While the Lions have beefed up the defensive line during free agency, there remains a gaping hole on the offensive line at left guard.

Guards Daniel Loper and Manny Ramirez, both restricted free agents, were re-signed on Monday. That does not mean the problem is solved. Ramirez started a dozen games last season and Loper started five. Neither one stepped up enough to be considered a solid starter.

It looks like this will be a position filled in the draft, although Martin Mayhew is one to pull off surprises.

If necessary the Lions could find a tackle and Jeff Backus could shift to guard.

“We thought last year Jeff had the skill set to move inside. But we’ll see how it all plays out. It’s hard to say at this point. I thought he had a solid season last year,’’ Mayhew said recently.