The Detroit Lions decision to rotate their interior offensive lineman was met with plenty of derision as the season wore on. With the team’s successes minimal and their failings many, fans weren’t super excited about an experimental approach that didn’t seem to provide any benefits. Joe Dahl ultimately provided mixed results before going down with injury, along with his replacement in Kenny Wiggins, so left guard is pretty shaky. With Graham Glasgow unlikely to return at R, and with little incentive for him to reconsider, the team is likely paying very close attention to the interior lineman of this year’s draft class to try and find a replacement.

All Combine Previews:
Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Offensive Tackle | Interior Offensive Line | Interior Defensive Line | Edge Rusher | Linebacker | Cornerback | Safety

Note: All RAS links will be updated during and after the Combine with official and tentative metrics. This will continue throughout the draft season.

Ben Bredeson, Michigan

Replacing a Michigan guard with a different Michigan guard likely to be drafted in the same range doesn’t seem like a wise usage of resources, but here we are. Bredeson is a similar prospect to Graham Glasgow in that he’s rated among the better interior lineman in the class and is likely to showcase great athletic traits as well as having the versatility to move across the line if need be. Unlike Glasgow, Bredeson is unlikely to need to show much at center as Frank Ragnow has the position pretty much locked up for the foreseeable future.

Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

Depending on who you ask, Ruiz is either the best or second best center prospect in this draft. It feels odd to feature two Michigan interior lineman here, but at the same time these are both players that the Lions will ultimately be considering in about the same range. Primarily a Center, the Lions would be drafting Ruiz for his abilities as a blocker, which are excellent, along with some premier athletic traits he has shown on tape. He would have the versatility to move to any interior line spot and with a little bit of development could see the same level of change up that Graham Glasgow did in his time here.

Lloyd Cushenberry III, Lousiana State

Considered the top interior offensive line prospect in this class, “Cush” displayed solid to good athletic talent at center along with excellent tape as both a run and pass blocker. While not a flawless prospect, he appears to be the closest thing to that in this class and would be an excellent addition to any spot along an offensive interior. With how his draft stock has been soaring, he may be unavailable when the Lions pick in the second round, and it’s hard to see a scenario the Lions trade into his range.

Netane Muti Fresno State

Muti has the look of an elite athlete on tape and his movements skills are truly something to behold at times. The last time I remember an athlete looking this smooth on tape was now Lions starting left guard Joe Dahl, and Muti doesn’t have any of the schematic or technical limitations Dahl did. Muti is one of my personal favorites among this class and, aside from Bredeson, is the clearest fit in this offensive scheme.

Nick Harris, Washington

Good in both the run and passing game, Harris looks the part of a great athlete in space. Though considered a best fit at center, I imagine him starting his NFL career at either guard spot to bring himself up to speed in the NFL. That transition should be swift as he is a dynamic player at a position that doesn’t get a lot of recognition. Harris has pro bowl upside anywhere along the offensive interior and he’s going to be a highly sought player if his Combine performance backs up his tape.

The Others

Cohl Cabral, Arizona State (RAS)

Cabral needs to put on a good fifteen pounds without losing any speed or agility, but as a former left tackle turned center, he should have some positional versatility.

Cordel Iwuagwu, Texas Christian (RAS)

Has dealt with some injuries in his career and has plenty to prove at the Combine in every area.

Damien Lewis, Luisiana State (RAS)

Doesn’t look overly athletic on tape but has the Combine to try to quell that issue. Exceptionally strong, though, and some teams will love that trait above all else.

Danny Pinter, Ball State (RAS)

A right tackle in college who will probably transition inside due to size and length concerns.

Darryl Williams, Mississippi State (RAS)

Stiff and heavy footed athlete, Williams’ experience as a starter is going to get him a shot despite physical limitations.

Jake Hanson, Oregon (RAS)

A great athlete in space, not so much when he’s fighting defenders at the line. I’m not sure if it’s a technique or functional strength issue.

John Molchon, Boise State (RAS)

A three year starter with solid traits both as a run and pass blocker. He’s a sneaky option to climb up draft boards at the Combine.

John Simpson, Clemson (RAS)

A fantastic pass blocker who’s excellent the closer to the ball he is. Simpson isn’t the most versatile of prospects but he’s a solid option for possible immediate impact.

Jonah Jackson, Ohio State (RAS)

One of the better pass blockers in the class. Jackson needs to showcase a strong athletic profile if he wants to be more than just that.

Keith Ismael, San Diego State (RAS)

Starting 38 games for the Aztecs at Center. Ismael earned first-team-all-Mountain West in each of the last two years and second team as a Freshman.

Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island (RAS)

A two-year starter and team captain. Murphy’s athletic talents are what led the Rhode Island prospect to earn a Combine invite.

Logan Stenberg, Kentucky (RAS)

An absolute monster when he gets his hands on a defender. “Stenny” struggles with playing too upright and occasionally bending at the waist too often.

Matt Hennessy, Temple (RAS)

Excellent agility for a lineman. Hennessy struggles a bit with power but has a lot more refined technique than many incoming rookies.

Michael Onwenu, Michigan (RAS)

Huge power blocker that isn’t expected to measure out. Onwenu needs to knock out the drills at the Combine if he weighs in over 360 and measures poorly.

Shane Lemieux, Oregon (RAS)

Athleticism concerns abound, but he’s a strong people mover and some teams will value that trait above others.

Simon Stepaniak, Indiana (RAS)

Looks explosive, but not very agile or quick. Interesting to see how he performs in the drills at the Combine.

Solomon Kindley, Georgia (RAS)

Heavy handed mauler who makes life difficult for the big men on the inside. Mobility is a concern both in the box and on the move.

Trystan Colon-Castillo, Missouri (RAS)

A 38 game starter at center, Colon-Castillo offers some versatility on the interior if the Lions want to continue training every lineman on the interior at every position on the interior.

Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin (RAS)

Prior to 2019, Biadasz was considered one of the best interior lineman in the country. That largely died out as the season progressed, but he’s still a powerful lineman with a good pedigree from a great program.