These Two Offensive Linemen Could Revitalize Lions' Rushing Attack

Lions need to bolster 21st-ranked rushing attack

John Maakaron | Jan 6, 2020

These Two Offensive Linemen Could Revitalize Lions' Rushing Attack /

In 2019, the Lions ranked just 21st in the NFL in rushing the football.

Detroit averaged 103.1 yards per game, with running back Kerryon Johnson missing a significant portion of the season.

If Detroit is going to capitalize on Johnson and the emerging Bo Scarbrough, they must do so by bolstering the offensive line.

Don't forget Matthew Stafford is coming off of two back injuries the past two seasons.

Protecting Stafford will be of the utmost importance in the coming years.

Going into a win-now campaign in 2020, these two offensive linemen should be targeted by the Lions in free agency.

Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Redskins

Guard Brandon Scherff / © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Pros - Scherff is a three-time Pro Bowler who excels in the run game. He will be in very high demand this offseason with an overall PFF grade of 75.0. He's also widely regarded as a complete interior offensive lineman, and is one of the best guards in the NFL.

Cons - He's missed 15 games since 2017. And in the past three seasons, he's struggled with a myriad of injuries. In fact, in 2019, he finished the season on injured reserve.

Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee Titans

Right tackle Jack Conklin / © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Pros - Conklin is a solid all-around lineman that excels in pass protection. In his fourth season as a pro, he was a significant contributor to the Titans' offensive line. He earned a 74.7 overall grade from PFF. Additionally, he played in all 16 regular season games in 2019 and in Saturday's wild-card round playoff contest against the New England Patriots.

Cons - He tore his ACL in 2017 during the divisional round of the playoffs, and his 2018 season was injury-plagued.

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JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!