Lions: A look at former Lions currently excelling elsewhere in the NFL

Larry Warford

The Detroit Lions drafted right-guard Larry Warford with the 65th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft.  The third-round pick had some growing pains after having an exceptional rookie season. Warford was voted as an NFL second-team all-pro after his rookie year, but his numbers declined some after exploding onto the scene.

Warford never posted ‘bad’ numbers, but his health became a bit of a concern after missing seven games in the following three seasons after appearing in all 16 games in his rookie season.

Warford was a big mauler type guard, weighing 320-pounds at just 6’3.  He was expected to be a force as a run blocker.  He turned out to be a phenomenal pick by Martin Mayhew, but the problem was Detroit didn’t retain Warford after his rookie contract expired, a colossal mistake.

Now, Warford is a part of one of the better OL’s in all of football.  He’s the right-guard for the New Orleans Saints.  He’s played every single offensive snap this season with the Saints, quite unusual for an offensive lineman.

Warford signed with the Saints as a free agent.  It’s been a colossal mistake by the Detroit Lions not bringing him back, especially when you check out his deal in New Orleans.  Larry signed a four-year deal worth $34-million, with $17-million fully guaranteed.  It’s a fairly big deal, but not outrageous by any means.

So far in 2019, he’s graded out as the 7th best guard in all of football.  He’s every bit as good of a pass blocker as a run blocker.

One thing that may fly under the radar is that he doesn’t take penalties — a coach’s dream.  In four years with Detroit, he took a total of 9 penalties.  During his nearly three years with New Orleans, he’s only been flagged 7 times.

There is no doubt Larry Warford would have a very significant role today on the Detroit Lions offensive line.