Frank Ragnow has Already Spoken to Coach Patricia and Lions Owner Mrs Ford
With their first pick, 20th overall, the Detroit Lions select 6-foot-5, 312-pound, Offensive lineman Frank Ragnow out of Arkansas. He’s a Center by trade but has also filled in at Right Guard. Welcome to Detroit!
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 27, 2018
Here’s the other side of the conversation!
The phone call that changed Frank Ragnow’s life. #NFLDraft18 pic.twitter.com/4kuuhHqXD5
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) April 27, 2018
LIONS C FRANK RAGNOW VIA CONFERENCE CALL
On if the Lions told him where they plan to use him along the offensive line: “Nope, they just said that they are impressed that I can play multiple positions and they’re just excited to have me.”
On how surprised he was that Detroit selected him: “To be honest, I was pretty surprised. They actually mentioned that on the phone that they really tried to keep it under the radar. They were interested in me and I was very surprised, but I’m so, so, so excited to be a Detroit Lion.”
On his emotions right now: “It’s just, I mean, it’s hard to put into words. I just went 20th overall in the NFL Draft. You know, I’m just a kid living his dream and I’m just very excited.”
On how much he followed the NFC North after growing up in Minnesota: “Obviously, growing up following the NFC North my whole life.”
On if he is surprised he was able to become a first-round pick after his ankle injury last year: “To be honest, no. I believe in my abilities and I knew that if I could just prove that my ankle was back to being healthy, I think the film didn’t lie. I’m just so excited that I’ve gotten to this point and here is where I am.”
On what he knew about the teams in the NFC North growing up: “Just it’s a great division. It’s a great division with a lot of great organizations, especially the Detroit Lions. I can’t believe I’m a part of the team, the organization and I’m just really excited to get to work.”
On how much contact he had with the Lions prior to the NFL Draft: “I had an interview at the Combine. To be honest, that was basically it.”
On if he had talked to the Lions since the Combine: “Nope.”
On how Jets C Travis Swanson was a mentor to him during their time together at Arkansas: “I mean, I think it’s unique just because I know him and he’s a mentor in my life, but the NFL is a business. He’s on to new opportunities and I’m on to living my dream. I’m just excited to get to work for the Detroit Lions.”
On if he has heard from Swanson since being drafted: “I haven’t even gotten a chance to look at my phone, but I did see that he texted me. I think he said congrats, so I mean, he’s a great person and a great mentor and I’m very thankful for him.”
On the rehab process following his ankle injury: “You know, the rehab process honestly went way smoother than I expected. It was a very routine surgery that back in the day wasn’t even necessary, but it just really made sure that my ankle was good for the long run. And now, to be honest, it’s a normal ankle. I feel great and it’s been a couple months since I’ve even had any problems with it. It’s a normal ankle.”
On what blocking schemes he was a part of at Arkansas: “We were very versatile. We ran all kinds of different schemes, whether it was zone, pull, gap, we really kind of did everything. I think that I have strengths in all of them. There’s not really a particular one where I feel like I’m better at or one I feel like I’m worse at. I think I can definitely improve in all of them, but I’m just excited to figure out the scheme that we’re going to be with the Detroit Lions and keep my head down and get to work.”
On how emotional this past year has been following the passing of his father: “It’s tough, and it’s still tough. It’s only been a little over a year and a half. I mean, he was my best friend. He was my biggest fan and, I mean, my dad, he’s incredible. It’s really, especially right now, it’s bittersweet. But I know he’s up there and he’s looking down on me and he’s proud as can be. I’m just going to keep trying to make him proud.”
On if he was watching the NFL Draft at home and if he expected to be drafted in the first round: “From what I had heard, I knew I was going to be either late first round, middle first round kind of. I knew that once we got to pick 15, that was kind of when I had a chance. So, I mean, I kind of had the expectation, but then again, you really don’t know.”
On Lions Head Coach Matt Patricia complimenting his on-field attitude: “I just think one of my favorite things about playing football is finishing. I think that’s what he means. I just really like – The thing that’s great in the trenches is just battling and trying to put another man on his back against his will. That’s what I guess I take pride in and I’m excited about. We’ll see if I can translate that to the next level. I’m excited to get to work and make that happen.”
On what it means to him to say he never gave up a sack in college: “I’m proud, you know, but it’s really not about me. It’s a five-person unit and I’m just excited to get to work and see if we can get going the right way. I’m just very excited.”
A message for you, #OnePride fans! pic.twitter.com/svmC1DZA16
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 27, 2018
In addition, Detroit Lions GM and VP was also available to media via conference call. Read comments from his conference HERE.