When Pro Football focus released its top 101 NFL players for the 2016 season, Matthew Stafford was the only representative from the Lions.
The quarterback, who wrapped up hi eighth season, was ranked 99th overall.
A quick look at other playoff teams revealed that (no surprise) the New England Patriots had five on the list including Tom Brady at No. 1 and both their left tackle Nate Solder and right tackle Marcus Cannon.
The Green Bay Packers had six on the list including quarterback Aaron Rodgers and left tackle David Bakhtiari and right tackle Bryan Bulaga.
Sense a theme?
Five things to know about the Lions offensive line as it stands now:
1. While the quarterback is key to success so is the offensive line. If the Lions are to take the next step and win a playoff game, the offensive line has to improve. Most of the key elements are in place but certainly GM Bob Quinn will look for upgrades and/or depth in free agency and the draft. Right tackle Riley Reiff and right guard Larry Warford can become free agents if not re-signed. Three of Quinn’s first five draft picks in 2016 were offensive linemen.
2. It’s not a situation where it will necessarily be Reiff or Warford who returns. For the right money they could bring back both. Warford improved in 2016 and was given the line’s best pass blocking and run blocking grades by Pro Football Focus. Reiff seemed to perform better after he was moved to the right side. He could try to market himself in free agency as a left tackle. He’s expected to sign for $6 million to $8 million per year. Warford said he wants to return but the money must be right. He could be in big demand on the open market. If Warford leaves, Laken Tomlinson could get the start at right guard. Also, Joe Dahl, a rookie last season, could be in the mix. Warford has said that Dahl is ready to star.
3. Tomlinson was benched from his starting role at left guard last season after rookie Graham Glasgow performed better at the position. The Lions haven’t given up on Tomlinson, a first-round pick in 2015. Glasgow was drafted to battle Travis Swanson for the start at center. Swanson held onto his job and Glasgow’s versatility was huge when Swanson was briefly injured in 2015.
4. They are set at left tackle with Taylor Decker who received the top grade on the Lions offensive line from Pro Football Focus, nothing his run block and pass protection skills. When he was drafted in the first round the Lions were coy about where he would he play. From the start of training camp, he owned the left tackle position. He’s signed through 2019 with a club option in 2020. PHOTOS FROM DECKER’S ROOKIE SEASON
5. Left guard is a bit of a conundrum. Tomlinson started early in the season with Glasgow eventually taking over. Both are signed for 2017. Look for an offseason battle on who will earn the start and, if Warford leaves, who will move to right guard. Would give the early edge at left guard to Glasgow who played well alongside fellow rookie Decker.
