The Detroit Lions struck gold when they drafted center Frank Ragnow with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, a selection made by former general manager Bob Quinn.
Since being taken in that spot, Ragnow has developed into one of the league’s premier centers, and an argument can certainly be made that he’s the best, especially now that Jason Kelce is retired. The Arkansas product has tallied three Pro Bowls and two second-team All-Pros since 2020.
Knowing that, it comes as no surprise that Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema ranks Ragnow as the league’s best No. 20 overall pick since 2015. Here’s what he said:
Ragnow has been a rock in the middle of the Lions’ offensive line for the past four seasons. That includes elite run-blocking grades in two of the past three seasons and an astounding 29.0% positively graded run play rate when blocking outside zone concepts in 2023.
Garett Bolles has been steady in his career, but he hasn’t had as many highs as Ragnow.
The runner-up to Ragnow was Denver Broncos tackle Garett Bolles, who has had a solid career but nowhere near as good as Ragnow’s.
Detroit has since rewarded Ragnow with a four-year, $54 million deal that the center signed in 2021. Despite having signed it three years ago, Ragnow is the highest-paid center in the NFL in terms of total value, annual average and guaranteed money.