The Detroit Lions’ Most Important Training Camp Battle

The Detroit Lions’ Most Important Training Camp Battle 

The loss of Ragnow is a significant blow to Detroit. The former Arkansas Razorback was the Lions’ first-round draft pick in the 2018 draft. A former All-American center in college, Ragnow was one of the NFL’s best to play the position. Voted to the Pro Bowl four times during his seven years in Detroit, Ragnow set a standard that will be hard to replicate.

Ironically, when the Lions drafted him, Ragnow initially played left guard with Glasgow as the designated center. It wasn’t until Glasgow got injured that Ragnow took his first snaps at center for Detroit.

Over the years, Ragnow earned a reputation for toughness, playing through numerous injuries, including ankle, groin, calf, and back issues, as well as a torn pec and a fractured throat. However, he was sidelined with a chronic case of turf toe in October of 202. Placed on injured reserve, Ragnow was forced to miss the remainder of the season.

Glasgow, The Advantage of Veteran Leadership for the Lions 

The Lions’ offensive line is also without veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, after he signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Losing both Zeitler and Ragnow leaves Glasgow as the sole veteran starter from what was one of the NFL’s best offensive lines.

The Lions drafted a former Michigan Wolverine, Glasgow, in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. Glasgow gained experience playing both center and guard. After fulfilling his rookie contract with Detroit, he sought free agency and accepted an offer from the Denver Broncos. In 2023, Glasgow re-signed with the Lions, becoming one of the foundational players in Detroit’s successful turnaround. 

At 6’6” and 315 lbs., Glasgow brings stability and experience to the position. He welcomes the mental challenge of playing center and the responsibility that comes with it.

“I do like playing center. Center’s fun. I like the mental load that comes with it. I think it’s a challenge, but I think that’s something that I’m pretty good at, so I like to do it,” Glasgow said. “If it came to me having to play center and make the calls, or me be a guard and then thinking about the calls anyway, just to make sure that the calls were right, I’d probably rather just play center.”

Glasgow exhibits the same physical toughness Ragnow established in playing through injuries. He recently revealed that during the playoff loss against the Washington Commanders last year, he suffered a high ankle sprain. Although Glasgow remained in the game, the effects of that injury plagued him until March of this year. 

Ratledge, A Talented Rookie With An Aggressive, Dirty Dog Mentality

At 6’6″ and 308 lbs., Ratledge, the Lions’ second-round draft pick (57th overall), brings unexpected speed, bend, and agility. Ratledge’s stature and aggressive nature made him an ideal candidate to replace Zeitler when he was drafted. Described by Campbell as tough, physical, and athletic, Ratledge ran a 4.97 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 32-inch vertical jump.

Although the Georgia Bulldog played right guard for all of his 37 starts in college, he was cross-trained to play four of the five positions, including center. Voted First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team AP All-American, Ratledge appeared in 10 games in 2024.  According to PFF.com, he allowed only seven pressures and 1.0 sacks.

Emboding the type of physical player the Lions desired, Ratledge also possesses a high football I.Q. with the aggressive “dirty dog” mentality the position demands. Competing against the talented veteran Glasgow for the starting job, Ratledge is holding his own in training camp.

What The Lions’ Offensive Line Could Look Like 

Two of the training camp frontrunners in camp are Christian Mahogany and Kayode Awosika. Drafted in 2024 by the Lions in the sixth round (210th overall), Mahogany appeared in seven games last year, demonstrating versatility and playing both left and right guard. His first start was against the Chicago Bears on December 22nd, and Mahogany impressed his coaches with how quickly he caught on as a rookie.  

Awosika, entering his fourth year with Detroit, previously spent a year with the Philadelphia Eagles. In his three years with the Lions, he played in 36 regular-season games and made three postseason appearances. During that time, Awosika surrendered only 1.5 sacks and was flagged for one penalty.   

In addition, there are five other players vying for the remaining roster spots. UDFA Kingsley Equakun spent last season on the Lions’ practice squad, but has made a strong showing in camp this year.  Miles Frazier, currently on the PUP list as the result of a leg injury, is the Lions’ fifth-round (171st overall) 2025 draft pick.

NFL veteran Natane Muti was previously with the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders before signing with Detroit in his fourth year. Appearing in 22-career games with four starts, Muti has experience at both right and left guard.  Michael Niese signed with Detroit last year after brief stints with the Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He appeared in all 17 games for the Lions in 2024. Trystan Colon, a six-year NFL veteran, previously played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Arizona Cardinals. He made 15 starts in 51 games, playing mostly right guard but also has experience at left guard and center.

The Best Choice To Start The Lions Season At Center 

Now, fully recovered from injury, Glasgow is embracing the idea of centering a line that includes Christian Mahogany and Ratledge as starting guards. The Lions face one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, and the NFC North division is stronger than it’s been in years.  Every game counts, and getting off to a strong start this season is imperative. Glasgow’s veteran experience wins out over the talented rookie.