The Detroit Lions took a big hit to their offensive line earlier this week. Starting center Frank Ragnow, who’s been a four-time pro bowler during his seven year stint with the Lions, has announced his retirement from football.
This leaves Detroit with a massive hole at the position. Ragnow has consistently been one of the stronger centers in the entire NFL – and the Lions now face what could be a tumultuous offseason finding someone to replace his production. With multiple NFL teams hurting to find quality offensive linemen, it’ll be no easy task.
It begs to ask the question: should they bring in some UFL competition over the summer? The Detroit Lions are no strangers to the spring football scene, or the Michigan Panthers for that matter. They signed Jake Bates, the Panthers legend and hero, who was a top two performer at kicker in the NFL this past season.
Let’s take a look at a couple of UFL prospects who have done well in spring ball – that could bring some depth and competition to Detroit for Training Camp.
Mike Panasiuk | St. Louis Battlehawks
Right off the bat, Mike Panasiuk comes to mind as one of the top centers in the UFL scene. He’s earned All-UFL/XFL honors for three straight seasons, continuing to get better and better with each and every snap.
Panasiuk’s been a part of a Battlehawks offensive line that has been elite in the XFL and UFL. This year, Mike earned All-UFL honors again, allowing just two sacks and six total pressures on 497 snaps. Panasiuk has some NFL experience, as he was with the Colts last preseason following his UFL campaign.
At 27 years old, Panasiuk is playing some of the best football of his career. He made the switch from defensive tackle to center in the XFL, and has put together some tremendous tape as an offensive lineman. He’s also worked with some outstanding O-Line coaches the past couple of years, most notably, Marc Colombo this season in St. Louis.
Once his UFL season is…