Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow were teammates for years, a pair of first-round picks selected in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

Fellow O-linemen are helping Ratledge get adjusted, but so are some of the Lions defenders, like veteran D-lineman D.J. Reader. Ratledge will pull the nine-year veteran to the side after a rep and ask what he saw, particularly if he found his way past the rookie.

They’ll lean on offensive coordinator Hank Fraley, the mastermind behind the group. Lineman Penei Sewell is already one of the best leaders on this team. Graham Glasgow is another veteran who can set an example for the young interior linemen. And then there’s Decker, who often doubles as the voice of reason when doom and gloom trickles in.

Of all the reasons to worry about the state of the Detroit Lions, none is more worrisome than the state of the offensive line. Not only has the unit been among the best in the league, but it’s also been the driving force of the Lions ’ rebuild.

F or the first time since Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement at 29, coach Dan Campbell spoke with the media. Campbell spoke glowingly of Ragnow's contributions to the team ...

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions knew All-Pro center Frank Ragnow was considering retirement for “a while” and were adamant that his decision had nothing to do with the pursuit of a new contract.