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Detroit Lions’ 2018 draft needs evident just six games into 2017 season

By Zac Snyder

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: (L-R) Taylor Decker of Ohio State holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #16 overall by the Detroit Lions during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

The Lions offensive line is actually well set when healthy. “When healthy” is the key, however. The Lions have missed Taylor Decker at left tackle as much as anyone feared when it was announced he would miss time following shoulder surgery. The Lions were left without an acceptable in-house replacement and had to bring in Greg Robinson and Cyrus Kouandjio in hopes one could hold down the position until Decker could return. Kouandjio didn’t make it out of training camp and Robinson has been a major liability.

Things got even worse in week six when a back issue flared up on game day forcing right guard T.J. Lang to the inactive list. Already hobbled from being sacked six times in the two games prior, Matthew Stafford was sacked five more times against the Saints. Stafford’s sack percentage is 9.3% through six weeks – easily the highest of his career (7% in 2014).

The good news is that the needs at offensive line are almost exclusively for depth. Graham Glasgow‘s long-term viability as the starting left guard remains up in the air but he may always be the weak link in a line with Decker, Travis Swanson, Lang and Rick Wagner. Quinn has invested in the offensive line and they should be fine when everyone is back healthy.

There is still work to be done to ensure Matthew Stafford can stay healthy even when his offensive line isn’t. It may not take a day one or two pick, but a day three pick (or two) would be wise if viable backups don’t emerge over the rest of the season.

Next: 30 Best Draft Picks in Detroit Lions History

Agree with my list or have differing thoughts? I’d love to hear from you to keep the discussion going. Leave a comment below or connect with us on Twitter or Facebook.

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