ESPN Plus is continuing its series ranking the top 10 NFL players at every position with Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow coming in at number eight on the list of interior linemen.
Detroit Lions Center Frank Ragnow Finally Gains Some Respect
The honor is long overdue for Ragnow, the Detroit Lions’ veteran standout. Offensive linemen are some of the most underrated players in the NFL but their role is crucial to the team’s success. Often judged as a group rather than singled-out individuals, the O-line is responsible for protecting the quarterback, making sure he has sufficient time to read his options and make those key throws. An offensive line creates a defensive wall to provide superior run blocking so a running back can get open. While wide receivers and running backs get all the credit for making those great plays, it’s the offensive line that paves the way, allowing them to shine.
Ragnow is one of the best in the league. It’s not just his talent, work ethic, and leadership ability that make Ragnow so valuable to the Lions. He is also among the toughest, gutsiest, and most courageous players in the NFL. Ragnow refused to be taken out of the game after suffering a knee injury during a critical playoff game last January against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Guard Jonah Jackson was already on the sidelines with a knee injury. Ragnow knew the team needed him on the field. This game was too important. He had to be out there if the Lions were to advance to the NFC Championship for the first time in 33 years. Putting the team and the outcome of this game ahead of his discomfort, Ragnow stayed on the field. The Lions won 31-23.
The College Years
Drafted by the Lions in 2018 with their first-round pick, the former Arkansas Razorback was the second interior lineman selected. Standing 6’5″ tall and 312 lbs. of pure muscle, Ragnow is an imposing presence. During his college years, he rotated between center and right guard. After graduating without ever allowing a single sack, he was selected by the Lions with the 20th overall pick in the draft. Ragnow made history as the Razorback’s highest-drafted center.
What Ragnow Brings To The Detroit Lions
Initially utilized as a left guard by former Lions coach Matt Patricia, Ragnow has since become the Lions’ offensive line anchor. A three-time Pro-Bowler, Ragnow has been the starting center since 2019 and has never given up more than two sacks per year. He was the top-graded center (88.1) in 2023 according to Pro Football Focus. Ragnow is rated as the second-highest-rated run blocker (90.1) and the sixth-highest pass blocker at 73.9 %.
There is a reason why the Lions had such a terrific ground game with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Ragnow anchored the offensive line that led to their success. With just under 1,000 yards for the rookie Gibbs and Montgomery earning over 1,000 yards rushing, they made up one of the NFL’s best tandem running back duos last season.
Making The Offensive Line A Priority
Joining veteran tackle, Taylor Decker, Ragnow developed and honed his skills in the Brad Holmes / Dan Campbell era. Ensuring that Ragnow and Decker had plenty of support on the offensive line, Holmes and Campbell used their number one pick in 2021 to draft offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Sewell, a premier talent for the Lions, was just signed to a huge contract extension in the offseason. Ragnow, Sewell, and Decker are the heart of the Lions’ offensive line which is currently regarded as one of the best in the NFL. According to ESPN, “Detroit dominates in the trenches with its array of stars up front. Penei Sewell earned All-Pro honors at right tackle, and center Frank Ragnow is considered among the league’s best at his position.”
As a veteran center, one of the advantages Ragnow brings to the group is his ability to spot changes in the defense and alert his fellow linemen. “Ragnow is a premier communicator at the line of scrimmage,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said of the Lions center. “Helping one of the NFL’s best offenses get organized every down.”
Thank The Offensive Line
Without a terrific front line to shield them, Jared Goff and the offense would not be racking up the yardage and winning games. So, the next time Goff launches a gutsy play downfield or Gibbs finds an opening and makes a spectacular scoring run, please remember to thank Ragnow and the rest of the Lions’ front line. They are, after all, the ones who set the table so the Lions could feast.
Main Photo: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
