The Unseen Value of Larry Borom: Why the Lions’ OT3 Could Be a Game-Changer
Let’s start with a bold statement: Larry Borom might not be the flashiest name on the Detroit Lions’ roster, but he could very well be one of the most impactful. In a league where offensive line depth is often the difference between a playoff run and a season-ending injury report, Borom’s role as the presumptive OT3 is far more significant than most fans realize. Personally, I think this is where the Lions’ front office has quietly outsmarted the room—and here’s why.
Beyond the PFF Grades: Context Matters
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Borom’s PFF grades aren’t exactly Pro Bowl material. But what many people don’t realize is that these numbers are often stripped of context. Borom spent last season in Miami, where the offensive line was a revolving door of chaos. He played alongside a rotating cast of guards, which is like trying to build chemistry with a stranger every week. If you take a step back and think about it, consistency and better coaching (enter Hank Fraley) could unlock a version of Borom we haven’t seen yet. This isn’t just speculation—it’s a pattern we’ve seen across the league. Players thrive when they’re not fighting systemic dysfunction.
The Hidden Impact of Offensive Line Depth
Here’s a detail that I find especially interesting: the offensive line is the single most underrated position group in football. Outside of the quarterback, no unit dictates a team’s floor more than the O-line. Look at the Chargers last season—their line collapsed, and their entire offense went with it. Borom isn’t just a backup; he’s an insurance policy. And in a league where starting tackles rarely play a full season, he’s almost guaranteed to see significant snaps. What this really suggests is that Borom isn’t just a depth piece—he’s a potential season-saver.
The Jumbo Package Theory: A New Wrinkle for Detroit?
Now, let’s get into the fun part: the Lions’ potential use of jumbo packages. The NFL is a copycat league, and this year, everyone’s talking about two and three-tight end sets. The Rams are leading the charge, and teams are investing heavily in the position. But here’s where it gets fascinating: what if the Lions take a different approach? Instead of relying on a third tight end, why not use Borom as a de facto blocker in these sets?
From my perspective, this makes a ton of sense. Borom’s size and strength make him a natural fit for widening the defensive front in the run game. And in the pass game, while he’s not a receiving threat, defenses still have to account for him. This raises a deeper question: could Borom essentially function as a blocking tight end at a fraction of the cost? Financially, it’s a no-brainer. Blocking tight ends like Charlie Kolar are earning upwards of $8 million per year, while Borom is signed for just $5 million. If you ask me, that’s highway robbery.
The Strategic Advantage: Stressing Defenses
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it stresses defenses. By going jumbo, the Lions would force opponents into base defenses, which often means exposing their third linebacker in coverage. Now imagine Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jahmyr Gibbs running a crosser against that linebacker. It’s a mismatch waiting to happen. This isn’t just about Borom’s individual impact—it’s about how his presence elevates the entire offense.
The Broader Trend: Adapt or Fall Behind
If you take a step back and think about it, this is part of a larger trend in the NFL. Teams are getting creative with personnel, and the Lions could be ahead of the curve here. Drew Petzing’s experience with tight end-heavy sets in Arizona adds another layer to this strategy. But what many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about mimicking the Rams—it’s about finding a unique edge. Borom as a jumbo package specialist could be that edge.
Final Thoughts: The Unsung Hero
In my opinion, Larry Borom is the kind of player who could define the Lions’ season without ever making a highlight reel. He’s not a superstar, but he’s exactly the kind of versatile, reliable piece that championship teams are built on. One thing that immediately stands out is how his role could evolve under this coaching staff. If the Lions lean into jumbo packages, Borom could go from an afterthought to a key cog in their offensive machine.
So, the next time you hear someone dismiss Borom as just another backup, remember this: in the right scheme, with the right coaching, he could be the difference between a good offense and a great one. And in the NFL, that’s the kind of detail that wins games.
