class features a strong group of offensive linemen, including several prospects who could help bolster Detroit’s line. Below are a few of the top interior offensive line prospects who could make an impact for the Lions.
1. Steve Avila (TCU, OG/C)
Steve Avila is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. At 6’4” and 330 pounds, Avila combines impressive size with excellent mobility. He can play both guard and center, making him an ideal target for the Lions, who value versatility along the offensive line. His ability to thrive in both pass protection and the run game makes him an excellent fit for Detroit’s scheme, where interior linemen must excel in both facets.
Avila’s experience at TCU has shown he can handle powerful defensive tackles, which is crucial for a Lions team that faces tough matchups in the NFC North. Additionally, his quickness and ability to pull on running plays could be an asset in Detroit’s zone-based rushing attack.
2. Cyrus Torrence (Florida, OG)
Cyrus Torrence is one of the most powerful and dominant interior linemen in the 2024 draft class. Standing at 6’5” and 350 pounds, Torrence is a mammoth presence who can absolutely move defenders in the run game. He is a great fit for teams that rely on power running, which is something the Lions focus on with their run-heavy scheme. Torrence’s ability to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage would provide immediate help in creating space for Montgomery and Gibbs to hit the second level.
Torrence is a physical mauler, and while his pass protection is solid, he could use refinement in handling speed rushers at the next level. Still, his overall strength and technique make him an ideal candidate for a team looking to fortify their interior.
3. Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin, C)
Joe Tippmann is a center with a high football IQ and an impressive skill set for his size (6’6” and 315 pounds). While the Lions already have Frank Ragnow at center, Tippmann’s abilities could make him an excellent addition as a future successor or a versatile backup. Tippmann is an elite blocker in both the run and pass game, and his size and strength are a huge asset in both protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes.
If the Lions were to draft Tippmann, it would solidify their interior for the long haul, giving them a future option at center while also providing depth. Tippmann’s adaptability to play guard as well would also give the Lions flexibility to rotate players and adjust their lineups as needed.
4. John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota, C)
Schmitz is another highly regarded center prospect who could be a potential target for the Lions. His experience as a four-year starter at Minnesota gives him a high level of maturity and leadership, qualities that Detroit values. Schmitz is a reliable and technically sound blocker who excels at setting the tone in the run game and handling interior pass rushers.
Schmitz’s high football IQ would mesh well with Detroit’s offensive line coach, Hank Fraley, and could help elevate the line’s communication and cohesion. While Schmitz is more of a traditional center, he has the flexibility to play guard in a pinch, which adds value to the Lions’ depth.
How These Prospects Fit into the Lions’ Offensive Scheme
The key to choosing the right interior offensive lineman in the 2024 draft lies in matching the players’ strengths with the Lions’ offensive system. Detroit runs a hybrid scheme that mixes power and zone-blocking, meaning that they need linemen who can be versatile enough to execute both styles. They also prioritize toughness, intelligence, and mobility in their blockers, as these traits are essential in both the run and pass game.
Prospects like Steve Avila and Joe Tippmann bring the kind of versatility and intelligence that would be beneficial in a system that prioritizes adaptability. Their ability to switch between guard and center roles is particularly useful for a team that values having linemen who can play multiple positions.
Cyrus Torrence’s raw power in the run game makes him a perfect fit for Detroit’s more physical running attack, where his ability to generate push at the point of attack could allow the Lions to dominate in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
John Michael Schmitz, with his leadership and ability to handle both physical and finesse defensive tackles, could be an option for Detroit to develop into a future starting center. Ragnow is already one of the best centers in the league, but adding Schmitz as a potential successor could ensure that Detroit’s interior line remains strong for years to come.
Bolstering the Interior OL in the 2024 Draft
As the Detroit Lions continue to build toward a championship-contending team, one of the most effective ways to solidify their offensive identity is by investing in their interior offensive line. The 2024 NFL Draft presents a valuable opportunity to do just that, with a strong crop of interior linemen who could make an immediate impact on the roster.
Whether it’s adding a versatile player like Steve Avila or a powerhouse like Cyrus Torrence, the Lions have the chance to improve their offensive line depth and competition, especially at guard and center positions. This would not only protect Jared Goff but also open up more opportunities for their dynamic running backs, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Ultimately, strengthening the interior offensive line through the draft will help the Lions create a more balanced, efficient offense and give them a competitive edge in the NFC. With the right selection, Detroit could take another giant step toward becoming one of the league’s most formidable teams on both sides of the ball.