The Detroit Lions have strengthened their offensive line and filled defensive voids by making some significant free agency acquisitions.

The approach could pay dividends when it comes time for the NFL Draft, with a new report suggesting the Lions may seize the opportunity to take a high-upside player who would have the luxury of easing his way into the league. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy projected that the Lions would snag Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, a player who has shot up draft boards after an All-American season and could be a good fit for Detroit’s offense

Pouncy proposed that the Lions use their first-round choice to begin making plans for the future, since they don’t have any obvious needs on the squad as a result of general manager Brad Holmes’ hard work this summer. He proposed that Powers-Johnson might be able to grow during his first season and then transition into a more significant role in the future.

Powers-Johnson was one of the top players available at age 29, and the Lions want to retain their strong offensive line, according to Pouncy. “The Lions could have Powers-Johnson learn from veterans as a rookie and take over as a starting guard in 2025, before finally slipping over to centre whenever Ragnow takes it quits. This is because RG Kevin Zeitler is only signed for one year, and there is Frank Ragnow’s injury history to take into account. There are many positive aspects of his makeup and game. He meets the Lions’ requirements.

With a well-rounded offensive attack, the Lions gave veteran running back David Montgomery and rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs significant playing time in the rushing game. To keep improving their run game, the team may decide to spend more in the draft on their offensive line.

In their pre-draft study, Bleacher Report gave Powers-Johnson high marks, describing him as a “explosive and powerful” run blocker who thrived on Oregon’s run-heavy style. The paper also mentioned his lack of experience, noting that he only participated in one collegiate season but had a significant impact in 2023 during his breakthrough campaign.

According to the source, Powers-Johnson is a young, inexperienced prospect who made a splash this season as a first-time starter because of his exceptional combination of size, strength, agility, and toughness, which he utilized to outplay opponents.

Pro Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler was signed by the Lions to help compensate for the loss of Jona Jackson, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams, as part of their efforts to strengthen their offensive line. According to ESPN, Zeitler, 34, will be moving to Detroit on a one-year contract.

The Lions signed another important player from 2023, as noted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit News, and they may be moving some players about for the upcoming season.

At the beginning of free agency, Birkett wrote, “The Lions re-signed Graham Glasgow, their primary starting right guard from the previous season, but they could shuffle personnel on their line in 2024.” Glasgow is capable of playing the three inside line positions. The Lions also have tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker back, along with centre Frank Ragnow.