Pro Football Focus Has Two Lions Linemen in the Top 3 at Their Respective Positions

The Lions' offensive line has had its fair share of ups-and-downs, but two linemen continue to stand out

According to Pro Football Focus, the Lions have two of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL. 

Last year's first-round selection Frank Ragnow moved to his natural position of center this year, which explained the move of last year's center Graham Glasgow back to guard.

The offensive line shuffle sure seems to be paying off, as both players are in the top three at their respective positions. 

Ragnow is PFF's top-rated center, and Glasgow is the third-rated guard. 

Here is what PFF has to say about the duo: 

"Ragnow has moved back to center in his second season in the NFL, and the results have been impressive, seeing him produce the highest grade at the position in the NFL through five weeks. He has been stellar as a run blocker, producing a 79.5 run-blocking grade, which is comfortably the best at the position." 

If you remember right, Ragnow holds two of the top three single-season grades ever given out by PFF for a college center.

 

The position swap is not only benefiting Ragnow, but also the fourth-year guard in Glasgow. 

According to PFF, "Glasgow has been just ok in pass protection this season, allowing a hit and eight hurries from 133 pass-blocking snaps. But he has really impressed as a run blocker since kicking back to guard. His 87.7 PFF run-blocking grade trails only (the Colts' Quenton) Nelson at the position, putting him on course for a career year."

There was a bit of concern going into the year as to how the Lions' O-line would hold up. 

Personnel wise, the only change was the departure of Pro Bowl guard T.J. Lang. 

Yes, Lang had his fair share of health issues, but losing him was not exactly addition by subtraction. 

Luckily, left guard Joe Dahl has also been playing at a respectable level this year. His PFF grade makes him the 22nd highest-graded guard in the league.

Detroit's offensive line, as a whole, has been playing better than a year ago, but the team is excelling in the interior mostly due to a simple switch of positions.