Addressing The Elephant In The Room

When you think of the current day Detroit Lions, what comes to mind? A high-powered offense, kneecaps being taken, Ja-red Goff… Ja-red Goff…, and the best offensive line in the league. Bully ball is engrained into the DNA of the Lions, and for good reason. Brad Holmes has spent the last few years assembling the trenches of nightmares for defensive coordinators across the league. However, there is a glaring red flag on this formidable offense that could continue to get in the way of the team chasing a Super Bowl. His name? Graham Glasgow. 

The former Wolverine was selected in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions and has spent the majority of his career in Detroit. After a brief stint in Denver, Brad Holmes signed the veteran lineman in 2023 to a 3-year, $20,000,000 deal. Which at the time, was warranted. At Right Guard, Glasgow was playing at an All-Pro level. In 2023, he had a 82.1 run block grade according to PFF.com and a 75.1 offensive grade. 

However, this past off-season the Lions signed Kevin Zeitler and would move Graham over to Left Guard, where he is more inexperienced- albeit not that much, but it’s definitely not his preferred position. This would show up in his film this past season when he would pull in a below-average offense, run-block, and pass-block grade, according to PFF.com. Some of his worst performances would show up at the most crucial times as well. In week 15 against Buffalo, Graham allowed a season-high 2 sacks and allowed Goff to be pressured 11 times. In the Lions lone playoff game against Washington, Graham allowed 1 sack and Goff to be pressured 9 times. His two lowest grades all year, came at the worst time. 

Now despite all of his struggles last season, I don’t think Glasgow is a bad player by any means. I just think it may be time for the Lions to start looking else where to assure themselves that this offensive line continues to dominate moving forward. I think it also is worth mentioning that I don’t necessarily want them to release Graham, as I still think he can be a valuable veteran presence on this young team. Will all of that being said, this leaves them with a few options…

Option #1: Draft Your Left Guard of the Future

There are a few names on the current NFL Draft big board that stick out to me, The first of which is Tyler Booker. The consensus #1 Guard in the NFL draft from Alabama, stands 6’ 5” and weighs 325 lbs. Booker split snaps at LG and RG for the Tide last season and allowed 0 sacks in 2024. He’s currently valued as a 2nd-3rd round pick and could fall to the Lions at 60 in the 2nd round. 

Another name that would get Lions fans excited is Grey Zabel. Despite being viewed as a Tackle, Zabel also player 150+ snaps at Left Guard for North Dakota State in 2024. He’s experienced all over the offensive line, and had an impressive 90.4 overall grade according to PFF.com last season. In my opinion, he mimics All-Pro Lion, Penei Sewell, in that for what he lacks in size and strength, he makes up for in speed and explosiveness. He’s a gritty, hard-nosed kid who’s willing to wear many hats for his team. 

Option #2: Sign a Left Guard in Free Agency

Assuming the Lions resign Kevin Zeitler to solidify the Right Guard position, the Lions could look for a Glasgow replacement on the Free Agent market. As it stands right now, there are three names that the Lions will have to keep an eye on - Teven Jenkins, Patrick Mekari, Aaron Banks. 

Former Chicago Bear, Teven Jenkins, may end up signing else where in order to free up cap space for the Bears in 2025. In 2024, Teven had 74+ grades in run blocking and pass blocking according to PFF.com, despite giving up 4 sacks. This was in large part to how awful the Bears offensive line was as a whole last year. As of now, Teven is projected to sign a 3-year, $40,000,000 deal with his next team, whoever that may be. It may be a bit too pricy for Brad Holmes and company.

Patrick Mekari could be an interesting signing for the Lions if they wish to pursue him. Another former Raven, who played multiple positions on the line in 2024 while filling in for injured teammates. However, the Ravens have a bit of depth at the Left Guard position with Andrew Vorhees, who only lost his starting position to Mekari due to an ankle injury in the beginning of the season. 

Another guard on a team with some depth is Aaron Banks, who was the former 48th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 49ers have two offensive lineman solidified on their roster and 5 free agents hitting the market in the off-season. Banks may end up being the odd man out when all is said and done, however that may end up benefiting a team like the Lions. Aaron was an above-average run blocker last season and only allowed 1 sack. 

Option #3: It’s Mahogany Time, Baby!  

Brad Holmes does it again! The 6th round pick out of Boston College played 144 snaps last season, including starting at Right Guard for the Lions against the Commanders in the playoffs. The rookie (who looked more like a seasoned vet) put up a 92.2 offensive grade and 91.9 run block grade against a solid Commanders pass rush. It may be time to give Mahogany the reins at Left Guard, start Zeitler at Right Guard, and have Graham float along the offensive line to fill in where he’s needed. 

I think there are a ton of reasons as to why the team shouldn’t move on from Glasgow quite yet, one of which is the simple reason that injuries aren’t convenient. They come at the worst times and this team has learned that you need to have depth if you want to win. If the team doesn’t wish to bring Kevin Zeitler back in 2025, then it also may be worth it to move Graham back over to Right Guard and give him another shot. It’s worth noting that his health in 2024 could have played a factor in his below-average performance.