2020 NFL Draft: How Logan Stenberg impacts the Detroit Lions roster

The Detroit Lions made a move to bolster their trenches in the 2020 NFL Draft by selecting an offensive lineman. I think I’m having déjà vu, didn’t we just talk about the Lions drafting a guard?

Yes, the Lions doubled-up at guard after taking Jonah Jackson the day before. It was a depleted position, but the selection raises questions about who will start next season.

Player selected: Logan Stenberg

Position: Interior OL

Current players on roster at IOL:

• Oday Aboushi
• Caleb Benenoch
• Beau Benzschawel
• Russell Bodine
• Joe Dahl
• Josh Garnett
• Jonah Jackson
• Frank Ragnow
• Casey Tucker
• Kenny Wiggins

Offseason losses at IOL:

• Graham Glasgow

Impact:

On paper, picking back-to-back guards is a weird one, but that speaks to the talent — or lack thereof — of the Lions’ interior. The departure of Graham Glasgow opened up a starting spot, and Jonah Jackson was the likeliest player to fill that role. Now with the addition of Stenberg in the fourth round, it opens up a can of worms for next year’s roster.

Firstly, it throws the starting role of Joe Dahl into question. While Dahl was pedestrian in 2019, it is still a bold move to potentially start two rookie guards. If Dahl does keep the starting gig, he could be on a short leash, as Stenberg played exclusively at left guard in college. Alternatively, we could see an extended rotation between Stenberg, Dahl, Jackson, or Wiggins. There is also the chance that Stenberg earns the starting job over Jackson.

Another big impact is the team’s guard depth. This move likely puts Aboushi, Benzschawel, and possibly Wiggins on the roster bubble. It also reinforces the belief that Tyrell Crosby will stay at tackle, and all but eliminates the idea of Halapoulivaati Vaitai shifting inside.

Jackson, Ragnow, and Stenberg should be roster locks, and it leaves very little room for competition. It will be something to watch as the season approaches.