ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions had a gap on their vaunted offensive line after dropping Jonah Jackson to the Los Angeles Rams. However they’re reportedly signing former Professional Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler, and his 181 profession begins to fill that want, in accordance with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
With Graham Glasgow again on a three-year deal, the Lions once more seem to have one of the fascinating offensive strains within the league locked up. Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, Glasgow, and Zeitler could be the highest 5.
Zeitler is reportedly on his option to Michigan on Tuesday to take his bodily and signal his one-year take care of the franchise. The 2012 first-round decide made his lone Professional Bowl look final season with the Baltimore Ravens. Zeitler began 15 video games and was a key piece in Baltimore’s run-heavy assault, serving to Lamar Jackson hit new heights from the pocket.
He has additionally beforehand performed for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals throughout his 12 seasons within the NFL. Zeitler has logged 12,453 of his 12,459 profession snaps at proper guard, so it’s potential Glasgow slides subsequent to Decker on the left aspect.
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Professional Soccer Focus graded Zeitler because the Fifteenth-best general guard amongst these with not less than 20% of their crew’s snaps. He was robust towards the run however one of many league’s greatest inside blockers in go safety. The analytics website graded Zeitler second amongst all guards in that division. He allowed three sacks and solely 21 pressures on 608 pass-blocking reps.
He’s been one of many extra constant guards during the last decade-plus of motion, particularly in go safety. PFF has routinely acknowledged Zeitler as among the many greatest guards at protecting the pocket from getting crushed.
It’s one other basic Brad Holmes signing as a result of it retains the crew’s draft choices large open throughout the board. The 34-year-old permits the crew to postpone the long-term guard dialog for an additional season whereas probably discovering a prospect within the draft to mildew for beginning duties.
One other piece for the offensive line has been among the many hottest mock draft alternatives for the Lions at Choose 29, and that’s unlikely to alter even after this addition. That mentioned, Zeitler has been as sturdy as they arrive, taking part in not less than 15 video games in each season relationship again to 2015. If Zeitler stays the identical guard he’s been, or not less than within the ballpark, then the Lions are getting one of the reliable and bankable choices there was on the starting-level open market.
PFF ranked Zeitler because the Thirty third-best general free agent. The Athletic had the veteran guard at forty fourth, so it’s clear the Lions are including a starting-level expertise to maintain them trench-rich. Additionally they have Kayode Awosika and Colby Sorsdal within the combine, whereas Glasgow affords versatility at middle in a pinch.