The Detroit Lions kicked off the 2018 NFL Draft Thursday night with the selection of Arkansas center Frank Ragnow.
The Ragnow pick is another example of general manager Bob Quinn's dedication to improving the Lions' offensive line and run game.
"I think it starts in the trenches," Quinn said Thursday night. "I think it starts up front. I think we want to build through the middle of our team – through the offensive line, through the defensive line through the middle. That's what we believe in."
Ragnow said his appreciation for his role in the trenches started at an early age.
"You have to love football," Ragnow said Friday at his introductory press conference. "I love that (physical) part of the game. It's just kind of been what drew me to the game.
"I've always been the bigger kid. I was the double-striper, when I was little I wasn't able to touch the ball. So, that's what you kind of really have to fall in love with and that's what I've always been in love with."
LIONS 2018 DRAFT RECAP
Center Frank Ragnow:
Selected in the first round, 20th overall.
Running back Kerryon Johnson:
Selected in the second round, 43rd overall.
Safety Tracy Walker III:
Selected in the third round, 82nd overall.
Defensive end Da'Shawn Hand:
Selected in the fourth round, 114th overall.
Tackle Tyrell Crosby:
Selected in the fifth round, 153rd overall.
Fullback Nick Bawden:
Selected in the seventh round, 237th overall.
LIONS HOLD VOLUNTARY MINICAMP
The draft stole the show, but it wasn't the only thing happening in Allen Park this week. The Lions hosted a voluntary three-day minicamp that marked the first time players hit the field with this coaching staff.
"I think this is definitely an interesting kind of segment in the offseason program because we're really just coming out of phase one," head coach Matt Patricia said Tuesday. "We really had maybe two weeks' worth of work with our strength and conditioning staff.
"We really haven't had a chance to be on the field with them at all or anything from that standpoint. So, it's kind of an in between going into phase two, but yet some of our requirements are a little bit looser, so we're allowed to do some more things."
Check out all the highlights from minicamp practice below:
- Day 1: Gallery | Highlights
- Day 2: Gallery | Highlights
- Day 3: Gallery | Highlights
OTHER NOTEWORTHY ITEM:
- The Lions announced Wednesday the dates and game times for the team's 2018 preseason schedule.
