As the final week of the preseason looms, the Detroit Lions have managed to keep their projected starting offensive line intact. However, injuries are starting to stack up among their backup linemen. With the roster growing thin, Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department has pointed to veteran center Mason Cole as a potential addition that could help stabilize Detroit’s depth upfront.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report made the case for Cole, highlighting the veteran’s versatility and experience as a backup option.
“The Lions have suffered a handful of injuries to backup offensive linemen recently, and rookie Christian Mahogany has been on the NFI list all training camp, both of which have left the unit pretty thin,” Holder noted. “So, bringing in a veteran such as Cole, who has experience playing all three interior spots, wouldn’t be a bad idea even if it is just to get through the next few weeks before the regular season starts.”
The Lions have had no shortage of injury woes along the offensive line. Mahogany has yet to participate in training camp, while fellow guard Netane Muti landed on injured reserve on August 1 with a shoulder injury. Offensive tackle Connor Galvin followed him to IR on August 12, and swing tackle Dan Skipper suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 of the preseason. This combination of ailments has made adding a player like Cole a reasonable consideration.
The Fit: Why Mason Cole Could Be a Key Addition
Mason Cole, a six-year NFL veteran, has been a steady starter throughout most of his career. However, as of Week 3 of the preseason, the 28-year-old remains unsigned. Although he likely won’t be vying for a starting role this late in the offseason, his experience across the offensive line could make him a valuable depth piece for the Lions.
Cole has primarily played at center, but he has also logged meaningful snaps at both guard spots during his NFL tenure. In 2021, Cole played 210 snaps at right guard and 149 at left guard in 2019, giving him the versatility to plug into different positions along the interior line. That kind of flexibility is exactly what Detroit needs as the regular season approaches.
A Veteran with Ups and Downs
While Cole offers experience and versatility, it’s not without risk. There’s a reason the veteran lineman is still available on the open market. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked Cole 23rd out of 32 centers who played at least 50% of their team’s snaps last season, and his pass-blocking grade was particularly concerning, as he finished second-to-last among his peers.
Cole’s career has seen its share of ups and downs. He entered the NFL as a third-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, starting all 16 games at center as a rookie. But he was benched the following season, starting just two games in 2019. Cole rebounded somewhat in 2020, starting 14 games for the Cardinals, before splitting time between center and guard for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021.
His best performance arguably came in 2022, when PFF ranked him 12th among centers, with solid grades in both run blocking and pass protection. However, he took a step back in 2023, which may explain his current free-agent status.
Should the Lions Make the Move?
For now, Detroit’s starting trio of left guard Graham Glasgow, center Frank Ragnow, and right guard Kevin Zeitler remain healthy. Kayode Awosika, the team’s top interior backup, is also available. Adding Cole would bolster the Lions’ depth, but it’s not a necessity unless more injuries occur before the season opener.
The Lions also have several younger options on the roster, including Michael Niese, Jake Burton, and undrafted rookies Kingsley Eguakun, Duke Clemens, and Bryan Hudson. But bringing in a seasoned veteran like Cole could provide a safety net for a unit that’s already seen too many players sidelined this summer.
While the Lions aren’t in a desperate situation just yet, keeping an eye on Cole remains a smart move. If injuries continue to hit, the Lions may need to act quickly, but for now, they have the luxury of patience.
