The Detroit Lions, by virtually anyone's account, have the best offensive line in the NFL. But injuries led to a lot of different starting five combinations last season, and outside of Penei Sewell it's generally an older group (Taylor Decker, Kevin Zeitler, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow). Ragnow's litany of injuries last year, and ongoing management of a toe injury, can't be ignored.
The Lions' backup offensive lineman had a great showing in the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, most notably in pass protection. But it was a preseason game, and while they're hardly alone around the league the Lions broadly have a depth concern along the offensive line. A tentacle of that for them is a lack of experience behind the five starters, which is also not uncommon around the league.
Through training camp and two preseason games, the Lions have been reshuffling their offensive line depth due to injuries.
Lions urged to take opportunity to add experience to offensive line depth
Anyone, at any position, who is still available right now has some flaws (age, coming off an injury, etc.). But there can still be opportunities out there to add a helpful player. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report pointed to a possibility for Detroit as he assessed each NFC team's biggest needs after Week 2 of the preseason, suggesting offensive lineman Mason Cole as a player to "add now."
"The Lions have suffered a handful of injuries to backup offensive linemen recently and rookie Christian Mahogany has been on the NFI list all training camp, both of which have left the unit pretty thin."
"So, bringing in a veteran such as Cole, who has experience playing all three interior spots, wouldn't be a bad idea even if it is just to get through the next few weeks before the regular season starts."
Cole started every game over the last two seasons at center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that's where he's seen the most action over his six seasons. But he has started games at both guard positions, adding to his utility as a backup interior lineman.
By Pro Football Focus grade, Cole had a down year in 2023 (53.2 overall grade). But he was a top-12 center by overall PFF grade in 2022 (67.1 overall grade), and he's had a run blocking grade of 62.9 or better in four straight seasons. His pass blocking grades have generally not been as good, with four grades below 50 in his six seasons.
In general, the Lions should be looking to add a dose of experience behind their starting five offensive lineman if they can. Cole brings that to the table, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Lions have him on their radar as the season approaches.
