Powers-Johnson Honored to Potentially Join Lions
The Detroit Lions added a franchise cornerstone in the first Draft under the leadership of general manager Brad Holmes. In Penei Sewell, the Lions picked a player who has quickly become one of the best offensive tackles in the league.
In three years since being drafted out of Oregon, Sewell has already ascended to All-Pro status.
Now, in Holmes' fourth year as GM, the Lions could seek out offensive line help in the form of another Oregon standout. Jackson Powers-Johnson is viewed as one of the best offensive line prospects in the Draft and the highest-rated player at the center position.
Powers-Johnson was asked during his media availability Saturday at the NFL Combine about what it would mean to join the Lions' organization.
"It's huge just knowing that you're going to an organization that has a great offensive line and a great team," Powers-Johnson said. "I mean, it's humbling seeing, humbling to even think I could be a part of something like that. Especially having a guy like, number 58, Penei Sewell, a guy coming from Oregon. It's a cool scene, and I'm really honored to even be in the conversation."
The Lions have one of the league's best offensive lines, boasting Sewell and Taylor Decker at tackle and Frank Ragnow at center. Both starting guards, Graham Glasgow and Jonah Jackson, are set to be free agents this offseason.
With question marks at both guard positions, the Lions are rumored to be in the market for young offensive line help. While Ragnow currently occupies the center position, scouts project that Powers-Johnson will have very little issue sliding to the guard position.
Additionally, Ragnow dealt with a multitude of injuries last season and the Oregon product would be solid depth.
Detroit has built a strong offensive line through the Draft, and adding another in that medium would fit the precedent set by Holmes.
Lions meet with versatile BYU OL
The Lions had a formal interview with BYU offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia at the Combine, per reports Saturday.
Suamataia has the ability to play both the guard and tackle positions and has ties to the Lions, as he is the cousin of Sewell.
