When you look at the 2025 Detroit Lions roster, there’s no shortage of talent. They’ve got an MVP-caliber quarterback in Jared Goff, elite weapons in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, and a defense loaded with playmakers like Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, and Kerby Joseph. On paper, this is a Super Bowl contender.
But there’s one glaring question mark that could determine whether Detroit fulfills its championship potential, or falls short: the interior of the offensive line.
Detroit Lions training camp player returns Dan Jackson injured reserve Morice Norris injury Detroit Lions offensive line changes
The Biggest Change of All
The Lions’ offense has been a juggernaut in recent years, in large part because of a dominant offensive line that could bulldoze opponents and keep Goff clean. That foundation has been shaken this offseason.
First came the free-agency departure of Kevin Zeitler, the steady veteran at right guard. Then, the bombshell: Frank Ragnow, one of the best centers in the league, announced his retirement just before training camp opened.
Those two losses would have been enough to disrupt any team, but Detroit’s shuffle didn’t stop there.
John Morton Steps In
It’s not just the personnel on the field that has changed, it’s also the man calling the plays. Former Broncos assistant John Morton has taken over as offensive coordinator after Ben Johnson left to coach the Chicago Bears.
Morton inherits a unit with sky-high potential but one that will be breaking in a brand-new interior trio.
A Musical Chairs Situation
The original plan was for second-round pick Tate Ratledge to step in at center, but that experiment didn’t last long. Ratledge has been moved back to his more natural spot at guard, with Graham Glasgow shifting from left guard to center. Rookie Christian Mahogany has taken over at right guard.
In short, every single interior offensive line position will have a new starter, and two of them have little to no NFL experience.
Graham Glasgow Detroit Lions Graham Glasgow Reveals Injury
Why It Matters
Everything the Lions want to do offensively, from Goff’s accurate passing to Gibbs’ explosive runs, starts with the big men up front. If the interior can hold its own, Detroit can keep its high-powered attack rolling. But if the protection collapses, the ripple effect could stall drives and make the offense far less dangerous.
Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions don’t need this group to be perfect right away, they just need them to grow up fast. If Glasgow, Ratledge, and Mahogany can gel and protect Goff the way Ragnow and Zeitler once did, Detroit could very well be playing in February.
If they can clear this one big hurdle? They’ll be golden.