With longtime left tackle Taylor Decker strongly considering retirement, the Detroit Lions have a massive decision looming on the offensive line. Even if Brad Holmes addresses the position in free agency, it would be surprising if Detroit didn’t also invest an early draft pick in a young tackle to secure the future of the position.
Currently holding the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Lions will be in a prime position to land a potential franchise cornerstone. Based on early evaluations and performance data, here are four offensive linemen Detroit should have firmly on their radar in the first round.
Spencer Fano – T, Utah
Fano has quietly developed into one of the most reliable tackles in college football. At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, he brings ideal NFL size with outstanding technique. After earning a PFF grade north of 90 in 2024 and following it with another strong season in 2025, Fano has shown he can handle elite pass rushers while also moving defenders in the run game. He projects as a plug-and-play left tackle who would fit perfectly in Detroit’s physical, run-first identity.
Francis Mauigoa – T, Miami (FL)
Mauigoa looks the part of an NFL blindside protector. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, he combines power with surprising agility. His 2025 season showed major growth in pass protection, earning one of the top tackle grades in the country. Mauigoa’s strength at the point of attack and ability to mirror speed rushers make him an ideal long-term replacement if Decker walks away.
Kadyn Proctor – T, Alabama
If Brad Holmes wants traits, Proctor has them in bulk. Standing 6-foot-7 and tipping the scales around 360 pounds, Proctor is a mountain of a human being with rare movement skills for his size. His 2025 PFF grade ranked among the top tackles in the nation, and his development at Alabama has scouts believing his ceiling is Pro Bowl level. Detroit’s run-heavy approach would allow Proctor to immediately shine while refining his pass protection.
Caleb Lomu – T, Utah
Another Utah standout, Lomu brings a more refined technical profile than some of the rawer prospects. At 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, he has logged heavy snaps and shown steady improvement each season. While he may not have Proctor’s freakish size or Mauigoa’s raw power, Lomu’s consistency, leverage, and football IQ make him an appealing option for a coaching staff that values reliability.
Bottom Line
Taylor Decker’s potential retirement changes everything. Even with free agency help, the Lions must think long-term at left tackle, and the 2026 draft provides several high-end options. Whether Holmes prioritizes elite traits, proven production, or polished technique, Detroit will have no shortage of quality candidates when they go on the clock at No. 17.
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