By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s Trenches in Trouble? New Warning Raises Concerns for Lions’ O-Line
Once considered a league-best, Detroit’s offensive line enters 2025 under a cloud of doubt after key departures and a worrying preseason ranking.
Lions’ Former Fortress Faces Critical Questions
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line, once considered the backbone of one of the NFL’s most physical teams, is suddenly the subject of growing skepticism just months ahead of the 2025 season. Despite a loaded roster and high postseason expectations, Detroit’s ability to protect quarterback Jared Goff and dominate the run game could be compromised by drastic changes up front.
Following the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow and the departure of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, the Lions now face a major test in the trenches. With rookies and mid-round picks slated to fill key starting spots, what was once a strength could quickly become a liability.
PFF Downgrades Lions’ O-Line in Latest Rankings
In a sharp contrast to prior seasons, Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltan Buday dropped Detroit’s offensive line out of the league’s elite, placing them 13th overall — their lowest ranking in recent years.
“Perhaps no unit is expected to drop off more in 2025 than the Lions’ offensive line,” Buday wrote. “The perennial top-10 unit endured several changes this offseason, losing Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler.”
He added that sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany is likely to start at one guard spot, while another rookie may take the opposite side. Despite Penei Sewell remaining one of the NFL’s most dominant right tackles, the interior is viewed as a potential weak link that could hold the group back.
Even more alarming for Lions fans? Detroit now ranks behind NFC rivals like the Eagles, Bears, Vikings, and Falcons — and even the rebuilding Carolina Panthers.
Fraley Embraces Competition, Stays Optimistic
Still, hope is far from lost. Longtime offensive line coach Hank Fraley, widely respected for his ability to develop talent, believes in his unit’s potential — especially once position battles heat up in training camp.
“We’re going to breed competition and I think you’re going to see the best from all these young men going forward,” Fraley said. “Right now I would say we’re in underwear. When those pads come on, they’re really going to separate things.”
His confidence isn’t unfounded. Detroit has a track record of finding gems in unheralded players — and rookies like Tate Ratledge could rise to the occasion.
Will Detroit Rebuild the Wall in Time?
While the warning signs are clear, the Lions’ offensive line isn’t doomed. It’s simply unproven. The mix of youth and unknowns has forced analysts to pump the brakes on high expectations, but if Fraley can coax strong performances from his young linemen, Detroit’s line could quickly reemerge as a force.
The challenge is steep. The stakes are high. And for a team with Super Bowl dreams, protecting the pocket may be the key to unlocking them.