Positional Analysis: Offensive Line...

Tackles

1. Jeff Backus, LT: This is the perfect offense for Backus, who thrived in zone blocking schemes at Michigan. He has started every game at left tackle since he's been drafted in 2001, which is 112 straight games, and he hasn't missed many snaps, either. This is underrated when considering his contributions. He's given up sacks, he's had some rough moments, but for him to be so dependable is what being a top lineman is all about.

2. Gosder Cherilus, RT: When he was selected, many people questioned the move, but drafting Cherilus made sense, and is paying dividends right away, since the other two players mentioned as picks (Otah and Albert) are injured right now. Cherilus is a better fit for what the Lions need. He moves much better than Otah, and has experience as a right tackle, which Brendan Albert does not. During college, he was a better prospect as a junior at right tackle, and struggled as a left tackle, when Boston College switched to the zone blocking scheme, which the Lions will run this year. He has been known to play high when he gets tired, so his conditioning is a key. He'll probably be better early in games than late, so the Lions will have to keep a close eye on him. Also it is impressive that he has played in every game for BC since being redshirted in 2003. He's very dependable.

3. Jonathon Scott, LT/RT: Scott is one of my favorite players, he's a terrific blocker. His biggest problem is that he's not dependable, that he's had some injury problems for two years. He did start the game against Denver last year when the running game rolled up 130 yards, and only allowed one sack in a blowout win. What really has impressed me about Scott is that he has played against the Packers, and has done well against Aaron Kampman, who's one of the best defensive linemen in football. His level of play is pretty high, and he could handle either tackle spot if he could only stay healthy.

4. George Foster, RT: Foster can block, but his mental lapses have killed his team too many times for him to be trusted. He has a history of missed assignments and false starts that have led to his benching for two straight seasons. When he's on, he's pretty good, but it would also give you a false sense of security. He can't make this team.

Guards

1. Edwin Mulitalo, LG: Mulitalo has come in and solidified a problem position at left guard. The only problem is that he'll be 34 years old on opening day, but his long term replacement is probably on the roster. He's experienced with zone blocking schemes, although he seems to be a bit too wide-bodied for the offense. The offense does require athletic guards that can block second level (linebackers) players.

2. Stephen Peterman, RG: Peterman was a good player coming out of college, and the Cowboys hastiness to release him after knee problems has been a blessing for the Lions, as Peterman has become a dependable starter for the Lions. He's more of a battler than a finnesse player, and provides the Lions with a physical presence on the right side.

3. Frank Davis, LG: Davis is closing in on the starters, and will probably see some action when the live bullets fire after the season opens. He's a pretty solid athlete, and looks real good in practice. He could probably hold down the fort for most teams at left guard, and he's a very good value as a backup. My guess is that he'll take over Mulitalo's spot eventually, and will probably run away with the job. He has great feet, and a nice find for the scouting department.

4. Manny Ramirez, RG: Ramirez is currently just recovered from a minor knee injury in camp. This is a different offense than he's ever seen before, as he played in a stretch offense at Texas Tech, and Martz's offense last year. He's a big unknown, but he's built pretty well to withstand the battles at right guard. This is a big preseason for him, to get noticed, and stay active for games.

5. Corey Hulsey: Hulsey has been in the league since 2001, so he's no spring chicken. He has connections to Jim Colletto, as he played for him in 2005 when Colletto was the offensive line coach for the Raiders. He hasn't played much in the NFL, and doesn't figure to make the Lions roster.

6. Carroll Madison, LG/C: He's been notable in camp because of his versatility. He went undrafted, but is probably in line to make the team on the practice squad, as he would be pretty valuable as a backup for Raiola at center. He started in 38 straight games at Syracuse, so he's proven he's a dependable player.

Center

1. Dominic Raiola: He's started for 96 straight games for the Lions, and is a proven performer. He's also perfect for the Lions transition to the zone blocking scheme. In the past, the Lions haven't carried an extra center, since Raiola has been so dependable. That seems to have changed since they no longer have Damien Woody as a fallback plan, so they signed a couple of backup centers for camp.