Lions offensive line gets high praise from Giants front office in ‘Hard Knocks’

On Tuesday night, the newest iteration of “Hard Knocks” made its debut, and the Detroit Lions got some unexpected praise in the process.

This year, NFL Films and HBO are producing an offseason edition of “Hard Knocks” that is focused on the New York Giants, their front office, and roster management. It’s a fascinating look at how NFL personnel departments operate, and it gives a never-before-seen inside look into discussion and meetings surrounding free agency and the NFL Draft.

Early in the first episode, the Giants are debating the future of soon-to-be free agent running back Saquon Barkley. Amidst their discussion, the Lions offensive line got a huge compliment from Giants director of pro scouting Chris Rossetti.

“Did Saquon have his best year? No, and I think he’d say the same thing. The other guys on the (franchise) tag didn’t either, but out of the guys—traits-wise—he had the most. Put him behind the Detroit offensive line, put him behind the Philly offensive line, there might be more value to another team,” Rossetti said.

This offseason, the Lions offensive line has been getting widespread praise. PFF recently named them the best offensive line in the NFL, as did offensive line expert Brandon Thorn. It’s an easy case to make considering Detroit finished 2023 fourth in sacks allowed (31), fifth in yards per carry (4.6), fourth in team PFF pass blocking grade (85.2) and second in run blocking grade (82.1).

But it’s one thing to get praise from media personalities and statistical models. It’s entirely different when an NFL front office points to your team as the prototype for building an offensive line and sustaining a strong run game.

As a bonus, Rosetti also talked about former Lions draft pick D’Andre Swift as a potential replacement for Barkley (Swift would end up signing with the Bears).

Here’s Rosetti:

“Swift was kind of the interesting one. Price point would be a big deal on him. This guy, from a physical talent standpoint, can make up some of the things you lose with Saquon from an explosiveness standpoint, from a pass game standpoint. If you’re signing him, he’s going to be more of a package player. You’re going to pair him with somebody. Say he’s one of the guys you sign in the committee-style.”