:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27617581/20130801_ads_af2_026.0.jpg)
As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2013. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' offensive guards and centers. (Note: Numbers for sacks, QB hits and QB hurries allowed are according to Pro Football Focus.)
Rob Sims - 16 games (16 starts) | Allowed 1 sack, 5 QB hits, 23 QB hurries
Sims had an extremely inconsistent season, especially as a run blocker. He ended up finishing with a -1.2 grade on PFF, and this came after he registered the following notable grades over the course of the season: -1.3, -3.7, +3.6, +2.3, -1.6, -2.5, +3.1, -3.1 and +2.4. Like I said, it was an extremely inconsistent season for Sims, and he was really the weak link of the offensive line once LaAdrian Waddle settled in as the starting right tackle. Then again, the offensive line was so strong as a whole that even the weak link was still decent.
Dominic Raiola - 16 games (16 starts) | Allowed 0 sacks, 4 QB hits, 8 QB hurries
Raiola's 13th year in the NFL was his best one by a wide margin. After adding some weight in the offseason and finally getting a big-time talent next to him in the lineup at right guard, Raiola put together an outstanding season. He received a +18.6 grade on PFF, and he was consistently one of the Lions' top offensive linemen throughout the season. Pretty good for a player who had to take a pay cut to even remain on the team at this time last year.
Larry Warford - 16 games (16 starts) | Allowed 0 sacks, 5 QB hits, 10 QB hurries
A third-round pick out of Kentucky, Warford secured the starting right guard job after a lengthy competition in training camp. Despite being a rookie, Warford quickly emerged as the Lions' top offensive lineman, and he emerged as one of the top offensive guards in all of the NFL. PFF gave him a +22.8 grade for the season, and it looks like the right guard position is set for the Lions for the foreseeable future.
Dylan Gandy - 15 games (0 starts) | Allowed 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, 0 QB hurries
Gandy served as the Lions' top backup at guard and center, and he played only 15 snaps all season on offense, mainly as an extra lineman down by the goal line. He didn't play more because Sims, Raiola and Warford all stayed healthy, and that's obviously a good thing.
Rodney Austin - 1 game (0 starts)
Austin was promoted from the Lions' practice squad toward the end of November when the Tennessee Titans made a run at signing him. He only took part in one game, and he didn't play at all on offense, but clearly the Lions didn't want to lose him. He may be positioned to take over a starting job (most likely at left guard) a year or two down the road.
Leroy Harris - 1 game (0 starts)
Harris was originally added by the Lions last year as veteran depth, and he spent most of the season in street clothes since he wasn't needed. Again, that's a good thing, because the Lions' interior starters all stayed healthy in 2013.
Previously: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle
