Coming into the draft, the interior of the offensive line was often mentioned as an area the Lions needed to address and the evaluation was spot on based on what the team did over the last three days.
They drafted guard Laken Tomlinson in the first round after they acquired Manny Ramirez from the Broncos as part of a trade that moved them down to the 28th overall pick. Tomlinson appears ticketed for left guard while 2014 third-rounder Travis Swanson is in line to take over for Dominic Raiola at center, although offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn said he’s not ready to name him the starter at this point in the offseason.
“I don’t know,” Washburn said, via the Detroit Free Press. “And I’m not trying to be evasive, I just don’t know. What is it, May 2, 3rd? The depth kind of develops itself, which is a nice thing. Going through OTAs, mini-camp, training camp, it always takes care of itself.”
The best outcome for the Lions would be for Tomlinson and Swanson to establish themselves as the best options with the first team while Ramirez provides them with an experienced reserve at both guard and center. Should second-round running back Ameer Abdullah do the same, the Lions will likely be able to do a better job of moving the ball on the ground this season.
