Detroit Lions: Early rounds help re-shape offense in 2018 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions dedicated their first two 2018 NFL Draft picks toward creating a balance offense, adding Frank Ragnow and Kerryon Johnson to the mix.

If you didn’t know a lot about former Arkansas center Frank Ragnow prior to the opening round of the 2018 NFL Draft, you likely aren’t alone in that distinction. However, that didn’t deter the Detroit Lions from selecting him with the 20th overall pick of the league’s annual extravaganza.

Indeed, there were arguably better players on the board, but Ragnow was rated as one of the draft’s top centers and likely would have been in consideration for the Cincinnati Bengals one pick later.

In fact, Ragnow’s final two collegiate seasons were two of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded campaigns by a center in the site’s history:

The move goes a long way to solidifying the offensive line both in terms of improving Matthew Stafford‘s pass-protection and building a successful running game. The move will help establish a solid interior line with Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, and T.J. Lang in the mix. Ragnow can play center or guard and his versatility will be a bonus to the unit.

The move didn’t come with the same flash as taking an exciting skill player or a playmaking defensive back, but games are often one along the lines. This pick brings the Lions one step closer to establishing the sort of offense that they have long desired.

However, the Lions did make a much flashier move on day two. The team’s selection of former Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson was a clear indicator of a new commitment to running the football effectively.

The team liked Johnson enough to trade up eight spots to land the 2017 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and clearly has big plans for him. While he joins a crowded backfield that features Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, and free agent signing LeGarrette Blount, Johnson should emerge as the team’s top backfield option in short order.

Stafford has emerged as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL and he has a talented stable of pass-catchers, but with an improved offense line and potentially revitalized running game, the Lions should be more balanced on offense in 2018. While the franchise averaged a league-worst 76.3 yards on the ground per contest, that number should increase considerably next season.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick

While two draft picks certainly won’t completely change the franchise on their own, it’s clear what the Lions are trying to accomplish and what their offensive philosophy is going to be under new head coach Matt Patricia. Ragnow and Johnson are two pieces of a complex puzzle, but the future is bright in the Motor City.