Analyzing The Detroit Lions’ Trade of David Montgomery

What The Lions Gain Through the Trade

Juice Scruggs, the former Penn State captain, distinguished himself as a versatile lineman, adept at playing both center and guard ahead of the Draft. When a 2019 car accident left him with a concussion and fractured vertebrae, Scruggs was forced to wear a back brace for eight months. He missed the entire 2019, and part of the 2020 season. However, upon his return, Scruggs’ talent and toughness of character led to him being voted team captain. He also made the 2022 Rimington Trophy watch list.

NFL Draft, analyst Lance Zierlein described the 2023 NFL Draft prospect as “dependable and consistent in carrying out his assignment to the best of his ability…He plays with solid technique and possesses the play strength to hold his own in the middle.” Noting his “strong” 10 1/4 hands and long 33 1/4 arms, Zierlein cited his lack of “foot quickness” and slow reaction times as primary weaknesses.

Although Scruggs was projected as a third or fourth round pick, Houston traded up to acquire the 6’3”, 310 lb. offensive lineman in the second round with the 62nd pick. In exchange, the Texans sent the 65th, 188th, and 230th picks to the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, a preseason injury derailed Houston’s plans for Scruggs. He finally made his 2023 NFL debut in Week 12 as a backup left guard. Throughout his NFL career in Houston, Scruggs did not play a single snap at center.  

In 2025, he earned a 57.7 pass blocking grade from PFF.com. Scruggs didn’t allow a single sack in 351 offensive snaps. However, his low 40.5 run block grade resulted in a dismal overall score of 45.  

Impact of Lions’ Losing Graham Glasgow  

It’s unfortunate that on the same day that Detroit fans were reeling from the announcement of losing their beloved star running back, the Lions simultaneously released Graham Glasgow. In two separate stints with the Lions, the veteran offensive guard spent a total of seven years in Detroit. 

When Frank Ragnow retired ahead of the 2025 season, Glasgow was named the starting center. Taking over for a four-time Pro Bowl center is an unenviable task under the best of conditions. But the situation was made even worse for Glasgow with an inexperienced and frequently injured offensive line. Glasgow struggled at times. Nonetheless, in 873 snaps at center, he recorded a 61.3 PFF pass block grade and an overall 56.8 grade.

The reason for releasing Glasgow was financial. His release nets Detroit an additional $5.6 million of cap space. While Glasgow’s release was overshadowed by Montgomery’s trade, fans nonetheless owe him a debt of gratitude for giving his all in a thankless role under tough circumstances.  

Likely Trade Impact for the Lions 

Despite Glasgow’s release, Scruggs is probably not going to be Detroit’s starting center. It’s a position he hasn’t played since college. However, it would appear that he was underutilized in Houston. Hopefully, under Hank Fraley’s guidance, Scruggs will become more than merely a depth piece. Instead, with his tenacity and leadership skills, he could develop into a reliable starting offensive lineman, most likely at guard.

It’s unrealistic for the Lions to ask second-year guard Tate Ratledge to take over at center. Although he was a solid contributing member of the offensive line, Ratledge is still developing. It’s unfair to disrupt his progress by shifting him to a new position.    

Given the Lions’ past success in drafting and developing talent, the upcoming draft should provide several intriguing options to fill the roster. Armed with an additional fourth-round pick, expect to see Holmes draft a highly-rated center, along with a late-round running back.