The air crackles with excitement during the NFL Draft. Dreams ignite for wide-eyed rookies, families celebrate life-altering moments, and even the most obscure draft analysts briefly bask in the glow of (potential) accuracy. It’s a league-wide party, a celebration of what’s to come.
Yet, for one group of individuals, the draft can feel less like a party and more like a looming shadow: NFL veterans. There’s a certain irony in your employer throwing a massive event centered around the very players who might eventually take your place. But as the well-worn adage goes, the NFL is a business.
This week, that business reality likely weighs heavily on the mind of Graham Glasgow. A cornerstone of the Detroit Lions’ offensive line for over half a decade, Glasgow isn’t facing immediate dismissal. However, the arrival of new talent through the 2025 NFL Draft signals a shift. As NFL.com’s draft expert Chad Reuter recently analyzed, Detroit’s latest draft class has significant implications for the current roster.
Is the End of the Line Near for Graham Glasgow in Detroit?
Reuter noted, “The Lions chose the talented Williams in Round 1, passing on other needs. The selections of the powerful guard Ratledge in Round 2 and the intriguing receiver TeSlaa in Round 3 (via a bold trade) add significant young talent. However, the pick of Frazier adds direct competition for both Ratledge and Graham Glasgow on the interior, potentially paving the way for Frazier to start in 2026. Detroit also addressed key needs with the additions of pass rusher Hassanein and safety Jackson, while Lovett provides receiving depth.”
Let’s do some quick math. An NFL offensive line typically features two starting guards. With the Lions now boasting three promising guards, including two highly touted rookies, the implication is clear: a difficult decision regarding Glasgow’s future likely looms within the next year or two. While we might prefer to ignore this reality for now, the writing seems to be on the wall.
Perhaps by the time Frazier is ready to step into a starting role, the departure of Glasgow won’t sting quite as much. His statistical performance this past year wasn’t stellar, and he faces his 33rd birthday. Yet, the prospect of losing such a consistent and long-tenured player feels like a genuine loss for Lions fans. Maybe, just maybe, the NFL Draft isn’t always the joyous occasion it’s made out to be.
Heartbreak in the Motor City? Beloved Lions Veteran Could Exit After NFL Draft
