As Victoria native Frank Ragnow sat with friends and family on Thursday, the now-former Arkansas offensive lineman heard his name called as the 20th pick in the draft, going to the Detroit Lions.
Chanhassen's Frank Ragnow is first-round NFL draft pick of Detroit Lions
Frank Ragnow was the first center taken off the NFL draft board Thursday.
By JACK WHITE, Star Tribune
April 27, 2018 at 4:44AM
Ragnow was a three-year starter at center for the Razorbacks, but suffered a high ankle sprain versus Auburn in his senior year. He started the first seven games last season before missing the rest due to the injury.
"Can't wait to see you carry on the #ProHogs legacy in the Motor City!" Razorbacks coach Chad Morris tweeted.
Ragnow, a former offensive tackle for Chanhassen High School, was the first Minnesota native taken in the first round of the NFL draft since wide receiver Michael Floyd. Floyd, who played for Cretin-Derham Hall, went to the Arizona Cardinals 13th overall in the 2012 draft.
Three offensive linemen went off the board before Ragnow this year — Notre Dame's Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey, and UCLA's Kolton Miller. Ragnow, however, was the first center to hear his name called in this year's draft.
"Building that OLINE," Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker tweeted.
According to Pro Football Reference, Ragnow is the ninth player from Minnesota to be selected in the first round since the AFL-NFL merger.
Jack White is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.
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JACK WHITE, Star Tribune
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