Analyst ranks Detroit Lions offensive line against rest of NFL

Training camp is almost here and which means Detroit Lions football is almost upon us for the 2022 season!!!

If you have been following along with my articles over the past 7 months or so, you are well aware that I am extremely optimistic, not only about the future of the organization, but about their chances in the upcoming season.

That being said, if the Lions are going to be successful during the upcoming season, it all starts with the offensive line, which I believe will be VERY good for the foreseeable future, assuming they can avoid injuries.

Analyst ranks Detroit Lions offensive line against rest of NFL

In an article recently published on Sharp Analysis, Ryan McCrystal ranked each and every offensive line in the NFL and the Detroit Lions’ offensive line ranks No. 4.

Here is what McCrystal has to say about the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. As you can see, the Lions’ offensive line was elite once Taylor Decker returned from injury.

4. Detroit Lions

After Taylor Decker returned in Week 9, Detroit’s offensive line allowed pressure in 2.5 seconds or less on 17.3% of dropbacks, the fourth-lowest rate over that span. Decker’s return also shifted Penei Sewell to right tackle, where he ranked fifth in the league in pressure rate allowed.

Here is what McCrystal has to say about the three offensive lines ranked ahead of the Lions.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City’s rebuilt offensive line lived up to expectations last season and the entire unit returns. This line provided at least three yards before contact for Chiefs running backs on 30% of their carries, the league’s highest rate.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles’ offensive line received some first-place votes and looks like a potentially dominant unit. The key to its success, however, will be good health. Philly had 14 different offensive line combinations on the field together for at least 10 snaps last season, the league’s fourth-most.

1. Cleveland Browns

The Browns are our top-ranked offensive line for the second straight year, however, Cleveland did not receive a single first-place vote. This ranking quirk occurred because the Browns were second on every ballot, while those receiving first-place votes had a wider overall range. Despite losing center J.C. Tretter, there’s still considerable optimism for this unit.