Lions Audition Former Hometown Viking

  |  
Aug 14, 2023
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Detroit Lions haven’t won the NFC North in 30 years, a plight that sportsbooks expect the franchise to rectify in 2023.

Detroit is on tap for 9.5 wins per oddsmakers, situated for an NFC North crown, while the Minnesota Vikings allegedly finish in second place with 8.5 wins.

Lions Audition Former Hometown Viking

And to fulfill that prophecy, the Lions are continuing to tweak their 90-man roster and even worked out a former Vikings lineman recently — OG/C Jake Lacina.

Lions Audition Former
Image Courtesy of GoAugie.com and Courtesy of Jurgens Photography, Lacina was a Consensus All-America selection, a 2019 Rimington Award Trophy winner as the nation’s top center and named First Team All-America by AFCA and Don Hanson, plus named Second Team All-America by D2Football.com.

KPRC2‘s Aaron Wilson tweeted Saturday, “Lions to work out All-USFL New Jersey Generals center-guard Jake Lacina, previously Vikings who allowed no sacks last season and won Rimington trophy as nation’s top center as consensus All-American at Augustana.”

An alumnus of Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s Augustana University indeed, Lacina was undrafted in 2020 and latched onto the Vikings that summer. Failing to earn a regular season roster spot, he joined the USFL and is now nibbling at another shot in the NFL.

Detroit Lions fans during action against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at Ford Field. © Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Free Press via Imagn Content Services, LLC.

Lacina is the son of former Vikings lineman Corbin Lacina, who played in Minnesota as a guard from 1999 to 2022. The son Lacina attended Cretin-Derham Hall like his father and tabulated various high school accolades as a senior, including First-Team All-Conference in 2014, Pioneer Press All-Metro First Team, Star Tribune All-Metro Second Team, and Second-Team All-State by the Associated Press.

If Lacina parlays the tryout into a roster spot, he’ll join this group of Lions guards:

  • Graham Glasgow
  • Jonah Jackson
  • Colby Sorsdal
  • Halapoulivaati Vaitai
  • Bobby Hart
  • Kayode Awoskia
  • Darrin Paulo
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, first-round picks receiver Jameson Williams and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson pose for a picture with GM Brad Holmes during the press conference Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Detroit Lions practice facility in Allen Park. MAIN Lionspicks. © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Or — if they sign Lacina for center duties:

  • Frank Ragnow
  • Brad Cecil

Based on roster depth, Lacina was likely worked out for center responsibilities.

The Lions ranked 18th in 2022 per ESPN’s pass-block win-rate metrics and ninth via run-blocking win-rate. Its offensive line is considered one the best in the sport, so, in theory, if Lacina signs on the Lions dotted line, he’ll be in good company.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports.

Lacina, 26, was a four-year starter at Augustana, tallying Division II All-American honors, and won the Rimmington Trophy, which recognizes the country’s best center. He’s got the college resume, albeit at a small school.

The Vikings play the Lions on Christmas Eve at U.S. Bank Stadium and again on January 7th.

Detroit also employs former Vikings Teddy Bridgewater (QB) and Shane Zylstra (TE).

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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.