The Detroit Lions didn't make the splashy signings some fans were hoping for in the offseason. If anything, they lost more big-name contributors than they brought in. Instead, they bet on continuity and depth, and hope that last season was a fluke as they try to make a deep postseason run.
Because of a lack of blockbuster moves, the additions the Lions did make went largely under the radar. One of those additions was Juice Scruggs.
Juice Scruggs may have a bigger role than initially thought
The offensive lineman arrived from the Houston Texans as part of the David Montgomery trade. The Lions got the former Penn State standout in addition to a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick in return for the star running back. Scruggs was considered a throw-in, not many expecting him to be an important part of the roster.
Three months after the trade, Scruggs has been trending in the right direction. Following the organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp, the 26-year-old has emerged as a potentially key member of the offensive line.
Despite Lions fans not thinking much of the Scruggs addition all spring, the former second-round pick expressed how glad he was that GM Brad Holmes wanted him in Detroit. Scruggs said, "He really wants me here. He likes my game. So, it’s just like a relief, like a fresh start,” per Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network.
Another reason Scruggs wasn't top of mind was the fact that the Lions seemed to have their offensive line starters locked in place. Cade Mays was going to start at center, Blake Miller would take over at right tackle, moving Penei Sewell to left tackle, while Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge would continue on the interior. This seemingly left no room for Scruggs.
It turns out, there may be a path to starting for Scruggs.
Last week, head coach Dan Campbell said that the left guard spot is up for grabs. Mahogany is not a lock to start, and the coaching staff apparently wants to see a training camp competition. Scruggs was one of several linemen who got the opportunity to play with the starters at LG. He is also the backup center behind Mays right now, suggesting the team plans to use his versatility all over the offensive line.
Jeremy Reisman of The Pride of Detroit went so far as to have Scruggs among his list of 9 winners of the Lions' OTAs and minicamp.
As things stand now, Scruggs certainly looks like he will be on the 53-man roster after training camp. To become a starter in Week 1, however, he needs to show more than he did while he was in Houston. He wasn't particularly effective in his three seasons with the Texans, failing to establish himself as a quality starter. Last season, he received a 45.0 offensive grade on Pro Football Focus, but the Lions front office clearly doesn't care.
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