Detroit Lions offensive line woes and future fixes

An Early Offensive Line Option

If the offense continues to struggle to keep Stafford upright, it would be safe to assume that the Lions might use an early pick on help up front. Again, regardless of Decker’s health, the need for depth or replacing at least one tackle is there. The Lions simply don’t have quality along their entire starters or many quality backups that could play extended minutes.

Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Although Thomas still has eligibility left after 2019, the Georgia product could declare after this season. He has both left and right tackle experience with twenty-eight starts. His 6-5, 320 pounds frame will make him an early selection whether he comes out this year or next.

Not only is he well versed at either tackle spot but is a stout enough lineman to move inside although a very early pick will probably only be spent to put him outside. When you watch Thomas, like in the 2018 SEC Championship game, you can see that even against top competition he can excel. He is strong enough to anchor against Alabama’s line but agile enough to mirror any of their pass rushers and deliver a punch.

Thomas looks the part of an NFL starter but obviously comes with a higher price tag. Hopefully, the Lions don’t have too early of a pick and he will probably be gone if that’s the case. Many consider him to be one of the top couple of tackle prospects available over the next two years.