With the 20th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected center Frank Ragnow out of Arkansas. Ragnow is the first center taken in the draft, though not the first offensive linemen. Ragnow can play both center and guard on the line which gives the Lions some much needed versatility. According to Mike Mayock, he can play all three interior line positions.
With new defensive minded head coach Matt Patricia on board, it appears as though the Lions are considering defending against two strong defensive lines in Green Bay and Minnesota. Protecting Matthew Stafford is their primary objective in this first round.
Per Ian Rappaport, the Lions snagged Ragnow right before the Bengals could get their hands on him at #21 overall.
Fast-rising #Arkansas C Frank Ragnow goes to the #Lions… right before the #Bengals were gonna take him. He goes at No. 20.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2018
Cincinnati evidently went with their second choice at 21, Ohio State center Billy Price.
Pro Football Focus named Ragnow a First-Team All-American for the past two seasons and he was considered by many to be the top center in the draft.
The draft will continue for the Lions on Friday night when they pick in the second round at 51st overall. They also have picks in the third round (82nd overall), the fourth (117th overall), the fifth (153rd overall) and the seventh (237th overall).