Based on the Detroit Lions photos from the first day of Phase 3 of their organized team activities, the team appears to be testing their offensive line combinations — as they should be with a starting position up for grabs.
With the retirement of T.J. Lang — who was also at today’s OTAs — the Lions have an open spot on their starting offensive line group. While most have presumed the competition will be for the vacated right guard position, the Lions appear to be testing that theory by shuffling around their interior offensive line.
General manager Bob Quinn covets versatility among his interior lineman and both returning starters — Graham Glasgow and Frank Ragnow — have experience starting at both center and guard over their professional and college careers.
Last season, Ragnow started at left guard and Glasgow started at center, just as he did the season prior, and Kenny Wiggins took over at right guard for an injured Lang. But in today’s OTAs, we saw a shift with Ragnow getting reps at center, Glasgow at right guard and Wiggins at left guard.
By no means does this mean these players are permanently shifting starting roles, but it also means coaches aren’t going to be complacent and are willing to explore every option.
At worst, Glasgow and Ragnow are getting valuable experience at another position on the offensive line. At best, the Lions land on an idealistic pairing of players that significantly improves the group overall.
At the tackle spots, Taylor Decker appeared to line up in his typical left tackle role, with Rick Wagner in at right tackle, and Tyrell Crosby looked like he was taking reps at left tackle. Crosby could still potentially see snaps at guard down the road, but in today’s available pictures, he appears to be staying on the outside for now.
