The No. 1 strength of this Detroit Lions football team in 2023 was the play of the offensive line. It's hard to rank in the top five in both passing and rushing without the players upfront being versatile and dominant.
Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell are the best center and right tackle in football, and left tackle Taylor Decker is a Pro Bowl caliber player set to return on the final year of his contract. Left guard Jonah Jackson and right guard Graham Glasgow are two of the better guards in football, but both are unrestricted free agents.
This year's NFL Draft has some top-flight tackle talent, several tackle/guard versatile prospects and a handful of interior linemen considered to be instant impact players. Overall, it's a good class with versatility and depth.
With Ragnow, Sewell and Decker under contract for next season, let's focus more on the interior linemen at the Combine given the free-agent status of Jackson and Glasgow.
Top 5 interior offensive linemen to watch at the Combine:
1. Troy Fautanu, Washington, 6-4, 317
Fautanu has starting experience at both tackle and guard, which is why I included him here among the interior players. Some teams will view him as a player who can come in and compete at all five positions upfront. There's no finesse to his game. He's a mauler upfront.
View photos of the offensive line prospects who were invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (78) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 15-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) gets set during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Michigan offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart (52) plays against Indiana in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) lines up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe (50) blocks during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Houston in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Utah offensive lineman Keaton Bills (51) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
National offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini of Wisconsin (63) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Miami offensive lineman Javion Cohen (70) blocks while quarterback Tyler Van Dyke (9) takes the snap during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
TCU offensive lineman Andrew Coker defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game between TCU and Texas, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas won 29-26. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
TCU offensive lineman Brandon Coleman (77) lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
National offensive lineman Ethan Driskell of Marshall (52) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
National offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun of Florida (65) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
East's Khalid Duke, of Kansas State, and West's Josiah Ezirim, of Eastern Kentucky, face off during the the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) lines up against Utah during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Notre Dame's Blake Fisher (54) lines up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Kentucky offensive lineman Jeremy Flax (77) plays against Ball State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Missouri offensive lineman Javon Foster (76) runs a play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
West Virginia's Zach Frazier (54) is seen against Texas Tech during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak, File)
Maryland offensive lineman Delmar Glaze (74) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Pittsburgh's Matt Goncalves (76) blocks during an NCAA football game against West Virginia on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Central Florida offensive lineman Tylan Grable (71) blocks against Baylor defensive lineman TJ Franklin, left, during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
West's Garret Greenfield, of South Dakota State, participates in the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Tulsa, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
West's CJ Hanson, of Holy Cross, participates in the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
American offensive lineman Christian Haynes of Uconn runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Michigan offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson (73) plays against Indiana in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Texas' Christian Jones (70) blocks against Louisiana-Lafayette during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Ohio State offensive lineman Matthew Jones plays during their NCAA college football Spring game Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Michigan offensive lineman Trente Jones looks to block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan (77) blocks against the East Carolina in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Southern California offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston (52) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John McCoy)
Arkansas offensive lineman Brady Latham (62) blocks Mississippi State linebacker J.P. Purvis (26) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) sets up for a play against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Utah offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea (78) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
West's Matt Lee, of Miami, participates in the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Kansas State offensive lineman KT Leveston (70) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Arkansas offensive lineman Beaux Limmer (55) runs a play against Mississippi State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Boston College offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (73) lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
West's Mason McCormick, of South Dakota State, participates in the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Carolina State offensive lineman Dylan McMahon (54) prepares to snap the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) is shown against South Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Duke offensive lineman Jacob Monk (63) blocks during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
East's Hunter Nourzad, of Penn State, defends against the rush during the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Drake Nugent (60) blocks against UNLV in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Houston offensive lineman Patrick Paul (76) lines up against TCU during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
East's Julian Pearl, of Illinois, jogs off the field during the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
National offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni (67) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. Kansas won 28-21. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
American offensive lineman Andrew Raym of Oklahoma (73) during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Layden Robinson (64) blocks against Sam Houston State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Washington offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten (73) lines up against Utah during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
East's Walter Rouse, of Oklahoma, defends at the line of scrimmage during the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Michigan State center Nick Samac celebrates a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Nebraska, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
BYU offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia, left, defends against Texas Tech defensive lineman E'Maurion Banks (98) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Louisiana offensive lineman Nathan Thomas (50) gets into his stance for a snap during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
LSU offensive lineman Charles Turner III (69) signals on the line during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Georgia offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran (63) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Penn State offensive lineman Caedan Wallace (73) looks to block Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov.11, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) blocks for quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
2. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon, 6-3, 334
Powers-Johnson has experience playing all three interior spots and was one of the players upfront who really stood out along the offensive line. He's a really strong player inside who wins with power and strength.
3. Graham Barton, Duke, 6-5, 315
He played tackle the last three seasons at Duke but was a center before that and most project him to be an interior player first with tackle versatility, if needed. He excels in the run game and plays with great technique that allows him to win in pass pro more than he loses. He's a plug and play inside.
4. Zach Frazier, West Virginia, 6-3, 314
Frazier has really good movement skills for an interior player. He was a four-time wrestling state champion in high school, and it translates into the way he plays football. He's as physical as they come inside, and teams are really going to love that about his game, though some will have concerns with the measurables.
5. Zak Zinter, Michigan, 6-6, 322
Zinter is a tall and versatile interior offensive lineman who was the heart and soul of a dominant Wolverines offensive line that carried them all the way to the National Championship. He started 42 games at Michigan. Teams will take a close look at the medicals because he broke his leg against Ohio State. He'll have to play with good pad level due to his height but his leverage and strength are big assets for him.
