Post by D6 on Mar 6, 2022 20:29:38 GMT -5
2022 NFL combine: Detroit Lions should be feeling pretty set despite solid offensive line class
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The Lions can go into the season with the projected starting 5, if they are each relatively healthy. The Lions though have to address the backup situation at Tackle, Guard, and Center. Matt Nelson does a very good job as a 6th Offensive Lineman, when used as an extra blocker. His overall play as a RT in 2021 wasn't good enough. Especially, as a pass blocker. If Evan Brown signs with another team, the interior Offensive Line depth will be as questionable as the Lions Tackle depth.
When the dust settles, I think the Lions are going to draft one Offensive Lineman. With at least one veteran FA being signed by the Lions. I don't think the Lions will draft an Offensive Tackle in the top 3 Rounds. An interior O-Line prospect could be realistically taken as high as Round 3, even with pick # 66 near the top of the Round. Big V could easily be a salary cap casualty in 2023 or 2024. Having said that, the value of the Interior O-Lineman, especially at Guard, would need to be noticeably higher than the highest rated player at most other positions. It's much more likely that the Lions don't take an Offensive Lineman until at least Round 5, unless the Lions trade down at least once in the top 3 Rounds.
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The Lions can go into the season with the projected starting 5, if they are each relatively healthy. The Lions though have to address the backup situation at Tackle, Guard, and Center. Matt Nelson does a very good job as a 6th Offensive Lineman, when used as an extra blocker. His overall play as a RT in 2021 wasn't good enough. Especially, as a pass blocker. If Evan Brown signs with another team, the interior Offensive Line depth will be as questionable as the Lions Tackle depth.
When the dust settles, I think the Lions are going to draft one Offensive Lineman. With at least one veteran FA being signed by the Lions. I don't think the Lions will draft an Offensive Tackle in the top 3 Rounds. An interior O-Line prospect could be realistically taken as high as Round 3, even with pick # 66 near the top of the Round. Big V could easily be a salary cap casualty in 2023 or 2024. Having said that, the value of the Interior O-Lineman, especially at Guard, would need to be noticeably higher than the highest rated player at most other positions. It's much more likely that the Lions don't take an Offensive Lineman until at least Round 5, unless the Lions trade down at least once in the top 3 Rounds.