Detroit Lions: Rapid Reactions to selection of Frank Ragnow in 2018 NFL Draft
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions selected Frank Ragnow in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Was he worth the pick with other players available?
At the beginning of the new year, Detroit Lions General Manager Bob Quinn tasked himself with improving the running game.
He stuck with that vision and selected versatile center/guard Frank Ragnow from Arkansas with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. With that selection, the Lions gain a day-one starter on their offensive line. Whether Ragnow starts at guard or center, he will drastically improve the unit.
The reaction to the pick was mixed, at best. Most experts were shocked that Ragnow was taken with defensive studs Harold Landry and Rashaan Evans still on the board. Though it may not be considered a sexy pick, the Lions absolutely addressed a need with an elite talent.
Michael Rothstein of ESPN was befuddled:
This is a stunner, the Lions taking center Frank Ragnow from Arkansas. It'll solidify the team's offensive line, but Detroit passed on a bunch of defensive options for it. Ragnow replaces Travis Swanson, another center from Arkansas. This is a weird one. https://t.co/xcCK3lEFXZ
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) April 27, 2018
Nate Atkins of MLive was equally surprised by the pick, though acknowledged a true fit with the Lions:
I had a good inclination today that the #Lions wanted to go with a center today. I thought they'd trade back to do it. Frank Ragnow fits what they are looking for. I just think they missed out on some much better players here.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 27, 2018
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com thought the Lions beat the Cincinnati Bengals to the punch:
Fast-rising #Arkansas C Frank Ragnow goes to the #Lions… right before the #Bengals were gonna take him. He goes at No. 20.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Chris Burke of TheAthletic conceded that while the pick may not be immediately satisfying to fans, it will pay dividends in the long run, both literally and figuratively:
I don't think Lions fans will dislike that pick once the season starts nearly as much as they seem to now, but still a surprise. Tough to leave Landry on the board.
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) April 27, 2018
Justin Rogers of the Detroit News points out that Quinn has overhauled the Lions’ entire offensive line in his three years:
In three years, Bob Quinn has completely overhauled Detroit's offensive line, drafting Decker, Glasgow and Ragnow and signing Wagner and Lang. With a new position coach this year, expectations will be sky high for the unit.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) April 27, 2018
Additionally, Rogers and Kyle Meinke of MLive teamed up with a pair of incredible notes on the Lions’ new center. The guy can block. Really, really well.
0 sacks, 0 hits, one hurry on 190 pass-blocking snaps as a Senior, according to @PFF. Seems good. https://t.co/R3L5cZKFA4
— Justin Rogers | Detroit News (@Justin_Rogers) April 27, 2018
Frank Ragnow played 2,246 snaps the last three years at Arkansas. He didn't allow a single sack.
— kyle meinke (@kmeinke) April 27, 2018
Kent Lee Platte of Pride of Detroit notes that Ragnow scored in elite company for his position, something that should give Lions fans hope:
With the 20th pick in 20th pick in the #NFLDraft, the #Lions selected #FrankRagnow.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2018
Ragnow posted the 4th best #RAS of a center since 1987 with elite marks across the board outside of the Cone.
And becuase @DetroitOnLion has said it, we're starting #Ragnowrock pic.twitter.com/RRqQMxQZYA
Next: 30 Best Draft Picks in Detroit Lions History
The Lions are committed to running the football next season. With the addition of Ragnow, they have the capability to create the necessary running lanes. Oh, and they can better protect Matthew Stafford, who was sacked 47 times last season.