The Detroit Lions were rocked by news that veteran center Frank Ragnow would be retiring before the 2025 season, leaving many wondering if the team was prepared for such a development.
When looking back at the draft strategy from a few months ago, it's become clear that the Lions were considering such a possibility. At the time, many wondered why Detroit would add two interior linemen. Clearly, it was with designs on one taking over at center.
Early on, most buzz has centered around Tate Ratledge becoming Ragnow's replacement, but Frazier also can't be discounted due to his abilities. The Lions traded up in the fifth-round to nab the LSU guard, and he enjoyed a fantastic senior season by allowing no sacks in 2024.
With that stat in mind, Frazier has shown physical tools to succeed on the interior, and if the franchise believes he has the savvy to learn center, the Lions can develop him in the inverse mold of Graham Glasgow, a veteran who moved outside to play guard in spite of having started at center in college.
Glasgow has proven valuable to the Lions the last few seasons, and Frazier could have the same career trajectory and impact. No matter what happens, Frazier isn't to be taken lightly in the competition despite his rookie status.
Brad Holmes quickly touted Miles Frazier's versatility after draft
No matter who becomes the center, there's going to be a role for every young player this season. If Frazier doesn't earn the start in the middle of the line, he will still be counted on to provide critical depth. Given how injuries play out, that means he could see significant action in 2025.
After the draft, Holmes seemed to understand that possibility, speaking with SiriusXM NFL Radio about why a combo of Ratledge and Frazier appealed greatly to the Lions during the scouting process.
"They're thick. They play like how we want to play. Those guys are tough, they're physical, they're big. They're both really big guys. That kind of fits along with how we want to play and have our offensive line look. The other thing about both of those guys that may not be talked about as much, they both have position versatility. So that's where the real value comes with both of those guys. Being able to land those two guys, again, we wanted to improve our depth but also create legit competition at the starting line."
From the start, it was never about just one player, but rather the combo of Ratledge and Frazier. While one may seem to be generating more attention now, rest assured the other will still end up making a major statement for Detroit's offensive line this season.
