One of the biggest reasons why the Detroit Lions' offense has been able to thrive over the past two seasons is because of the offensive line, which has been one of the best units in the NFL in recent years.
Detroit lost one of its starters from last season in guard Jonah Jackson, who left in free agency to the Los Angeles Rams. But the Lions didn't stand pat and replaced him with Kevin Zeitler, who figures to be an upgrade after a Pro Bowl campaign.
Entering the 2024 season, it can certainly be argued that the Lions have the best group in the NFL, and that's exactly what Establish The Run's Brandon Thorn believes.
He has the Lions' offensive line ranked No. 1 and in its own "elite" tier above the rest of the league. Here's what he wrote:
Notes: The Lions are coming off of a dominant season as an offensive line unit with right tackle Penei Sewell reaching All-Pro status that landed him the richest deal in league history for an offensive lineman at just 23 years old. Complementing Sewell is another All-Pro, Frank Ragnow, at center with a solid starter in Taylor Decker at left tackle. Last year’s left guard, Jonah Jackson, left this offseason via free agency to the Rams, but Detroit was able to replace him in-house with last year’s predominant starter at right guard and versatile swing piece, Graham Glasgow. While Glasgow doesn’t offer as much explosiveness and athletic ability as Jackson, he is a solid ‘B’ level starter who will provide functional play. This lateral move for Glasgow led to the signing of savvy veteran Kevin Zeitler who, despite being at the end of his career, should be counted on to at least provide what Glasgow did last season in 2024.
With as good of a trio as there is in the NFL at center, each tackle spot, and two proven, functional or better veterans operating inside a shrewd, OL-friendly scheme, this unit is as good as it gets entering the season.
The Lions had been in competition with the Philadelphia Eagles for the best unit in the NFL for a few years running now, but the Lions have moved ahead after center Jason Kelce retired following the 2023 campaign.
The only concern is depth. Detroit has some question marks behind its starters, so the competitions for backup roles will be something to watch in training camp.
