Tim Twentyman
The three positions that continue to have the most value to teams in the NFL Draft are quarterbacks, players who protect the quarterback and players who can get after the quarterback.
The Detroit Lions could look to draft help at tackle, especially if veteran left tackleTaylor Deckerdecides to retire this offseason. At the very least, Detroit could look to start a succession plan at the position for Decker. The rookie would also have a chance to become the swing tackle and play in extra offensive lineman sets, which new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing uses quite a bit in his scheme.
This year's NFL Draft is exceptionally deep at tackle, as we could see nearly a dozen players taken in the first couple of rounds.
Top 5 tackles to watch at the Combine:
1. Spencer Fano, Utah, 6-6, 308
A three-year starter with experience at both tackle spots, Fano excels in the run game with his combination of athleticism and movement skills and still has room to build his frame up to handle bigger, bull-rushing edges in the NFL.
2. Francis Mauigoa, Miami, 6-6, 335
A three-year starter at right tackle for the Hurricanes, Mauigoa has the frame of an NFL guard but the athleticism and movement skills of a tackle. He allowed just two sacks and nine total pressures this past season helping to lead Miami to the National Championship Game, where they lost to Indiana.
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, 6-7, 366
Proctor is an enormous tackle with remarkably good feet and athleticism for such a massive frame. He was used as a skill player in the backfield at times and even caught a pass, which speaks to his athleticism. He's a mauler in the run game as well. Before the 2025 season, Proctor squatted 815 pounds, benched 535 and power cleaned 405, per The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah, 6-6, 308
Draft analysts think there's a lot of upside with Lomu as he builds out his frame and core strength once he gets into an NFL weight program. Lomu plays with good technique and has all the tools to be a good tackle in this league as he adds muscle and experience.
5. Monroe Freeling, Georgia, 6-7, 315
A starter at left tackle for the Bulldogs in 2025 with plenty of room to grow having just 16 college starts to his credit. He has an ideal frame and athleticism to be a starting left tackle for a long time in the NFL.
Combine sleeper to watch:Keagen Trost, Missouri, 6-4, 316
Trost was the highest graded tackle by Pro Football Focus in all of college football this past season with a 92.0 grade allowing just one sack and seven total pressures with a 1.7 percent pressure rate. He has the flexibility to move inside to play guard as well.
Lions need at the position:Yet to be determined.
Just how big a need the tackle position is for the Lions depends on Decker's retirement decision and any possible moves the Lions make to add to the position via free agency.
Even if Decker, who turns 33 in August, decides to return in 2026, the Lions don't have a proven successor waiting in the wings or a reliable backup and swing tackle currently on the roster.Dan Skipper, last year's top reserve and swing tackle, retired this offseason to pursue a coaching career.
One of the most important items on general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell's to-do list this offseason is improving the talent, competition level and depth along the offensive line to get that unit playing at a much higher level in 2026 and beyond.
Key stat:The Lions allowed 39 sacks this past season, which ranked 18th in the NFL. Denver allowed the fewest (23) and Las Vegas the most (64).
