Regardless of how the Detroit Lions handle free agency, it looks like offensive tackle will be a surefire bet in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if Taylor Decker, the longtime left tackle, decides to return for another season, Detroit still needs a long-term succession plan at one of the most crucial positions on the roster, according to the majority of league watchers, who believe that he may retire before the 2026 season.
The Lions are now in a position to compete for the Super Bowl, and they cannot afford a gap year at tackle. Brad Holmes has demonstrated a readiness to spend top draft money on the offensive line. The class this year has a variety of technically strong candidates that complement Detroit’s physical characteristics, as well as high-ceiling developmental athletes and plug-and-play starters.
The complete big board of offensive tackles that focuses on the Lions is shown below. Before the 2026 draft cycle, Detroit should have done a lot of scouting.
A comprehensive Lions-centric big board of offensive tackles is shown below. Before the 2026 draught cycle, Detroit ought to have done a lot of scouting.
The Prospects
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-5, 300)
Fano has quickly established himself as one of the most all-around offensive tackles in the 2026 class. Scouts regularly compliment his athletic agility, balance, and competitive spirit, notably in pass protection, where he displays good footwork and a great capacity for recovery. He can play either tackle position and fits both zone and gap strategies because he is versatile enough. His floor is high, and his polish makes him a candidate to start early, but some evaluators question if he will need to increase his functional strength to consistently move NFL power rushers.
Miami, Francis Mauigoa — OT (6-6, 325)
Mauigoa has all the makings of a future NFL bookend tackle. He excels at pass protection, which includes fast sets, precise hand placement, and the ability to stop speed off the edge. Evaluators already see him as a low-risk starter with pro-ready characteristics, giving him top-of-the-board consideration. He would have a clear projection in Detroit as a long-term right tackle with the athleticism to move left if necessary.
Georgia’s Monroe Freeling – OT (6-7, 315)
With the kind of physique that NFL teams adore developing, Freeling has superior length and athletic qualities. He has outstanding pass protection flashes, particularly against speed, but when defenders switch to power, he may have problems with balance and pad level. Freeling’s potential is in line with Detroit’s history of developing offensive linemen in a system that is prepared to devote the necessary time.
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, OT (6-7, 360)
Proctor is not only the most physically intimidating tackle in the course but also one of the most divisive. When he’s correct, he overpowers opponents with his sheer size and strength, especially in the run game. His pass protection, on the other hand, is still erratic because of leverage problems and footwork that can lag behind his body. Teams will see Proctor as a high-ceiling wager; he has the potential to become dominant with improvement but also has a significant chance of failing if his technique is never perfected.
Utah’s Caleb Lomu is an OT (6-6, 305).
Utah’s streak of NFL-ready linemen continues with Lomu. His length, composure, and innate pass-protection instincts are emphasized by scouts, especially how he maintains his composure under pressure. With the correct coaching and training program, his profile still shouts “future starter,” but he needs to improve as a run blocker and gain strength to hold up against NFL bull rushes.
Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor (OT, 6-6, 330)
Iheanachor is still relatively new to football, but he already displays remarkable mobility for a 330-pound lineman. He is one of the most fascinating developmental tackles in the class. Recent assessments indicate a marked rise in his technique and consistency, and his development curve is high. In the correct system, he has the potential to start for the long term, but he still needs improvement in his ability to recognize and utilize it.
Blake Miller — OT, Clemson (6-6, 315)
Miller has a physical presence, is a traits-driven prospect, and has a nice size and athletic feet. He can handle both speed and power at his best; at his worst, mental mistakes in the face of twists and blitzes result in pressures and penalties. Teams view him as a potential Day 2 upside swing, in which good coaching might transform him from a rotational lineman into a dependable starter.
Northwestern (6-7, 320) — OT, Caleb Tiernan
Tiernan triumphs over his opponents not via athleticism or sheer strength, but rather via skill, leverage, and intellect. Scouts consistently depict him as a high-floor candidate who can offer strong depth early on and who has the potential to start in a pinch. He has the potential to be a reliable swing tackle who can surprise in a steady offensive scheme like Detroit’s.
Florida (6-6, 314), Austin Barber — OT
Barber has positional flexibility, strong hands, and SEC expertise. Although pass protection is still the swing talent that will define his long-term role, he plays with strength and ends in the run game. Some teams may view him as a mix between a guard and a tackle, while others think he can stay outside with more practice. He is seen as a trustworthy and knowledgeable candidate who might make an immediate impact in a rotation.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions cannot afford to hold off on their next tackle investment if Taylor Decker’s career is coming to a close, as everything seems to indicate it might be. Detroit has options in this 2026 offensive tackle class, ranging from early-round starters like Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa to potential upside swings like Kadyn Proctor or Max Iheanachor, as well as reliable depth choices that complement the Lions’ culture.
The Lions are likely to come out of the 2026 NFL Draft with a tackle who is not only depth but also a future cornerstone because of Detroit’s demonstrated offensive line development and a coaching staff that appreciates toughness, intellect, and versatility.
