Detroit Lions: Frank Ragnow is impact starter with unlimited potential
By Rob Kish
Detroit Lions 2018 first round pick Frank Ragnow will have a huge impact on the offensive line in his rookie year, with Pro Bowl potential thereafter.
This is the second part of our series on Lions’ rookies and their potential for year 1 and beyond. In the first installment of this series, we took a look at Kerryon Johnson and his potential to be a stellar three-down back in the Lions’ offense.
Many were surprised by Bob Quinn’s first-round pick in this year’s draft. Picking an interior offensive lineman over some higher profile linebackers and pass rushers show his commitment to fixing the run game and protecting his most valuable asset, Matt Stafford.
College production
Ragnow was amazing in college. Pro Football Focus loved his time at Arkansas.
Boy that Frank Ragnow character is good pic.twitter.com/bHK9upBx6j
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 23, 2018
He had the two highest graded seasons for a center ever. Impressively, he did it against some of the nations best defensive lines in the SEC.
Ragnow moves people, he is an absolute mauler in the running game. You notice his attitude when you watch him on film. This is where he’ll have the most impact on the Lions. Whether he’s playing guard or center, Ragnow will be a force for Lions backs to run behind.
Oh, and he can pass block.
We told you Frank Ragnow is good - his pass-blocking efficiency backs that up pic.twitter.com/yaXEvsrLYN
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 24, 2018
Elite athletic profile
Ragnow has one of the best athletic profiles of any interior offensive lineman from the combine.
Frank Ragnow, drafted in the 1st round by the #Lions, posted the highest #RAS of any center in the 2018 draft class. pic.twitter.com/Ss5B49JxEK
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 11, 2018
Obviously, some of those measurements don’t mean much for offensive linemen. But, Ragnow is elite where it counts.
The Lions have a great, young offensive line core
Ragnow will get to grow and improve alongside the likes of Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. One of the most important traits of a great offensive line is continuity. What Quinn has built with Ragnow, Decker and Glasgow is a young core of players who will learn how to play together.
Both Decker and Glasgow are up and coming talents with enough experience to lead Ragnow to greatness in his first year.
Next: Will the Lions be Detroit's next champion?