The Detroit Lions began the slow process of rebuilding their aging offensive line in April when they drafted tackle Riley Reiff in the first round.
The Parkston native hasn't cracked the starting lineup yet, but he has impressed coaches so far and appears to be an anchor for the future.
On Thursday, the Lions added probably their best young interior line prospect when they claimed guard/center Bill Nagy off waivers from the Cowboys. Nagy, who started four games as a rookie seventh-round pick last year before an ankle injury ended his season, was cut this week after a second surgery on the same ankle.
But Nagy isn't the only interior lineman who might have a future with the team.
Left guard Rob Sims, the line's second-youngest starter a few months shy of his 29th birthday, mentioned undrafted rookie Rodney Austin's name unprompted this week as someone who played well in the Lions' exhibition opener and is having a solid camp.
A developmental prospect from Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) Elon, Austin has played mostly third-string guard through the first three weeks of the preseason. He has been with the team since May's rookie minicamp.
