It’s rare a team loses a Pro Bowl caliber player and is able to replace them with another Pro Bowler to continue the status quo. That’s what Lions general manager Brad Holmes did when guard Jonah Jackson left in free agency to sign a big deal with the Rams. The Lions signed veteran Kevin Zeitler, who earned a Pro Bowl nod playing in Baltimore last season, to take his place.
Zeitler is the old man in the Lions’ offensive line room at 34 years old entering his 13th season, but joining a new team has Zeitler feeling rejuvenated.
“Sometimes there’s only things you know by being out there on the field throughout all sorts of situations,” Zeitler said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s a smart room, smart guys and it’s pretty fun.”
Zeitler couldn’t say enough about the talent level along the new line he’s joined, particularly right tackle Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow, two All-Pro players he slots between at the right guard spot.
“You see the way they prepare, the way they are and how they approach the day,” Zeitler said of Sewell and Ragnow. “There’s no wonder they are what they are. My goal is to live up to that level too, and make sure that whole right side is hunkered down.”
Zeitler allowed just three sacks and one quarterback hit all of last season for the Ravens, including the playoffs. He was the No. 2 overall pass-blocking guard in the NFL last and season No. 16 overall guard as graded by Pro Football Focus. He’s played well to begin camp and is just another reason why the Lions are considered to have the top offensive line in football entering the season.
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