Did the Detroit Lions improve? OG/C edition

Our latest series on the Detroit Lions roster continues with a comparison of the offensive guard and center positions from 2012 to 2013. Did the Lions improve at offensive guard and center? Let's take a look.

2012 OGs/Cs: Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Stephen Peterman, Dylan Gandy

2013 OGs/Cs: Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Larry Warford, Dylan Gandy, Bill Nagy, Rodney Austin, Leroy Harris, Jake Scott, Derek Hardman, Darren Keyton

The Lions' offensive line shake-up for 2013 began back in February with the release of Stephen Peterman, who was viewed as the O-line's weak link. The Lions already had guys like Bill Nagy (returning from IR last season) and Rodney Austin (returning from the practice squad last season) set to compete for the starting spot at right guard, and Larry Warford joined the competition in April after being drafted. The Lions also later signed Leroy Harris and a few others, giving them plenty of competition for the interior O-line spots.

Did they improve?

Perhaps my expectations are a bit too high for Warford, but I expect him to be an upgrade over Peterman. Just based on that, the Lions have improved from 2012 to 2013. When you add in Austin, who should make the 53-man roster this year, a (hopefully) healthy Nagy and some of the new faces, this seems like an obvious yes.

What about compared to 2011?

2011 OGs/Cs: Rob Sims, Dominic Raiola, Stephen Peterman, Dylan Gandy, Jacques McClendon

The Lions had the same set of starters in 2011 as 2012, so what was said above also applies here. The addition of Warford should upgrade the starting lineup, and the Lions' overall depth seems to be quite solid at offensive guard and center.

(Note: Players listed from 2011 and 2012 are based on the Lions' Week 1 roster in those seasons.)

Previously: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle