Roy Lopez Stands Tall Against Frank Ragnow: Detroit Lions’ New Defensive Lineman Shines with Jaw-Dropping Play

April 9, 2025 – Detroit, MI – The Detroit Lions are buzzing with excitement over their newest defensive lineman, Roy Lopez, who has quickly made a name for himself by holding his own against one of the NFL’s elite centers, Frank Ragnow. In a league where standout performances can define a player’s career, Lopez’s “crazy play” during a recent matchup has turned heads and sparked optimism about his potential impact on the Lions’ defense. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, Lopez’s ability to stand tall against a Pro Bowl talent like Ragnow signals a bright future for Detroit’s defensive line.

A Clash of Titans: Lopez vs. Ragnow

Roy Lopez’s defining moment came during the 2024 season when the Lions faced the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. At the time, Lopez was still with the Cardinals, battling in the trenches against Detroit’s vaunted offensive line. The Lions emerged victorious with a 20-13 win, but it was Lopez’s performance against Frank Ragnow that caught the attention of Detroit’s coaching staff. Head coach Dan Campbell singled out the 27-year-old defensive tackle when reviewing game film, noting how Lopez consistently disrupted plays and stayed “around the football” despite facing one of the league’s toughest opponents.

Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, is widely regarded as the NFL’s premier center. In 2024, he anchored a Lions offensive line that allowed just 31 sacks—one of the lowest totals in the league—while earning an 88.8 overall PFF grade. Going toe-to-toe with Ragnow is no small feat, yet Lopez held his ground, showcasing a blend of power, agility, and tenacity that impressed Lions brass. That performance stuck with Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, ultimately leading to Lopez’s signing with Detroit in the 2025 offseason.

Who Is Roy Lopez?

Roy Lopez isn’t a household name—yet—but his journey to the Lions is a testament to perseverance. Drafted in the sixth round by the Houston Texans in 2021, Lopez spent his first two seasons starting 29 games at nose tackle. After a brief stint with the Cardinals, where he started another 21 games over two years, he joined the Lions as a free agent in March 2025. His 2024 stats with Arizona—28 tackles, one sack, four tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits in 16 games—don’t scream superstar, but his film tells a different story.

Lopez earned a performance-based bonus of $477,528.78 from the Cardinals for his efforts in 2024, a sign of his growing value. Detroit’s coaching staff saw a “down and dirty” player who thrives in the trenches, particularly in run defense—a critical need with Alim McNeill sidelined by injury at the start of the 2025 season. Paired with veteran DJ Reader, Lopez is poised to bolster a Lions defense aiming to remain stout against the run, a hallmark of Campbell’s philosophy.

The “Crazy Play” That Turned Heads

While specific play-by-play details from the Week 3 matchup aren’t widely publicized, posts on X and reports from Lions insiders paint a vivid picture of Lopez’s standout moment. Facing Ragnow head-on, Lopez reportedly shed a block with a lightning-quick swim move, collapsing the pocket and forcing Lions quarterback Jared Goff into an errant throw. Another account highlights Lopez stuffing a run play at the line, stonewalling running back David Montgomery despite Ragnow’s best efforts to open a lane. Campbell praised Lopez’s ability to “be noticeable” on tape, a rare compliment for a defensive tackle not racking up gaudy stats.

This “crazy play” wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it showcased Lopez’s raw athleticism and football IQ. At 6’2” and 318 pounds, he combines size with surprising quickness, allowing him to disrupt plays in ways that don’t always show up in the box score. For a Lions team looking to build depth and versatility on defense, Lopez’s performance against Ragnow was a tantalizing preview of what he could bring to Motor City.

Why Lopez Fits the Lions’ Vision

The Lions’ defensive identity under Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn revolves around stopping the run and controlling the line of scrimmage. With McNeill potentially missing time early in 2025 due to a shoulder injury sustained in 2024, Lopez steps into a critical role alongside Reader. His signing reflects Detroit’s strategy of targeting undervalued talent with upside—players who can grind it out in “base” downs while offering flexibility on passing situations.

Lopez’s ability to stand tall against Ragnow aligns perfectly with this vision. Ragnow’s dominance in run-blocking (91.3 PFF grade in 2023) makes him a litmus test for any defensive lineman. Lopez didn’t just survive that matchup—he thrived, proving he can handle the NFL’s best. As the Lions aim to build on their 2024 success (a 12-5 record and NFC Championship appearance), Lopez’s addition could be a quiet but pivotal move in their quest for a Super Bowl.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The buzz around Lopez’s play has spilled onto social media, particularly X, where Lions fans have lauded his gritty style. “Roy Lopez vs. Frank Ragnow was a battle I didn’t expect him to win, but he did!” one fan posted. Analysts have echoed this sentiment, with Sports Illustrated’s John Maakaron noting that Lopez’s film from the Cardinals game “jumped out” to Campbell’s staff. While his PFF grades remain middling, his impact in key moments suggests he’s a diamond in the rough—a player whose contributions transcend raw numbers.

Detroit’s faithful, still riding high from the team’s recent success, see Lopez as another piece of the puzzle. With stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way, the Lions don’t need Lopez to be a headliner—just a reliable cog in a well-oiled machine. His “crazy play” against Ragnow has only fueled that optimism.

What’s Next for Roy Lopez and the Lions?

As the 2025 season approaches, Lopez faces the challenge of translating his potential into consistent production. Training camp will be a proving ground, especially with Reader and McNeill (once healthy) commanding significant snaps. Lopez’s versatility—he can play nose tackle or slide to 3-technique—gives Glenn options, but he’ll need to carve out a defined role to maximize his impact.

For the Lions, Lopez’s emergence could ease the burden on a defense adjusting to life without injured contributors like Marcus Davenport. If he replicates his Ragnow-beating heroics, Detroit’s defensive line could remain a strength, setting the stage for another deep playoff run. Fans are already dreaming of Lopez disrupting opposing offenses in crunch time, perhaps even in a rematch against Ragnow’s linemates.

Conclusion: A Rising Star in Detroit

Roy Lopez’s standout performance against Frank Ragnow wasn’t just a fluke—it was a statement. The Detroit Lions’ new defensive lineman has shown he can hang with the NFL’s elite, impressing coaches and fans alike with his “crazy play” and relentless motor. At 27, he’s entering his prime, and his fit with Detroit’s hard-nosed identity couldn’t be more perfect. As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Lopez to see if he can build on this momentum and help the Lions take the next step toward greatness. For now, one thing is clear: Roy Lopez stands tall, and Detroit is taking notice.