Projecting The Detroit Lions 2013 Depth Chart
Interior Offensive Line:
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2012 Overview:
The Lions kept the offensive line intact for another season, returning Rob Sims at right guard, Dominic Raiola at center and Stephen Peterman at left guard. Peterman remained the weak link along the line, allowing pressure up the middle for Matthew Stafford. However, the Lions maintained the 3rd best interior pass protection in the league, en-route to breaking the all-time pass attempt record in the NFL.
Left Guard:
1. Rob Sims:
Rob Sims has remained the Lions top interior lineman since joining the team in 2010. Last season he posted a +13.8 overall grade that ranked him the 11th best offensive guard in the game, according to Pro Football Focus (Subscription Required). At age 29, the Lions believe they have their right guard for the near future.
2. Rodney Austin
Head coach Jim Schwartz preaches versatility along the offensive line. Austin is just that, being equipped to play all three positions along the interior and impressed coaches thus far in the offseason. Last week during the team portion of OTA’s, Austin participated with the first team offense and continues to be impressive, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. If Austin keeps this high level of play through training camp, it would be tough for the Lions to cut ties with the second year guard.
Right Guard:
1: Jake Scott:
Sure, Leroy Harris seems to have the inside track towards making the final roster of the two new-coming guards– due to the signing bonus he received. However, while he is rehabbing from his season ending ACL injury last season, it’s very likely the Lions safe guarded themselves with his contract. Scott is a pass pro specialist, ranking sixth in the league with a +12.2 Pro Football Focus pass block rating in 2011. With 3rd round pick Larry Warford waiting in the wings, Scott becomes the stop-gap until Warford is ready.
2. Larry Warford:
As stated before, Warford is the Lions future at right guard. However, allowing him to sit behind a veteran will allow him to learn and grow from his time on the sidelines. Warford is a terrific power-man run blocker, but he needs to develop as a pass protector. Sitting for a year just may be the answer.
Center:
1. Dominic Raiola
Raiola came into the offseason with a bloated contract, but the front office quickly addressed that as he agreed to play on the veterans minimum. Now entering his thirteenth season, he returns as the anchor to the Lions offensive line. His play was skeptical at times last season ( 3 sacks allowed, 2 QB hits, 12 hurries), the Lions will undoubtedly have Raiola on a short leash.
2. Rodney Austin
As stated before, Austin brings flexibility to the Lions offense. He will likely contribute most at guard, but adds the extra dimension to back-up Raiola should a injury occur.
2013 Preview:
The Lions lost three players off their offensive line from last year, as a youth movement will take place this upcoming season. Under-appreciated Jeff Backus will be replaced by Riley Reiff on the left side, as Jason Fox and Corey Hilliard will battle for the right side. Last season the Lions kept five tackles on the roster — which should be a sign of an addition coming before training camp. With a youth movement in place, the Lions will have to be creative with their backs and tight ends in pass protection for 2013.