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How does KC Chiefs offensive line rank against other NFL teams?

By Logan Lazarczyk

Nov 1, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) blocks on a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) blocks on a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) waits for the snap from center Frank Ragnow (77) during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) waits for the snap from center Frank Ragnow (77) during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Detroit Lions

The Lions hired Dan Campbell as their head coach earlier in the offseason, and he talked about “biting the kneecaps off of opponents.” Well, that will start with the offensive line this season, a group that should be viewed as a top unit in the league heading into the season.

Last season, Detroit’s offensive line took another step forward when Frank Ragnow and Taylor Decker continued to develop and prosper. Ragnow’s play in 2020 earned him a four-year, $70 million extension this offseason. Ragnow was given a 80.3 PFF grade in 2020, ranking second among centers, and it came behind career-high grades in pass protection and run blocking.

Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, Detroit had so many needs and many expected Detroit to trade out of the seventh spot. However, a lineman was sitting at seven that was suggested to go at five to Cincinnati to protect their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals elected to pick wide receiver Ja’marr Chase out of LSU to pair with Burrow, a duo in college that combined for 20 touchdowns. The Lions quickly turned in their card with Penei Sewell as their selection. Sewell is a generational talent at the left tackle position, and could make an immediate impact for the Lions this season.

Detroit acquired quarterback Jared Goff and two first-round picks for Matthew Stafford early in the offseason. One thing that Goff needs to succeed in the NFL is protection. It is clear that Goff struggles with mobility and needs a clean pocket to function as a quarterback. The Lions have built an offensive line that should do just that.

The offensive line play was, at times, a little shaky, but Ragnow and Decker were able to stabilize the group. The Lions will hope for Jonah Jackson to make a second-year jump in the 2021 season to help take this highly-skilled unit to another level.

Projected Starting Offensive Line:

  • LT – Taylor Decker
  • LG – Jonah Jackson
  • C – Frank Ragnow
  • RG – Logan Stenberg
  • RT – Penei Sewell
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