Kentucky offensive lineman Eli Cox has his sights set on the NFL, and he’s been modeling his game after one of the league’s best—Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow.
Speaking at the NFL Combine, Cox praised Ragnow for his toughness and consistency, saying he’s a player he’d love to learn from in the locker room. While he hasn’t had a formal meeting with Detroit yet, he planned to have an informal chat with the team while in Indianapolis.
Cox, a 6-foot-4, 309-pound center, ranked as the sixth-best at his position in the combine and showed impressive athleticism. While his production numbers weren’t as high, he’s seen as a potential developmental player. The Lions aren’t in urgent need of a center with Ragnow still performing at an elite level, but his past injuries make depth at the position something to consider.
Beyond his on-field play, Cox fits the mold of a Dan Campbell-type player. A two-time captain at Kentucky, he emphasized leadership, accountability, and, of course, grit—one of the core values of this Lions team. Whether Detroit takes a chance on him remains to be seen, but his mentality and work ethic certainly fit what the Lions are building.
Kentucky OL Striving to Match the Toughness of Detroit’s Elite Lineman
