The Detroit Lions already have one of the NFL’s top offensive lines, but GM Brad Holmes has made it clear: you can never have too much talent up front. Holmes has often stressed the importance of constantly building the roster, calling the offensive line “the engine” of the team.
This offseason, the Lions lost veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to the Titans, but they’ve been preparing for change. Christian Mahogany, whose rookie year was cut short by illness, is now positioned to claim a starting guard spot after flashing potential late last season. Meanwhile, Graham Glasgow, who struggled after moving to left guard, could end up as a valuable backup across the interior.
Looking at the big picture, Detroit has three starters—Taylor Decker, Glasgow, and Frank Ragnow—who are all 29 or older heading into 2025. That’s why the Lions doubled up in this year’s draft, taking Georgia’s Tate Ratledge in Round 2 and LSU’s Miles Frazier in Round 5.
Ratledge is a natural fit to step in at right guard. But Frazier’s role is even more intriguing.
At LSU, Frazier started 25 games at right guard over two years, but his versatility stands out. He also has experience at left guard, left tackle, and right tackle. Over 1,000 career pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just 19 pressures. That kind of flexibility is a massive asset for the Lions.
Bleacher Report called Frazier the best value pick of Detroit’s draft, noting he could challenge Glasgow or Mahogany for a starting guard job—or even take over at left guard down the line. Some analysts, like Russell Brown of Lions Wire, have gone a step further, suggesting Frazier could eventually move to center, especially as Frank Ragnow’s long-term durability remains a concern.
With offensive line coach Hank Fraley in the mix, Frazier’s development will be worth watching. Whether he ends up at guard or center, the Lions have a fifth-round pick with a starter’s skill set and rare versatility—a potential steal who might play a key role in Detroit’s offensive line for years to come.
Miles Frazier’s Versatility Could Make Him the Lions’ Latest Draft Gem
