The Detroit Lions’ offensive line should be one of the finest in the NFL again in 2024. However, as with any club, a single injury to Detroit’s offensive front might have a significant influence on the unit. That’s why Colby Sorsdal could be one of the Lions’ most underappreciated crucial role players this season.
Sorsdal, a former 2023 fifth-round pick, is approaching the offseason as if he could play any position along the offensive line at any time this season.
“(Lions offensive line coach) Hank (Fraley) talks all the time about knowing every position on the offensive line,” Sorsdal told the media on June 11, according to SI.com’s All Lions’ Vito Chirco. “I believe as an offensive lineman, you take pride in knowing every position, correct? So, simply adding the ability to play everything and everything to your portfolio is quite valuable.
As a rookie in 2023, Sorsdal saw considerable action at right tackle, right guard, and left guard.
“You saw this last year, too. Atlanta, I was playing tackle,” Sorsdal explained. “That was my first NFL snap, and I played guard for the remainder of the season. Any means to support the team.”
Sorsdal helped strengthen a battered Lions offensive line in the middle of last season. He dressed for 16 regular-season games. Sorsdal made three starts at both left and right guard in late October and November.
Lions’ Colby Sorsdal Addresses Role for 2024 Season
Depth offensive linemen isn’t the most misogynistic aspect of an NFL roster to examine. But it’s definitely critical to any team’s Super Bowl chances.
It is unusual for all five offensive lineman to play every game in the NFL. Without a designated backup for all five positions, organizations want second-string offensive lineman to be versatile.
Sorsdal want to become that for Detroit.
In 2023, Sorsdal performed below average at all positions, according to Pro Football Focus player grades. But that was probably to be expected.
Chirco referred to Sorsdal as “a projected” fifth-round choice last year. The only reason he played was that Detroit’s backup offensive lineman struggled to stay healthy in 2023.
However, such experience should only benefit Sorsdal this season.
“Headed into his second NFL season, Sorsdal has an understanding of what it takes to play every position on the line,” Chico stated. “It’s an attribute that could help the big man get on the field more easily in 2024.”
Sorsdal has no position on Detroit’s official 90-man roster. Ourlads.com lists him as a right tackle.
If that is his primary position, he will battle with Dan Skipper for the backup spot to All-Pro Penei Sewell. Sorsdal may also have competition for snaps at left tackle from fourth-round rookie Giovanni Manu and Connor Galvin.
