In the immediate wake of the NFL’s annual Scouting Combine—perhaps fueled by late-night conversations at St. Elmo Steak House and Prime 47—trades and roster movement often materialize just before the start of free agency. Monday delivered an emotional one for Detroit Lions fans, as the franchise parted ways with David Montgomery, a move that had quietly been building throughout the offseason.
To their credit, Brad Holmes and the Lions maximized the return. Detroit secured a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and rotational interior offensive lineman Scruggs—the 11th-highest draft selection of the Texans under general manager Nick Caserio (62nd overall in 2023).
Scruggs brings 1,663 career snaps (48.9% of Houston’s offensive plays since 2023) and experience at both guard spots and center. However, his development was somewhat fragmented in Houston, as he was frequently shifted between positions despite center being his natural position and a prominent collegiate home.
Holmes deserves credit for churning the back end of the roster and strengthening the two-deep. Last season, with Graham Glasgow pressed into a full-time starting role out of position, it left Trystan Colon as the emergency interior swing option (three starts), and eventually Kingsley Eguakun getting two starts (Lions 0-2 in those games). Scruggs should represent an upgrade over those depth options at center.
At guard, however, the projection is less encouraging. He profiles as a below-average spot starter there—particularly compared to Glasgow at right guard. His upside lies squarely at center. Still, it would be surprising if the Lions entered 2026 with Scruggs penciled in as the unquestioned starter. More likely, he was a value-add at a position of need to squeeze the most value out and get the trade over the end zone—a controllable piece with developmental upside.
Below is a breakdown of what Detroit is getting—strengths, weaknesses, and contextual factors—with emphasis on Scruggs’ eight starts at center in 2024 before he was shifted back to left guard in Week 10.
This season should provide the best environment for his growth, and with a strong foundational year in 2026, he could eventually develop into a plus starter at center.
