Today, Lions team President Tom Lewand announced that center Dominic Raiola has been extended, according to Nick Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press. Drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 2001 draft, Raiola was the second draft selection ever made under the stewardship of ex-CEO Matt Millen, and has started almost every game for the Lions since that day.
While dollar figures were not available at the time of this writing, it is safe to assume that this will cement Raiola as the Lions’ starting center for the forseeable future—regardless of some fans’ desire to see him replaced. Notable for his stout, squat frame and pugnacious character, the former Rimington Award winner has developed into one of the league’s steadiest centers. While not physically dominant, nor a road-grader in run-blocking, his ability to recognize blitzes and mow down defenders in the second level have proven valuable. The extension ensures some much-needed continuity on a unit that has had very little of it in the last decade.
They’re already discussing it in The Den!
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