Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes seemingly just confirmed the franchise plans to bring Tate Rutledge back into the fold, and potentially move him to center. While speaking with the media on Tuesday, Holmes said, via ESPN's Eric Woodyard, “There’s still promise for Tate to move in that position."
If Rutledge moves back to center, there will be an opening at right guard. Graham Glasgow gave the center spot a go during the 2025 season, but the Lions' financial situation will likely make him a cap casualty candidate. With Rutledge offering his skill set to fill a bigger hole, RG now needs someone to step up.
Why not Miles Frazier? Though he was a fifth-round pick last April, Frazier was a Day 2 talent on most draftboards. His bad luck continued beyond the draft, with a rookie camp knee injury costing him the entire training camp and preseason, and nine games of the regular season on the PUP list.
The Lions are certain to give him a shot this coming year, barring a surprising focus on the position at the draft. One would think the tackle positions and/or attacking the edge would be bigger focuses, considering the team drafted Frazier and Giovanni Manu -- who is primarily a tackle but whose best skill is run-blocking, making him a better fit at RG than LG -- the past two years.
Lions OL Coach Hank Fraley is a Big Fan of Miles Frazier
Frazier has fans in high places, which seemingly bodes well for his ability to stay relevant as he continues to battle for snaps at RG. One of those fans is OL coach Hank Fraley, who referred to Frazier as a winning player this past December.
"He’s shown in practice that he has the ability to play for us and help us win. That’s why he’s in there — it’s not just to get a look. He did a nice job," Fraley said, via 97.1 The Ticket.
Of course, as much of a fan Fraley is, and although the seas seem to part for him, Frazier is going to have to battle for that starting RG spot. The undrafted free agent class and the NFL's veteran free-agent class will offer competition. Holmes knows his job depends on stacking depth this offseason and making sure this team can overcome injuries.
Still, it's hard not to think Frazier has a legitimate chance to start after not having those opportunities last year.