5 Offensive Linemen Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine
The offensive line is the area of most intrigue for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2024 offseason.
Both starting guards, Jonah Jackson and Graham Glasgow, are set to be unrestricted free agents. Left tackle Taylor Decker is heading into a contract year, while Penei Sewell will likely command a hefty extension.
Center Frank Ragnow is also in an interesting spot, after battling through numerous injuries to remain a steady piece in the middle of the line.
With decisions to make at both guard spots, Lions general manager Brad Holmes is tasked with either retaining his experienced options or seeking out solutions elsewhere.
The NFL Draft offers a solid crop of interior linemen, and the upcoming scouting combine offers an opportunity for evaluators to get an up-close look at their athletic abilities.
Here are five offensive linemen the Lions should watch at the NFL combine, which begins Tuesday.
Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Frazier is one of multiple centers that is projected to have the ability to slide to either guard spot. He also has an intriguing athletic background that will be appealing to evaluators.
He is a punishing blocker, and his physicality can be tied to a high school wrestling career, in which he won three state titles and lost just twice in four years on the mat.
Frazier showed an ability to pull from the center position that will translate to the professional level. He has sound feet and strong hands that allow him to slow down blitzers.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Powers-Johnson is considered to be the top center prospect in the Draft, but is certainly athletic enough to play guard. He was among the top standouts
The reigning Rimington Award winner finished the 2023 season with a 85.2 run-blocking grade and an 84.3 overall offensive grade, via Pro Football Focus. He was ultra-effective for a high-powered Oregon offense.
A unanimous All-American, Powers-Johnson is capable of enforcing his will in both facets of his blocks. Be it in the run or pass games, he displays an impressive ability to finish blocks and get downfield in the run game.
Mason McCormick, South Dakota State
McCormick is among the most enticing small-school prospects in this year's Draft, hailing from FCS-level South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits played a run-oriented style, led by Isaiah Davis, and McCormick was a big part of their success.
A left guard at the college level, he was a first-team All-America selection at the FCS level. He showed his physicality and used his strength to move defenders and pave run lanes for Davis, who is also projected to be a draft pick in April.
The combine will be a big opportunity for McCormick, who can prove that his athleticism is on par with the best at his position.
Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Despite the struggles of Boston College in 2023, the Eagles had one of the top guard prospects in Mahogany. He finished the season with an 82.2 PFF pass-blocking grade, and didn't allow a single sack.
He's a physical, violent player that seems to take pride in dominating opponents. On tape, he uses his strength to physically overwhelm his assignments. He can still develop in some areas, though, including with his footwork.
Watching Mahogany, one gets a feel for his abilities as an asset in the Eagles' screen game, as well as a downfield blocker. How he tests at the combine will be very intriguing.
Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
Beebe was considered to be one of the higher-rated prospects in last year's draft before returning to school. He managed to have a solid final season with the Wildcats in 2023.
He also has some versatility, as he started at multiple positions over his career with the Wildcats. Beebe was thrust into action at right tackle for two games last season, before returning to his natural left guard position.
Beebe finished the campaign with a 90.4 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. Despite being an older member of the class, he has the chance to continue rising with a strong showing at the combine.
