The 2026 NFL Draft starts in less than a week, and draft rumors and speculation are at an all-time high. The Detroit Lions are picking at No. 17 in the first round and have a lot of options with that pick. Offensive tackle, cornerback, and edge rusher are the most common positions connected to the Lions, especially in the first round.
Specifically, Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor is currently viewed as the favorite for the Lions at No. 17 overall. Standing at 6-6 and a half and weighing 352 pounds, Proctor is a truly massive human being with impressive movement skills and athleticism at his size. He’s viewed as a great fit for Detroit’s scheme and if he makes it to the Lions, many analysts believe he’d be the pick.
However, one ESPN analyst has other ideas as to which offensive tackle the Lions should take….
ESPN Analyst on How the Detroit Lions Should Address Their Offensive Line Draft Needs
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Monroe Freeling of the Georgia Bulldogs participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
On Thursday, ESPN’s Ben Solak broke down what he would recommend each team do in the first round of the NFL Draft. For the Lions, he would go hard after the offensive line, but he prefers another prospect to Proctor.
“If the Lions walk out of April with a refurbished offensive line, it’s an A+ draft,” Solak wrote. “That isn’t as easy as drafting a right tackle, flipping Penei Sewell to the left side and calling it a day. The Lions are often paired with Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor (on account of his hugeness), but Proctor isn’t a reliable Day 1 player. I’d prefer to see Georgia’s Monroe Freeling (also very big), who could keep Sewell on the right side, or Clemson’s Blake Miller, who would push Sewell to the left side but has been much more consistent than Freeling.”
“Then the Lions still need to use another pick on the interior offensive line,” he continued. “Christian Mahogany is not a guaranteed starter at left guard and has missed time in both of his pro seasons. Cade Mays was a solid bargain signing in free agency but was a backup for most of his career in Carolina; the Panthers released him in 2024. Neither has a stranglehold on his position, and the Lions should hedge their bets with a middle-rounds pick accordingly.”
Ben Solak on the Lions’ Other Draft Needs
“Besides the offensive line, the Lions have big needs at Edge2 and cornerback that could be addressed at No. 17,” he continued. “It’s unlikely they go for a pass rusher, as they’ve historically undervalued that spot and the board isn’t strong enough there.”
“But cornerback Terrion Arnold‘s struggles for consistent availability and penalty-free play, as well as Amik Robertson‘s departure in free agency, leave plenty of gettable snaps inside and outside. If Jermod McCoy’s knee injury pulls him to No. 17, don’t be surprised if the Lions adjust their plans on the fly for the Tennessee corner.”
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