Pro Football Focus ranked the Offensive Line 10th best in the NFL last year. 5th in pass protection 22nd in run blocking. Jeff Backus was the best run blocker. Cherlius the worst rated lineman. Football Outsiders ranked thelLine 32nd in the NFL for clearing the way for our running backs. QB Matthew Stafford has hit 86 times, 5th most in the NFL.
Tackles
Jeff Backus
Backus signed on for two more years. Last season, Backus played well and was actually the highest rated run blocker for the Lions. He ranked 13th for the most busted blocks and 11th in penalities with 9. Coming off a torn biceps he seems he has recovered well. He took part in OTAs and mini camp. The question how long until Reiff takes over?
Michigan 49 GS
Gosder Cherlius
A decent pass protector, he struggles in the run game. This is his make it or break it year. He is healthy and on the last year of contract.
Boston College 51 starts
Jason Fox
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| Fox and the Killer |
The often injured Jason Fox is injured again. A durable lineman at Miami (47 starts) until late in his senior year, he has yet to stay healthy as a pro. He practiced at right tackle during OTAs and then missed mini camp.
Riley Reiff
Rookie 1st round pick from Iowa 37 starts
Reiff and Backus clone with feet comes to Detroit with high expectations. Short armed and lacking pop, Reiff's strength is his movement. Will he be a left or right tackle? This year or next? He worked at left tackle during mini camp and drew praise from the coaches.
Johnny Culbreath
2nd year Spent 2011 on Injured Reserve.
Unlikely to catch on. Maybe a practice squad guy but doubt it.
South Carolina State 47 g 44 starts
Corey Hilliard
A solid swing player with experience as a tackle for the Lions. He started the final four games at right tackle (all wins) in 2010 and 1 game in 2011 (a win). He can play guard and is on the last year on his contract ($1.25 mil).
Colts 5 games
Oklahoma State: 46 g 43 starts
Guards
Stephen Peterman
Peterman improved his play from the beginning of 2010. His health has returned and his play was steady. Unlikely to be replaced this year.
Cowboys 3 games
LSU 48 g 35 gs
Rob Sims
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| Sims emerges from the buffet |
Sims has bulked up this off season to combat the bigger defensive tackles. He graded as the best lineman last season but still was a little disappointing.
Seahawks 45 g 34 gs
Ohio State 47 g 40 gs
Dylan Gandy
8th year 47 games 5 starts
A swing guard-center who has backed up Dom since 2009. The Lions have not drafted a player to challenge him. Took 2nd center reps at the OTA.
Texas Tech 20 Starts
Jacques McClendon
3rd year Practice Squad
Claimed off the waiver wire from the Colts after camp last season. Was on the 53 man roster for 4 games (all wins) placed on the practice squad the rest of the year. Strong with some experience but can he play center?
Tennessee 26 starts
Rodney Austin
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| Reiff and #74 Austin |
Austin was given a draftable grade until and injury ended his senior year. He is listed as a center-guard. I did not see him take any center reps at the OTA. Possible practice squad if he can play center.
J.C. Oram
Rookie UDFA Weber State 48 g 47 GS
Strong guard with limited upside if he cannot play center. Is a possible practice squad guy.
Center
Dominic Raiola
Dom returns to man the center position for the 11th year. Small but smart he is limited the running game but a solid pass protector. No one has been drafted to challenge him, ever.
Dan Gerberry
4th year Ball State 50 career starts in college
3 year member of the practice squad, who was on the active roster for two games in 2009. He plays both center and guard and has a shot to beat out Gandy. He is out of practice squad eligibility.
Center Dom
Guards Pete, Sims
Tackle Backus, Gos
Backups Fox, Hilliard, Gandy, Reiff
Practice Squad: Austin
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