The sudden retirement of Detroit Lions star center Frank Ragnow has sparked fresh concerns about whether the team’s offensive line can maintain its dominant form in 2025.
Over the past two NFL Drafts, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has invested heavily in the trenches, adding promising young linemen like Christian Mahogany, Giovanni Manu, Tate Ratledge, and Miles Frazier. Despite this influx of talent, some analysts believe the group could experience growing pains this season.
In a recent feature listing major question marks for all 32 NFL teams, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic singled out Detroit’s offensive line as a potential trouble spot. He noted that the unit, once considered among the NFL’s best, is entering a period of transition. Alongside Ragnow’s retirement, veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who played at a Pro Bowl level last season, departed in free agency. Left tackle Taylor Decker and guard Graham Glasgow are also entering the season at 32 and 33 years old, respectively.
“There’s reason to feel good about Detroit’s offensive line, despite these developments,” wrote Pouncy. “Penei Sewell is still here, and the team has added a trio of young interior linemen in Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge, and Miles Frazier. They represent the next wave. But there could be growing pains along the way.”
Sewell remains a cornerstone at right tackle, and Mahogany impressed late in the 2024 season. But without Ragnow anchoring the middle and with a shifting lineup, offensive line coach Hank Fraley faces a significant challenge in getting the group to jell quickly.
The Lions will need their revamped offensive front to come together if they hope to push deeper into the playoffs this season. The question is whether the youthful unit can execute at a level high enough to protect quarterback Jared Goff and sustain the team’s momentum.
Cracks in the Wall? Analyst Flags Growing Pains for Lions’ Offensive Line
