As the Detroit Lions prepare for the 2025 NFL season, the team’s offensive line faces significant changes that could impact its performance. With Graham Glasgow shifting from guard to center and the potential emergence of Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge as starters, the Lions are working diligently to establish a solid foundation.
Detroit fielded a franchise-best 15-win season, going a historic 15-2 in 2024. The offseason has really given us some challenges to work through. In June, we experienced the surprise retirement of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signed with the Tennessee Titans. Coach Dan Campbell and the rest of the coaching staff now face the task of rebuilding a crucial part of their roster.
Glasgow is one of the more veteran players willing to make that jump. He’ll step into the starting center role and receive the bulk of the first-team reps. This transition could prove significant, especially given quarterback Jared Goff’s struggles when under duress. Last season, Goff saw the 2nd-biggest drop in his Quarterback Rating (QBR) when pressured. That drop was the second largest in the league relative to his numbers in a clean pocket.
To beef up the o-line, Detroit has pegged starters to start the year. Penei Sewell, a two-time All-Pro right tackle in his fifth NFL season will remain an anchor on that right side. For one, he’s talked repeatedly about not lowering the bar for anyone on the team, saying,
“The standard’s the standard, regardless of who comes in. And that standard never changes for anybody. You’ve got to come in knowing that.” – Penei Sewell
Ratledge is apparently lined up at right guard with Mahogany at left. Taylor Decker, one of the league’s top left tackles, will stay there, rounding out the new-look line.
Line coach Hank Fraley — with no intention of jinxing his group — said he was excited by the promise the team’s youth holds. While he recognized the changes, he focused more on the need for hard work and approach to prevail upon success.
“It’s a great challenge; we’ve gotten younger and that’s good. It’s a young man’s game, too, sometimes and us old guys wanna hang on as long as we can play it,” – Hank Fraley
Fraley underscored that the group is a work in progress. They need to deliver in order to live up to the quality pioneered by generations of great players.
“You’ve got to come up and execute to that standard. It’s been in place by the guys before us and it’s our duty and our responsibility to uphold it.” – Penei Sewell
The Lions replaced eight assistant coaches this offseason, with their offensive and defensive coordinator playing the greatest role in this transition. This turnover makes things a bit dicey, though, as they try to cement their new offensive identity.
Even with these difficulties, Fraley is optimistic about where the team is headed. As they start to convert into new positions and new roles and responsibilities, he thinks physicality is something that will shake out.
“That physicality will show itself, but I love the progression where we’re going. It’s hard to see it right now, but it’s going there.” – Hank Fraley
As training camp progresses, all eyes will be on Glasgow as he transitions to his new spot. Mahogany and Ratledge are sure to battle tooth and nail for starting position. The offensive line’s performance will go a long way in deciding how deep into the playoffs Goff and the Lions can contend.
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