All five of Dan Campbell’s starting offensive linemen from the 2025 Detroit Lions roster will return next season. But that doesn’t mean the team couldn’t make an upgrade.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman see that as a strong possibility for the Lions in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In their latest NFL mock draft released Thursday, Baumgardner and Dochterman slotted Utah tackle Caleb Lomu to the Lions at No. 17 overall.
“The Lions’ offensive line could use a youth infusion, and Lomu, more than any of the other available offensive tackles, would fit perfectly with what Dan Campbell wants,” wrote Baumgardner and Dochterman. “He is durable (800 snaps at left tackle last season) and allowed only two quarterback hits all year, according to PFF.
“It’s possible he could step in at guard before shifting outside, if required.”
Campbell could potentially use that “youth infusion” described at tackle or guard. According to pundits, both veteran guard Graham Glasgow and tackle Taylor Decker are potential cut candidates.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Lomu started two seasons at Utah. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Lomu to Tennessee Titans’ left tackle Dan Moore Jr.
How Utah’s Caleb Lomu Would Fit With Dan Campbell’s Lions
Lomu’s versatility makes him an ideal target for the Lions. Adding a young talent such as the Utah product will give Detroit roster flexibility along its offensive front.
However, the Utah offensive lineman is also far from a finished product. That, though, could also make Detroit an ideal landing spot since, as of now, Lomu wouldn’t have to start immediately for Campbell.
“Utah’s run game leaned heavily on movement and misdirection, preventing Lomu from firing out and showing his power. His run blocking trails his pass protection, but improved pad level and a nastier demeanor could close the gap,” wrote Zierlein. “In protection, he shows good balance with adequate foot quickness, landing quick, well-timed punches and using a firm grip to control rushers once he’s in. His anchor was rarely stressed by power and his athletic recoveries are average.
“Lomu flashes but is still under construction. His play could improve rapidly with strength gains and additional coaching.”
Lions Offensive Line Depth Entering 2026
Depth isn’t really a concern for the Detroit offensive line. Even with the loss of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow last offseason, the Lions had veterans or recent draft picks ready to start along every position of the line.
That depth is set to return for 2026. Additionally, next season, former fourth-round pick Giovanni Manu could play a bigger role.
But there’s little doubt Ragnow’s retirement set off a chain reaction that led to a decline along the Lions offensive front. Glasgow moved to center to replace Ragnow. That caused a drop-off in play at multiple offensive line positions for Detroit.
At left tackle, Decker is beginning to show signs of age. He will be 33 years old before Week 1 in 2026. Decker will also have about a $21.1 million cap hit for 2026.
The Lions could choose to spend their cap resources elsewhere, especially if Lomu arrives ready to contribute on Day 1.
Zierlein cast doubt over that possibility, at least on Lomu playing at left tackle immediately. But the tackle’s versatility could mean him starting next to Decker or another veteran left tackle in 2026 and then transitioning to the blind side down the road.
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