As the Detroit Lions continue to build their roster with a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, one position that has been a point of focus is the offensive line. With a solid foundation in many areas, the Lions are still looking to secure long-term stability, especially on the interior of the offensive line. Miles Frazier, an up-and-coming talent in the NFL, could be the missing piece to their puzzle, giving them a reliable and versatile option at guard or center for years to come.
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line has been solid, especially with the addition of standout players like Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell, both of whom anchor the tackle spots. Decker has been with the team for several years, while Sewell, drafted in 2021, has quickly proven himself as one of the top young tackles in the league. However, the interior of the line, where the guards and center play, has been an area where Detroit has faced some uncertainty.
The Lions’ current interior line, featuring players like Frank Ragnow (center), Jonah Jackson (left guard), and Halapoulivaati Vaitai (right guard), has shown promise, but injuries and inconsistent play have prevented the group from becoming a cohesive unit. Ragnow, despite being one of the best centers in the NFL when healthy, has struggled with injuries, and Jackson and Vaitai have had their ups and downs as well.
The need for depth and stability on the interior of the line is undeniable. This is where Miles Frazier comes into the picture.
Miles Frazier, a young, promising offensive lineman, stands out as an intriguing prospect for the Lions. After playing a pivotal role at guard and center in college, Frazier’s skill set makes him a potential starter in the NFL, with the flexibility to play multiple positions along the interior line. His physicality, combined with his high football IQ, allows him to be an asset in both run blocking and pass protection.
Frazier spent his college career at LSU and was known for his steady play at guard. His experience at both guard positions and at center gives him a level of versatility that is highly valued in the NFL. In his final season, Frazier was a key contributor to an LSU offensive line that showed significant improvement in both rushing and passing situations.
What stands out most about Frazier’s college career is his ability to dominate in the run game. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing around 320 pounds, Frazier has the ideal frame for an interior offensive lineman. His strength, combined with his technique, allows him to move defenders off the ball and create running lanes for his teammates. Additionally, he has shown a strong ability to handle defensive tackles in pass protection, using his balance and awareness to prevent pressure on the quarterback.
Frazier’s experience at center also adds a layer of versatility that could be especially beneficial for the Lions, who are looking for a player who can be a long-term solution at both guard and center.
One of Frazier’s most promising traits is his ability to transition seamlessly between guard and center. As teams move toward building more versatile offensive lines, a player who can effectively play multiple positions is invaluable. This is where Frazier’s skill set stands out. His agility and strength give him the ability to play both inside spots on the offensive line, allowing him to adjust to whatever position the Lions might need him to fill.
In the NFL, flexibility is key. Frazier’s ability to play both guard and center gives the Lions more options in terms of how they can structure their offensive line. Whether they need him as a guard or as an emergency center, Frazier’s value increases because of this versatility.
For the Lions, the need for interior offensive line depth is clear. While Ragnow is solid at center, his injury history raises concerns about whether the Lions can rely on him to stay healthy over the long term. If Ragnow were to miss time, the Lions currently don’t have a proven backup option who can step in and play at a high level.
At guard, both Jackson and Vaitai have had their moments but have also struggled with consistency and injuries. The Lions could use a player who can come in and stabilize the interior of the line for the foreseeable future, and Frazier could be that player.
If the Lions can add Frazier to the roster, they will gain a versatile player who can not only compete for a starting job but also provide depth across multiple positions. His ability to play both guard and center would allow Detroit to give Ragnow and others breathers during the course of a long season and ensure that the offensive line can still perform at a high level.
- Versatility
The most notable aspect of Frazier’s game is his versatility. As a player who can slide between guard and center with ease, Frazier offers the Lions flexibility that many teams seek in their offensive linemen. Should injuries occur, or should a shift in the lineup be necessary, Frazier’s ability to play both positions gives the Lions a cushion and reduces the risk of a major drop-off in performance. - Run Blocking Strength
Detroit’s offense is built around establishing the run and controlling the clock, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs expected to play a significant role in the offense. Frazier’s strength and technique as a run blocker would immediately make him an asset in the running game. His ability to push defenders off the ball and open up lanes for running backs would be a huge benefit to the Lions. - Pass Protection
While known for his run blocking, Frazier has also demonstrated impressive pass protection skills. His ability to anchor in the pocket and prevent interior pressure would be invaluable in ensuring that quarterback Jared Goff has the time to execute the offense. With the Lions’ offense trending upwards, keeping Goff clean in the pocket is critical to their success, and Frazier could play a big role in that regard. - Durability and Longevity
As Frazier begins his NFL career, his physicality and conditioning suggest that he could be a durable player for many years. In a league where interior offensive linemen often face the most physical and grueling matchups, having a player like Frazier who can sustain a high level of play would be a huge boost for the Lions’ long-term outlook. - Potential Leadership
Frazier’s experience in college, both as a leader on the field and as a student of the game, could translate well into a leadership role in Detroit’s locker room. As the Lions look to continue their rebuild and establish a winning culture, having a player like Frazier who can help set the tone up front would be a valuable asset.
Miles Frazier represents an exciting long-term solution for the Detroit Lions on the interior of the offensive line. His versatility to play both guard and center, combined with his strength and pass protection skills, make him a perfect fit for Detroit’s needs. With the potential to contribute immediately as a starter or as a key backup, Frazier provides the Lions with the type of depth and stability they need to contend in the NFC North.
If the Lions can secure Frazier for the future, they will not only strengthen their offensive line but also give themselves the flexibility to adjust to any situation that arises. As they continue to build around Jared Goff and their young playmakers, adding Frazier to the mix would solidify one of the most important units on the field, ensuring that the Lions can build a competitive, balanced roster for years to come.
