The Detroit Lions suddenly have a major hole on their offensive line, with Frank Ragnow announcing his retirement earlier this week. The veteran center had been a multiple time Pro Bowler and All Pro for the Lions since being drafted by them in 2018, but decided to step away from the game after an injury-riddled career.
While Ragnow steps away, new questions now arise for the Lions as it pertains to their moves at center moving forward. They did draft a potential answer at center in Tate Ratledge, who has been taking reps at center in OTAs. But, a more fitting answer would likely be Graham Glasgow, who is currently a guard for Detroit but has played center in the past for the Denver Broncos.
Glasgow wasn't stellar at center with Denver, but the fact that he has live game reps at the position certainly gives him an edge over Ragnow. And, given this tweet shared by The Athletic's Colton Pouncy about the love head coach Dan Campbell has for Glasgow as a versatile O-lineman, it seems like the team might lean on Glasgow to take the reins from Ragnow once the year begins.
"Graham's somebody that we still value because he's got versatility. ...He can also play center. I think people forget that some. Man, he can do an excellent job at center. ...So, yeah, we have confidence in him," shared Campbell.
Glasgow feels like shoo-in to replace Ragnow at center
Glasgow finished up 2024 with an overall PFF grade of 57.9, a run blocking grade of 57.8, and a pass blocking grade of 56.2. These aren't exactly inspiring stats when stacked against someone like Ragnow, who wrapped up what ended up being his final year in the NFL with a PFF grade of 85.3 and a stellar run blocking grade of 90.8.
Glasgow is probably a stop gap option for Detroit, though, as they figure out both if Ratledge could feasibly move over to center full time and allow for Miles Frazier, another rookie, to slide in for him at guard, and figure out who they could potentially get via trade to fill this Ragnow-sized hole.
The O-line for Detroit has suddenly gone from one of the best in the NFL to one of the more average with Ragnow's departure. They still have elite linemen like Penei Sewell holding things down, but Jared Goff, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs need better than average to perform to their full potential this season.
