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Notes: Frank Ragnow named most underrated Detroit Lions player

A Sports Illustrated analyst says the center is one of Detroit’s biggest keys.

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NFL: OCT 20 Vikings at Lions Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Maybe it’s not the flashiest position, but one Sports Illustrated analyst argues the Detroit Lions center may be the most underrated player on the team.

SI’s Conor Orr picked one player from each NFC team that he thinks plays a big role in determining the team’s fate, but might not get recognized as much as some of the other guys. Orr points to Ragnow’s versatility, explaining:

“Ragnow is underrated because he can star at multiple positions. The Lions ran up the middle behind center more than only three other teams in the NFL last year.”

Perhaps - but it was his move from guard to center that led to a more productive season. Ragnow earned a 64.4 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2018, then switched positions and jumped to a 74.9 grade the following year — earning him the title of Detroit’s most improved player of 2019.

I mean at one point, despite being looooong out of playoff contention:

Either way, Ragnow’s classification as underrated is justified, in my opinion.

As for the rest of the NFC North, if you’re curious:

Read the rest of the piece here.

While we’re talking Ragnow, Jeremy lists him as one of the Lions’ top 10 salary cap bargains this season. “Ragnow may not have league-wide notoriety yet, but the third-year player looks he may quickly live up to his first-round billing.” Read that here.

And onto the rest of your notes.

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