Top 3 tackles to watch at the Combine:
1. Joe Alt, Notre Dame, 6-8, 315
Alt was a three-year starter at Notre Dame with prototypical size, strength, and technique. Teams will also love the fact that he'll only be 21 years old during his rookie season. His father, John, was a Pro Bowl tackle and his brother, Mark, played in the NHL. He's the most polished and ready-to-play tackle in the class.
2. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State, 6-6, 320
Fashanu is still a young and developing tackle with all the tools NFL teams look for. He has two years of starting experience under his belt and a really high ceiling to improve his technique with NFL coaching. He was a team captain for the Nittany Lions.
3. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State, 6-6, 334
Fuaga played right tackle but projects to play either side in the pros. He's a dominant run blocker with his combination of size and power. Some teams could also see him at guard, which will improve his value as a combo player.
Combine sleeper to watch: G Mason McCormick, South Dakota State, 6-5, 315
McCormick started at left guard for SDSU but took reps at both guard spots and center at the Shrine Bowl, where he turned some heads in one-on-one drills. He finished his career with 57 straight starts at left guard and didn't allow a sack in 2023, per Pro Football Focus.
View photos of the defensive line prospects who were invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Southern California defensive end Solomon Byrd (51) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John McCoy)
Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (90) sets up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston defensive lineman Nelson Ceaser (9) follows Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
American defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy of Mississippi State (98) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis (13) is blocked by Syracuse offensive lineman J'Onre Reed (50) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Oregon defensive end Brandon Dorlus plays against Stanford during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Alabama defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (92) reacts after tackling Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the second half of the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Utah defensive end Jonah Elliss (83) sacks Florida quarterback Graham Mertz (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Florida State's Braden Fiske sacks North Alabama quarterback Noah Walters during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)
Baylor defensive lineman Gabe Hall (95) works against Central Florida offensive lineman Marcellus Marshall (72) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. lines up during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Michigan defensive end Jaylen Harrell rushes the quarterback during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
American defensive lineman Marcus Harris of Auburn (50) during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac (20) rushes against Indiana tight end Bradley Archer (82) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Washington State defensive end Brennan Jackson against California during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Berkeley, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texas A&M defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson (3) reacts after tackling Mississippi State quarterback Chris Parson during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Stanford quarterback Justin Lamson runs against Notre Dame defensive lineman Javontae Jean-Baptiste (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Arkansas defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat (7) reacts after a big play against BYU during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
American defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson of LSU (99) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) applies pressure against East Carolina in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Mississippi defensive lineman Cedric Johnson (2) looks towards LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Colorado State defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara runs during a play in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Mississippi State running back Keyvone Lee (24) runs upfield against Western Michigan defensive linemen Marshawn Kneeland (99) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 41-28. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
UCLA defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, left, pressures Arizona State quarterback Trenton Bourguet during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Iowa defensive lineman Logan Lee (85) gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 26-16. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
East's Zion Logue, of Georgia, pursues the play during the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Florida State defensive lineman Fabien Lovett pushes past the LSU offense during the second half of an NCAA college football game Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Michigan defensive end Braiden McGregor (17) plays against Rutgers in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II reacts after collecting a sack against TCU during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
North Carolina defensive lineman Myles Murphy (8) tries to tackle Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022 (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton rushes the quarterback during an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Charlotte defensive lineman Eyabi Okie-Anoma plays against Georgia State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (33) plays against Florida State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. plays around the line of scrimmage during an NCAA college football game against Florida Atlantic Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Vanderbilt quarterback Ken Seals (8) and Auburn defensive lineman Justin Rogers (52) dive for a loose ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith (0) rushes off the line during an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Troy linebacker Javon Solomon (6) celebrates a sack against Arkansas State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Troy, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Texas defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat (93) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Miami defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III (56) during an NCAA college football game against Temple, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas (3) rushes during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Washington defensive end Bralen Trice (8) looks towards Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes (16) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Houston defensive lineman David Ugwoegbu (12) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Florida State defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) works against Syracuse offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. (70) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Connecticut's Eric Watts (95) rushes in during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (18) celebrates his sack of Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers (2) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Lions' need at the position: TBD
The fact that free agency in March comes before the draft in April will tell us a lot about how big of a need this is.
Glasgow said after the season both he and the team have mutual interest in him returning in 2024. We didn't get a chance to talk to Jackson after the season, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in his end-of-season presser that his priority is re-signing his own players before spending in free agency and that maintaining a dominant o-line is a priority.
"That's what our team is. I mean, our offensive line, us being able to protect the quarterback and run the football like we do, that's extremely important," Holmes said. "And so, that's definitely going to be one that – that'll be an area that will not be overlooked. As good as it has been in the past, just those points that you've raised, it's definitely going to be a point of emphasis still."
Holmes could look to add a tackle for the future with some versatility to play guard. He could be on the lookout for an interior player with the ability to compete for a starting spot right away, depending on how free agency goes. Do the Lions need to start thinking about the future at center? Either way, continuing to add depth upfront along the offensive line is always smart.
Free agency will decide a lot first when it comes to Detroit's draft needs upfront. Stay tuned.
Key stat: The Lions only surrendered 31 sacks on 646 dropbacks this season (4.8 percent), the fourth best rate in the NFL.
