The Detroit Lions have seen some major departures from their offenisve line already this offseason, and could be nearing one of the few opportunities to make a meaningful addition.
SI.com expert Albert Breer broke down the strategy the Lions will likely take in this month’s NFL draft, noting that the team could face some pressure to add to their line. Breer noted that head coach Dan Campbell has crafted an identity of a team that’s tough in the trenches, which could increase the pressure to use an early pick on an offensive lineman.
Dan Campbell Needs Offensive Line Refresh
As Breer noted, the Lions don’t have many picks early in the draft, which could force them to address some of their offensive line departures early on.
“Iâd say only having two picks in the top 100 can affect a team, in that it may lock you into specific needs more, knowing that by the time you get to Day 3 it may be harder to find someone who can fill them,” Breer wrote. “Along those lines, Iâd be surprised if the Lions donât take at least one offensive lineman with those two picks.”
While it would ultimately be up to general manager Brad Holmes whether the team adds another lineman early, Breer suggested that it’s Campbell facing the pressure to return the line to its past dominance. The team’s offense struggled over the final stretch of the 2025 season, with the running game grinding to a halt over the final weeks as the Lions missed the playoffs.
“That position group has played a big role in setting the teamâs identity over the five years that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have been there, and the losses of Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow, two guys inherited from previous regimes who became foundational to the build, are still being felt,” Breer wrote. “Which is why the Lions potentially taking Monroe Freeling or Kadyn Proctor at No. 17 makes perfect sense.”
 Kadyn Proctor Could Make Strong Addition
The Lions could make up for some of their losses by snagging Proctor with their top pick. NFL.com expert Lance Zierlein predicted the Alabama tackle could grow into a strong starter within a year or two,
“Proctor is a mass of humanity with rare size and length at his command,” Zierlein wrote. “Heâs capable as a move blocker but shines when rolling downhill as a bona-fide people mover with bulldozing power. However, slants and quick first steps beat him to the spot in the run game. When set and centered, Proctor is a roadblock to speed-to-power charges. He has a stout anchor and strong hands to stall the rush in its track. He struggles to mirror athletes in space and lacks the range to protect deeper pocket drops against speed.”
Zierlein added that Proctor has some areas to work on, but has enough versatility to make an impact across a few positions.
“Inconsistency in pass protection hasnât helped his draft standing, but he still has the potential to become a good right tackle or very good guard,” Zierlein wrote.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lions Coach Dan Campbell Under Pressure on Key Offensive Position appeared first on Heavy Sports.