The Detroit Lions have seen a bunch of changes happen this offseason. They have walked as several coaches leave to take jobs elsewhere, but they also saw some key players depart.
The most recent loss was center Frank Ragnow, who decided to retire on June 2. That loss was something that will be felt on the field for sure, and a former All-Pro echoes that same sentiment.
There was a video posted on Twitter of Ragnow reaching a 2T on a run game with no help, opening a huge hole for Jahmyr Gibbs, who took the carry to the house for a long touchdown run.
Three-time All-Pro Mitchell Schwartz responded to that tweet and said the Lions won't be able to replicate that. While that may not be what fans want to hear, it's something that's the reality of the situation.
You’re not replicating that. There’s a reason when Kyle Shanahan went to Atlanta he took Alex Mack and paid him big bucks. Reaching a frontside nose on outside zone with no help, and without getting pushed into the backfield, is so rare. https://t.co/e0QjLf2Txx
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) June 11, 2025
Lions Have Big Shoes to Fill Replacing Frank Ragnow
There will likely be a competition at center during training camp between Graham Glasgow and Michael Niese. Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier could also see snaps at center, but no matter who suits up, they will have big shoes to fill.
Ragnow was a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time Second-Team All-Pro during his seven-year career with Detroit. He was a physical and strong run blocker, which was the bread and butter of the Lions' offense. Ragnow finished with a 90 run-blocking grade on PFF in three of the last four years.
The Lions gave him a lot of responsibility, and he excelled in them. What Ragnow was able to take off the plate of other players around him is an underrated element that fans may not think of.
Training camp will be the first chance to see who could be in line to start at center in 2025. Ragnow's retirement came as a surprise, and it'll be interesting to see who steps up in his absence.