Larry Warford’s Decision On A Return To Detroit Will Be Big On What Detroit Does Come Draft Time
Riley Reiff isn’t the only big name offensive lineman that could be out of Detroit. The starting right guard might be testing the market, and Detroit might have to pay up or pass up on Warford. Besides him is a big question on what to do with Laken Tomlinson and his future with Detroit is shaky as well.
Larry Warford
Warford only missed one game last season and he had another average season. Since his impressive rookie season, Warford has declined in skill. He only allowed three sacks this year and drew two penalties, so while he hasn’t been horrible, he hasn’t been the same player since 2013. He may ask for too much money and Detroit will have to walk away. While I would love for him to come back and keep playing at right guard, he might be over Detroit’s spending.
Decision: Go
Graham Glasgow
While he was drafted as a center, Glasgow moved over to left guard in replacement of former first round pick Laken Tomlinson. Glasgow needs some work on getting called for penalties, as he was tied for first on the offensive line in penalties called on him with six, tied with Taylor Decker. Glasgow did well in his performance at left guard that he moved Laken Tomlinson out of the starting spot and when Swanson was hurt he played center. People were expecting Glasgow to fight Swanson for his starting job at the center position, but with Swanson improving and Glasgow doing well at left guard, he seems to have found a job elsewhere on the line.
Decision: Stay
Laken Tomlinson
The former first round pick had a rough 2016. He lost his starting gig to rookie Graham Glasgow and only started in 10 games, if not for injuries it would have been less. Tomlinson had three flags called on him and he allowed three and a half sacks. While his career in Detroit as a starting left guard is out, that doesn’t mean he can’t play right guard. If Detroit moves on from Larry Warford, Tomlinson could slip right in. He started one game at right guard this year with Warford out and he did better on that side than the left. If Warford comes back, then Tomlinson might have to be a backup. Give him another year and if 2017 isn’t bright for him, then we can move on from him.
Decision: Stay
Garrett Reynolds
While Reynolds never started or appeared, Reynolds is a solid backup guard in the league. Now in my scenario of Larry Warford leaving, Reynolds will stay in Detroit. He can teach the young group of guards some lessons to improve their game and help the line out in general. If Warford comes back, then I see Reynolds getting the boot, but for now he comes back.
Decision: Stay
Joe Dahl
While only appearing in six games this year, Dahl has been given a lot of praise from multiple people in practice and training camp back in August. Some people see him possibly jumping over Laken Tomlinson as the backup or right guard starter if Warford leaves, that is how good people are seeing him. Time will tell with Dahl, but I would give him another chance to possibly start or backup, either or he needs to come back.
Decision: Stay
Possible Offensive Guard Replacements
- Luke Joeckel
- T.J. Lang
- Chance Warmack
- Kevin Zeitler
- Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh
- Danny Isidora, Miami
- Kareem Are, Florida State
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