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NFL Draft grades: 10 first-round picks that get an A

By Joe Romano

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Roquan Smith is chosen as the eighth overall pick by the Chicago Bears poses for photos during the first round at the 2018 NFL Draft at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Roquan Smith is chosen as the eighth overall pick by the Chicago Bears poses for photos during the first round at the 2018 NFL Draft at AT /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER15: Frank Ragnow #72 of the Arkansas Razorbacks warming up before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER15: Frank Ragnow #72 of the Arkansas Razorbacks warming up before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Razorback Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 34-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Frank Ragnow – Detroit Lions (Pick #20)

Seeing the trend? Another dominant interior offensive lineman going to a team and making an impact. There has been no more inept team at commanding the line of scrimmage than the Detroit Lions. The last 1000 yard rusher was Reggie Bush in 2013! Finding a dominant interior offensive lineman could change that for whoever is getting the bulk of the carries. Detroit got just that with Arkansas center Frank Ragnow.

An injury forced him to miss most of last season. Subsequently his name was not well known throughout the draft cycle. With his injury in the rear view, it was evident he is the draft’s best center. Arkansas missed him severely when he was injured.

When healthy Ragnow is a powerful man mover with the cerebral ability to control the line of scrimmage pre-snap. He and quarterback Matthew Stafford will be a fearsome tandem for years to come. Ragnow offers a big powerful frame at 6-foot-5 and 312 pounds. His 33 18″ arms are the ideal length to match with his power in moving the men commanding the middle of NFL defenses.

In Detroit’s spread out system, Ragnow will also get to show off that athleticism he possessed in 2016 when healthy. He flashed the ability to get to the second level and cut off defensive tackles with great angles and footwork. The Lions get a player who can run the offensive line and make life easier for their running backs and highly paid quarterback with an exceptional pick.

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