The Unseen Value of Larry Borom: Why the Lions’ Jumbo Package Could Be a Game-Changer
When it comes to NFL strategy, the devil is often in the details—and sometimes, those details come in the form of a 6’5”, 320-pound offensive lineman like Larry Borom. Personally, I think Borom’s role in the Detroit Lions’ offense has been flying under the radar, and it’s time we talk about why he might be the secret weapon in their arsenal. What makes this particularly fascinating is how his presence could amplify the Lions’ use of jumbo packages, a trend that’s quietly reshaping offensive football.
The Case for Borom as OT3
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Larry Borom isn’t a household name, but he doesn’t need to be. In my opinion, his value lies in his reliability and versatility. With 38 starts over five years and experience at both left and right tackle, he’s the kind of player you want on your bench. Sure, his PFF grades aren’t eye-popping, but context matters. Playing on a struggling Miami offensive line with a rotating cast of guards last season wasn’t exactly a recipe for success. Under better coaching and with more consistency, I believe Borom could thrive. What many people don’t realize is that offensive line depth is often the difference between a playoff contender and a team that crumbles under pressure. If you take a step back and think about it, the Lions’ decision to bring in Borom as their presumed OT3 isn’t just a depth move—it’s a strategic one.
The Rise of Jumbo Packages and the NFL’s Tight End Obsession
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The NFL is a copycat league, and this year, everyone’s talking about two and three-tight end sets. The Rams are leading the charge, but it’s not just about them. The league-wide investment in tight ends—22 drafted this year compared to 14 last year—speaks volumes. Drew Petzing, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, is no stranger to this trend. In Arizona, he leaned heavily on tight ends, including Tip Reiman, a 270-pound blocking specialist. What this really suggests is that the Lions could follow suit, but with a twist: using Borom in jumbo packages instead of a third tight end.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how jumbo packages stress defenses. By widening the defensive front, they create more gaps and force defenses into base formations. This isn’t just about running the ball—it’s about dictating the terms of engagement. In a league where offenses are constantly searching for mismatches, this approach feels both old-school and revolutionary. One thing that immediately stands out is how this strategy could neutralize defenses that struggle with their third linebacker in coverage. Imagine Jahmyr Gibbs or Amon-Ra St. Brown running routes against a linebacker who’s out of his depth—it’s a recipe for big plays.
Borom’s Financial Upside: Bang for Your Buck
Financially, Borom’s contract is a steal. At $5 million, he’s a bargain compared to blocking tight ends like Charlie Kolar, who signed a deal averaging $8.1 million per year. Here’s the kicker: Kolar has caught just 30 passes in his career. Borom, while not a receiving threat, could easily snag a handful of passes in jumbo sets. From my perspective, this is about maximizing value. Why pay a premium for a blocking tight end when you can get similar—if not better—results from a lineman who’s already on your roster?
The Broader Implications: Offense in the Modern NFL
This raises a deeper question: Are we witnessing a shift in how offenses approach personnel? The traditional tight end role is evolving, and teams are finding creative ways to exploit defensive weaknesses. The Lions, with Borom in the mix, could be at the forefront of this trend. What makes this particularly intriguing is how it challenges conventional wisdom. Instead of chasing the next superstar tight end, they’re repurposing existing talent to achieve the same effect. If you take a step back and think about it, this is innovation at its finest—finding solutions within the constraints of your roster.
Final Thoughts: The Unseen Hero
Larry Borom might not be the flashiest player on the Lions’ roster, but he could very well be one of the most impactful. In a league obsessed with star power, his role as a strategic piece in jumbo packages highlights the importance of versatility and adaptability. Personally, I think this is where the Lions’ offense could surprise a lot of people this season. It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about using what you have in smarter, more effective ways. And in a league as competitive as the NFL, that might just be the edge they need.
