Mock Draft Roundup: Georgia Offensive Tackle Is Trendy Pick For Lions

It's time for the 14th Detroit Lions OnSI mock draft roundup for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Over the last week, the Lions have increasingly prioritized landing an offensive tackle at No. 17 overall.

Let’s take a look now at who the draft analysts have Lions general manager Brad Holmes selecting in the first round.

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EDGE Zion Young, Missouri

Young is presently being projected by the following:

As Sanchez opines, “The Detroit Lions' sack production for the past few years has been Aidan Hutchinson or bust. And while Hutchinson has operated at a high level, it is clear that if the Lions want to reach the Super Bowl, they need a more well-rounded defense. In this spot, the Lions draft edge rusher Zion Young to be a great complementary piece to Hutchinson, as Young also has the ceiling to get double-digit sacks in a season.”

EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Howell is presently being mocked by the following:

NFL.com (Nick Shook)

As Shook writes, “If there's any general manager in the NFL who has demonstrated a willingness to ignore pre-draft rankings and stick with his guys, it's the Lions' Brad Holmes. He flouts concerns regarding Howell's arm length (30 1/4 inches) and chooses a dynamic rusher who is also highly capable of making a difference against the run, giving the Lions the running mate they’ve needed for Aidan Hutchinson.”

Defensive tackle Peter Woods, Clemson

Woods is presently being selected by the following:

Draft Wire (Curt Popejoy)

Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

Mauigoa is presently being projected by the following:

CBS Sports (Tom Fornelli); USA Today (Jacob Camenker)

As Camenker writes, “Dan Campbell said the Lions are contemplating moving Penei Sewell to left tackle in 2026. If they do, they will need to find a quality right tackle option. Mauigoa (6-5, 329 pounds) played the position at Miami, showing good anchor in pass protection while being a powerful mauler in the running game.”

Offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, Utah

Lomu is presently being selected by the following:

FOX Sports (Rob Rang; trade down to No. 19 overall); Pro Football Network (Jacob Infante)

As Infante explains, “Few expected the level of regression the Detroit Lions experienced in 2025. After the release of long-time starting left tackle Taylor Decker, they find themselves with a big hole along an offensive line that already took a step back after key departures the previous offseason.

Caleb Lomu is a smooth, polished left tackle who didn’t allow a single sack in 382 pass-blocking reps during the 2025 regular season. His hand timing, balance, and range in pass protection make him a top offensive tackle prospect and a worthy first-round selection in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.”

Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Freeling is currently being mocked by the following:

CBS Sports (Josh Edwards); ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.); Pro Football Network (Ryan Moran); USA Today (Ayrton Ostly)

As Edwards writes, “Dan Campbell has expressed the possibility of moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left, just as Tampa Bay did with Tristan Wirfs. His response, however, left the door open for the team to draft a left tackle and keep Sewell on the right side, which is how this scenario plays out.”

Offensive tackle Spencer Fano, Utah

Fano is presently being selected by the following:

Sports Illustrated (Justin Melo)

As Melo writes, “Spencer Fano looked really smooth and athletic during on-field position drills at the NFL Combine. There have been pre-draft questions about his capability to play offensive tackle, but he's looked the part during the process. The Detroit Lions have a massive hole there after Taylor Decker asked for his release.”

Offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Proctor is presently being selected by the following:

CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson); NFL.com (Lance Zierlein); WalterFootball (Charlie Campbell)