By Sunday 
Sometimes the biggest stories in the NFL aren’t the flashy headline moves. They’re the quiet additions tucked inside a larger trade — the kind of move that only reveals its value months later.
That may be exactly what the are hoping for after acquiring offensive lineman in the trade that sent running back to the .
While most fans will understandably focus on the draft picks Detroit received, Scruggs might quietly be one of the more intriguing pieces of the deal.
A Player With Untapped Potential
Scruggs entered the NFL with plenty of hype. The former standout was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft and was expected to develop into a strong interior offensive lineman.
During the pre-draft process, NFL insider highlighted a scouting report that described Scruggs in memorable terms:
“He plays like a block of granite…”
That kind of toughness is exactly the type of identity head coach loves to build his team around.
Yet despite the early promise, Scruggs’ first NFL stops didn’t quite go as planned. He has appeared in 37 games with 20 starts, mostly at guard, while also gaining valuable experience at center. Still, he has yet to firmly establish himself as a full-time starter.
Now, Detroit could offer him the perfect reset.
Detroit’s Focus on the Trenches
If there’s one thing the Lions have emphasized in recent seasons, it’s building strength up front. Campbell’s philosophy has always revolved around physical football — controlling the line of scrimmage and wearing opponents down.
After depth issues exposed the offensive line last season, Detroit is clearly looking to reinforce the interior.
Scruggs fits that plan perfectly.
His versatility at both guard and center makes him a valuable addition to a roster that needs competition and depth at those exact positions. Even if he doesn’t immediately step into a starting role, he’ll have every opportunity to compete.
And that competition could bring out the best in him.
The Hank Fraley Factor
Perhaps the most important piece of this puzzle is Lions offensive line coach .
Fraley has developed a reputation as one of the NFL’s best offensive line teachers. Over the past few seasons, Detroit has turned overlooked or late-round players into reliable contributors along the front.
That track record makes Scruggs particularly intriguing.
Under Fraley’s guidance, players have rediscovered their potential and carved out meaningful roles. If Scruggs responds to that coaching environment, he could easily become the next success story.
A Chance to Make the Trade Even Better
For Detroit, the primary value of the Montgomery trade may lie in the draft picks they received. But if Scruggs can grow into even a reliable backup — or more — the deal could look even smarter in hindsight.
For Scruggs himself, the situation is even more significant.
Detroit represents a rare second chance in the NFL — an opportunity to rediscover the form that once made him a prized draft selection.
The tools are there. The coaching is there.
Now the rest is up to him.