The grades are scaled to expectation. A first-round pick should be expected to make a bigger splash and play at a higher level than a 7th-rounder.
The first-round pick quickly proved a worthy starting left guard. Ragnow made the switch from being the center at Arkansas to the Lions’ left guard without much of a problem.
Other than a terrible outing against the Rams’ Aaron Donald, who makes everyone look bad, and a slow start in Weeks 1-2, Ragnow played at an acceptable starting level all season. His run-blocking tenacity was a big reason why the team’s ground fortunes ticked upward.
The biggest area for improvement is in his ability to slide laterally and pick up second-level defenders in pass protection, an issue which teams attacked quite effectively in Weeks 10-15. The premium returns on a first-round pick are not there yet, but Ragnow looks to be a strong starter for a long time in Detroit.
Grade: C-plus
