news report: Its the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life” says Frank Ragnow after what happened in..
From the minute he was chosen in the first round of the 2018 draft, Frank Ragnow has been an integral part of the offensive line for the Detroit Lions. After starting as Detroit’s starting left guard in the beginning, Ragnow has developed into one of the best centers in the league by anchoring the interior of the Lions’ offensive line since 2019. With the exception of a 2021 season marred by injuries, he has started at least 14 games in each of his six NFL seasons. Additionally, since moving to center in 2019, the Arkansas product has earned three visits to the Pro Bowl, continuously achieved strong Pro Football Focus run-blocking scores (never below 78.2), and never allowed more than two sacks in a season. Furthermore, he created one of this past season, his finest years. Ragnow recorded a career-best PFF run-blocking percentage (91.3) and overall grade (88.8) in a career-high 1,190 snaps at center. In addition, he contributed significantly to the Lions’ 2023 top-five rushing assault. He made it possible for Detroit’s rushing game, spearheaded by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, to amass the fifth-highest yards (2,311), touchdown totals (27) and yards-per-carry average (4.6) in the NFL.
Ragnow, who will turn 28 this season, is still regarded as a premier center and was recently listed as the eighth-best interior lineman by ESPN.com. The large lineman ranked No. 10 among interior linemen on ESPN.com throughout the offseason. “Ragnow has exhibited a modest decrease in the eyes of evaluators, but he’s still regarded a blue-chip player,” said Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. At the line of scrimmage, Ragnow is an outstanding communicator who aids one of the NFL’s top offenses in staying organized each play. With Ragnow and All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell, the Lions offensive line should rank among the top units in the NFL by 2024. According to an NFL scout (via ESPN), “Would choose others over physically at this moment, but he’s still among our best 5–6 inside players right now, in my opinion. If Ragnow is healthy, this upcoming season should see him have another extremely productive Pro Bowl campaign.