Frank Ragnow Assesses Lions' Rookie Class

Detroit Lions veteran center Frank Ragnow is the heart and soul of a 6-1 team that sits atop the NFC as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. A three-time Pro Bowler, Ragnow is the premier center in today’s game. The Lions have embodied his toughness and identity, leading them to annual contention.

Ragnow recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network while discussing his partnership with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Ragnow discussed the Lions’ goals this season, helping rookie blockers Christian Mahogany and Gio Manu acclimate, and more.

JM: You're helping Campbell’s Chunky fight food inequality on behalf of the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Why is this cause so important to you and your family?

Frank Ragnow: To think and to know that somebody, families out here are struggling in my local community to have enough meals to eat just breaks my heart.  That’s just a crazy concept to me. Campbell’s Chunky has this amazing program that donates 1,000 meals for every sack in the NFL to Feeding America.

JM: You guys have been getting some contributions from the rookie class this season. Terrion Arnold is especially playing a lot of snaps for you guys. What have you seen from the rookies so far? What are your early impressions of this draft class?

Frank Ragnow: We drafted a bunch of good dudes. That comes first and foremost. Going to work with them every single day has been a total pleasure. I enjoy going to work with them. That’s an underrated aspect of that discussion.

Our rookie class has good heads on their shoulders. They work incredibly hard. In today’s day and age, you have a lot of TikTok users (laughs). It’s getting harder to relate to those kids. Trying to bond with them has definitely been a unique experience, but getting to know them has been fun. They're all good dudes and they're putting the work in.

JM: That’s awesome. You guys drafted two offensive linemen as well in Christian Mahogany and Gio Manu. I know they’ve battled through some things, but have you been putting in extra work with the rookies in your position room? Working on technique, getting them acclimated to professional football, things of that nature?

Frank Ragnow: Yeah, I’ve been working with both Christian Mahogany and Gio Manu at every single practice they’ve been at. Christian [Mahogany] obviously had that scare with an illness and he’s still bouncing back from that. I’ve loved spending time with him in the meeting room.

Gio Manu is working his tail off right now. He’s been doing that all year long before and after practice with offensive line coach Hank Fraley. They’re both trying to improve. I think that’s a result of the culture we’ve established here in Detroit.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. This has been outstanding stuff. Thanks for all the incredible work you’re doing with the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. In closing, is the realistic goal for the Detroit Lions to get back to the NFC Championship Game this year, get over that hump and get to the Super Bowl?

Frank Ragnow: I’d say so, yes. That’s our goal, that’s every team’s goal [to start the season]. We’ve done some good things and we believe in our ability to win football games. That’s definitely [getting to the Super Bowl] the goal.