Notes: One Detroit Lions player just missed PFF’s top 50 cut

While the Detroit Lions were shut out of Pro Football Focus’ list of top 50 players again this year, the analytics site says one Lion just barely missed the cut. That’s ... something, right?

Our fearless leader Jeremy Reisman pointed out that the Lions were one of 10 teams that did not appear once on the list of PFF’s top 50 players in the league this year. This also happened last year.

PFF’s Sam Monson wrote a follow-up list of 13 players who just missed the cut. He points out first that just about 3,000 players are heading into training camp, so the chances of making the top 50 are pretty rare. On that list of snubs is center Frank Ragnow.

“Ragnow is now the NFL’s highest-paid center and one of a few players who have an argument to be seen as the best at the position,” Monson explains.

He notes that no center actually made the list of PFF’s top 50 players, but Ragnow’s scores are top notch. He earned a respectable 66.5 overall PFF grade as a guard his rookie season, then leapt forward in Year 2 at center, earning a 74.9 grade. He would continue to improve in 2020, finishing with an 80.3 grade.

“The development curve of offensive linemen often sees them take two or three seasons to show their best play, and Ragnow has steadily improved each year. Even if this is his ceiling, he will be around the best centers each season going forward. And if he has another step to take, then he could become the undisputed best player at that spot,” Monson writes.

You can read the full list here.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• Detroitlions.com’s Tim Twentymen spoke with Brad Holmes about his first six months as general manager — one of the hardest parts being time management.

• A ranking of all 32 head coaches heading into 2021. Dan Campbell did not fare well based on his inexperience coordinating an offense, the CBS Sports writer explains.

• Need something to tide you over until training camp? Here are some of the top photos from offseason workouts:

• The Detroit Pistons have the first overall pick in the NBA draft. The Detroit Free Press’ Ryan Ford takes a look at the city’s history with No. 1 picks.

• Do the Lions have reason to be concerned at backup quarterback? All Lions’ John Maakaron takes a look.

• Along the same Lions, detroitlions.com’s Mike O’Hara explores David Blough’s history with change — Dan Campbell will be the fourth coach he’s played for in his short career.