Scouting Report: Dominic Raiola

Scouting Report: Dominic Raiola
by Tom Kowalski
Thursday May 29, 2008, 12:01 AM
Ed. Note: Compare Lions Insider Tom Kowalski's 2007 scouting report on Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola with this year's report below.


Dominic Raiola

2008 Scouting Report


Since he arrived in Detroit as a second-round pick in 2001, there have been two schools of thought on Raiola. Some believe he'll never reach an elite status because he's undersized and teams can take advantage of mismatches with powerful defensive tackles. Others believe Raiola is already approaching elite status because of his intelligence and athleticism - his ability to make a solid initial block and then spring to the second level to clean up linebackers. Raiola is also good on the outside and in open space.

There is evidence to support both theories. While there will be changes in some of Detroit's zone blocking schemes, they will continue to take advantage of what Raiola does the best - putting him on the move.

One of the significant changes in the offense - allowing the quarterback to call audibles - should play to one of Raiola's strengths. Because different plays require different blocking schemes and protections, they'll have to be done on the fly and Raiola is brilliant in identifying defenses. A couple of years ago, Raiola was awarded a game ball in a win against the Baltimore Ravens, who run one of the most complex and constantly changing defenses in the league. In that game, Raiola didn't make a single mistake in making calls on the fly.

The other thing about Raiola which can't be understated is his durability. It's interesting that for the last two years, the Lions really haven't had a clear backup center. They've had a couple of candidates that could've done it, but it was never a solidified position because it was never necessary. Raiola hasn't missed a game in his career and became a full-time starter in his second season.


I like Raiola but he has to get better at leverage against those bigger guys. what i think is missing on here is that he has trouble with the guys that have that quick twitch move, not nearly as much as the power DT.