The Detroit Lions have made several major acquisitions in free agency, filling defensive deficiencies and increasing offensive depth.
The strategy could pay off in the NFL Draft, with a recent report indicating that the Lions may take advantage of the opportunity to draft a high-potential player who can ease his way into the game. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy predicted that the Lions would select Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, who has risen up draft boards following an All-American season and may be a nice match for Detroit’s offense.
Lions Building Offensive Line of the Future
Pouncy suggested that the Lions, with no glaring roster needs thanks to the diligent work of general manager Brad Holmes this offseason, could use their first-round pick to start preparing for the future. He suggested that Powers-Johnson could have the chance to develop in his rookie season and then slide into a bigger role later.
“The Lions want to keep their offensive line elite, and Powers-Johnson happened to be one of the best players available at 29,” Pouncy noted in an email. “With RG Kevin Zeitler on a one-year deal and Frank Ragnow’s injury history to mind, the Lions might have Powers-Johnson learn from veterans as a rookie before taking over as a starting guard in 2025, eventually slipping over to center when Ragnow retires. There is a lot to enjoy about his game and makeup. “He fits what the Lions are looking for.”
The Lions had a well-balanced offense, with rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and veteran David Montgomery playing significant roles in the running game. The team could chose to invest more in their offensive line in the draft to strengthen their run game.
In its pre-draft study, Bleacher Report praised Powers-Johnson as a “explosive and powerful” run blocker who thrived in Oregon’s run-heavy offense. The study also underlined his relative inexperience, starting only one season in college but having a significant impact in his breakout season in 2023.
“Overall, Powers-Johnson is a young, inexperienced prospect who burst onto the scene this season as a first-time starter thanks to his elite blend of size, athletic ability, power and toughness that he used to dominate competition,” the report noted.
Lions Add Pro-Bowl Lineman
The Lions have already taken moves to strengthen their offensive line, acquiring Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler to compensate for the departure of Jona Jackson, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams. According to ESPN, Zeitler, 34, will sign a one-year contract with Detroit.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit News, the Lions have brought back another key player from 2023 and may be shuffling around some of their pieces next season.
“The Lions re-signed Graham Glasgow, their primary starting right guard last season, at the start of free agency, but could shuffle personnel on their line in 2024,” he said. “Glasgow can play all three inside line positions. The Lions also welcome back center Frank Ragnow and tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.”
