The Lions didn’t bring in much help for the O-Line in 2010 but they should have.  LT Jeff Backus had one of the best years of his career in 2009 for the Lions.  He will be 33 in September so there might not be a lot of tread left on his tires.  He is a good run blocker and a decent pass blocker.  LG will belong to Rob Sims who is a solid run blocker but he doesn’t have a lot of range to make plays meaning he might need some help on passing plays.  Center will be manned by Dominic Raiola is a tough guy especially in the running game.  He makes all of the line calls and he has really helped Matt Stafford in his development.  Stephen Peterman will be the starting RG for the Lions in 2010 if he can stay healthy.  He missed the final seven games for the Lions last season and they can’t afford to be without him in 2010 for any length of time.  Like Rob Sims, Peterman is a mauler in the running game but a so-so pass blocker.  RT Gosder Cherilus is a player the Lions still have high hopes for but he needs to start showing more on the field.  He has issues with his pass blocking but he’s a solid run blocker.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE LIONS O-LINE in 2010:  C-