Entering the 2018 season the Detroit Lions offensive line was considered a top-10 unit according to Pro Football Focus, but the loss of T.J. Lang was a significant blow and the group ended the season ranked 16th.
As we approach the 2019 season, the Lions return four starters, but with a retired Lang still absent from the roster, the unit enters training camp just ahead of where they finished last season on PFF’s list, checking in at 15th in their rankings.
“A season ago, this offensive line had all the makings to be the best unit that Matthew Stafford ever played behind,” the PFF Analysis team said. “Unfortunately, the perennially excellent T.J. Lang was forced onto IR — and subsequently into retirement — after Week 9, and Frank Ragnow got off to an underwhelming start at guard. Fast forward to the 2019 season; Ragnow’s move back to center has the potential to be a great one for the Lions moving forward — Ragnow was our highest-graded college center in 2017 — while Taylor Decker and Rick Wagner ended the 2018 season ranked 14th and 31st, respectively, among 82 qualifying tackles last year, making one of the more underrated tackle duos in the NFL.”
PFF has set their ranking with the anticipation of Kenny Wiggins starting at guard in place of Lang. This matches up with what Lions Wire has seen during the Lions spring camps, although we are expecting competition for the starting job from Oday Aboushi and Joe Dahl.
If all trio above all struggle in 2019, the collective group could see a continued decline in the rankings. But, if the Lions can get significant positive contributions from any player or combination players above, then this unit has the potential to rise up the rankings, possibly back into the top-10.
