The Detroit Lions came away with a haul in the 2025 NFL Draft and they’ll be looking to maximize their talents next season. While finding a role for first-round pick Tyleik Williams shouldn’t be too difficult, Detroit may have to get creative with a raw prospect like Tanner TeSlaa.
But while many are looking at how to get better in their current roles, two draft picks will be adapting to new ones, giving the Lions a world of flexibility heading into their rookie seasons.
Lions to Work Rookies Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier at Center
Lions team writer Tim Twentyman wrote about the team’s offseason plans for rookie offensive linemen Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. Ratledge was a second-round selection and Frazier was a fifth-round selection in last month’s NFL Draft, but while both have played at guard for their entire careers, Detroit plans to work them in at center as part of their early training.
“Hank, he’ll cross-train all those guys,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said after the draft. “So, if they’ve only been at guard, he’s going to put a ball between their legs and see if they can snap. But again, Hank’s not going to put somebody in a tough position either, so he’s going to be able to assess if they have the right makeup and mentality and communicative skills.”
Cross-training Ratledge and Frazier isn’t a bad idea. The Lions know that injuries can derail a season after 13 defensive players finished the year on season-ending injured reserve last year and having more options across the offensive line isn’t a bad thing.
While neither player has played center during their collegiate career, Detroit could need that flexibility this season. Frank Ragnow will turn 29 this month, and fellow guard Graham Glasgow will turn 33 in August. Kingsley Eguakun is also slated to begin the year at center, but it’s wise for the Lions to leave no stone unturned as they head into next season.
It establishes the type of depth the Lions will need to compete again in the NFC next season and could be the difference to help them get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl.