During the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions added some quality to their offensive line; through undrafted free agency, they have since added further depth to the position.
According to a report by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press on April 27, the Lions signed Kingsley Eguakun, a former center for Florida, and made a significant financial commitment to him. According to Birkett, the Lions guaranteed Eguakun a $225,000 base salary in addition to a $20,000 signing bonus.
Despite the fact that Eguakun is anticipated to begin the season low on the depth chart, one analyst thinks he has a good chance of eventually being hired as a starter.
Lions Could Find Future Home at the Center
The Lions appear solid at guard and tackle, but after veteran Frank Ragnow is eliminated, there is more question at center, according to Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports. Eguakun, who was projected as a Day 3 draft pick before an ankle injury limited him to four games in 2023, has the ability to eventually assume a starter position in Detroit, according to Payton.
Just one sack, six quarterback hits, and 28 pressures were surrendered by Eguakun in his three seasons as a starting quarterback at Florida. That’s excellent,” wrote Payton.
With the correct instruction, Payton stated, Eguakun would have the opportunity to develop into a potent contributor.
Payton noted, “The idea is that he has the physical makeup and talent to be able to start at center for this team in a few years when Frank Ragnow potentially walks away from football if he can get time under Hank Fraley, Frank Ragnow, and the training staff.”
Eguakun will probably remain on the practice squad for the 2024 season, Payton continued, adding that he would not be ready for a long. Additionally, Eguakun might have options at other offensive line positions, as Brandon Olsen of SI.com speculated that the versatile player might play guard in the NFL.
Lions Keep Increasing Their Offensive Line
The offensive line, which was a focal point of the offense in 2023, has been strengthened by the Lions. Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler was signed by general manager Brad Holmes, and Graham Glasgow returned with a new contract.
On the team’s official website, reporter Tim Twentyman pointed out that Holmes added additional youthful potential through the draft.
Twentyman writes, “Yet, Holmes traded a third-round pick the following year to move up and draft [British Columbia tackle Giovanni] Manu.” In the sixth round, he advanced to take Boston College guard Christian Mahogany. Manu is incredibly athletic and large. Mahogany’s “dirtbag” style of play, according to Holmes, “fits the mindset of that room.”
In an effort to ensure consistency going forward, the Lions also signed Penei Sewell to a contract extension that will keep him in Detroit until the 2029 campaign. Sewell, as stated on the team’s official website, has developed into a star player with much greater things to come.
According to the website, Sewell started each of the 16 games he played in as a rookie in 2021. He started at left tackle for his first eight starts and at right tackle for his last eight.” That season, Sewell made his NFL debut as a rookie against the San Francisco 49ers, making him the youngest player to start at left tackle. Sewell has started for Detroit in each of his 50 regular season appearances since 2021.
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