The Detroit Lions wrapped up the first round of organized team activities (OTAs) as the coaching staff took a first look at the roster in full. The attendance was impressive for the Lions, with only Frank Ragnow and Alex Anzalone not participating in the offseason workouts.
During Ragnow's absence, the Lions tried different options at center during training reps, according to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy. One of those players was a surprise name: Colby Sorsdal.
"Colby Sorsdal was one of the players repping at center Friday, an interesting development for a player who’ll need to fight for his roster spot this year. Ratledge, Mahogany and Frazier could all pass him on the guard depth chart, so adding center responsibilities could help his chances of sticking around."Colton Pouncy, The Athletic
Lions OL Colby Sorsdal Changes Positions to Keep Job After OTAs
Sorsdal has never previously played center since he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Detroit. He spent time at right tackle and both guard spots when he saw offensive snaps in his rookie season, but this is a new development for the former William & Mary standout.
The positional change makes sense for the third-year player as the Lions have a big logjam at the offensive line.
The O-line was already one of the strongest areas on the team, with Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker having established themselves as some of the best at their positions. The Lions then used two of their first four draft picks on offensive linemen, selecting Tate Ratledge out of Georgia in the second round and Miles Frazier out of LSU in the fifth round.
Considering that Ratledge and Frazier are near locks to make the roster, that doesn't leave too many roster spots available. Graham Glasgow, Dan Skipper, Christian Mahogany, and Giovanni Manu will likely get the rest of the spots on the 53-man roster, leaving the likes of Sorsdal on the outside looking in.
Versatility is the name of the game on the offensive line in today's NFL. The ability to back up multiple positions on the offensive line is a big advantage in earning a roster spot.
Sorsdal proving that he can do a decent job at center in Ragnow's absence would go a long way in making his case to make the active roster. Whether he can beat out stiff competition throughout OTAs and Lions training camp remains to be seen.