You've seen the mock drafts. If it's not Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor, it's Georgia's Monroe Freeling. If it's not Freeling, then it's Clemson's Blake Miller.
All signs are pointing toward the Detroit Lions taking an OT in the first round of the NFL Draft. Why not? Rebuilding the offensive line is a big need for them, but that expectation could pose a problem.
On NFL Network's The Insiders, the question was posed of possible trade-up locations in the first round. Ian Rapoport theorized a specific point right in front of the Lions.
"What I want to look at is around 15 and 16. Both those picks are before 17, which is where the Detroit Lions pick, and I think it's pretty clear the Lions have a need, maybe a significant need, for an offensive tackle. And a lot of teams know this. The Lions have said, 'We may not take a tackle,' but I think it's fair to say teams believe they will," Rapoport said.
"And you have several teams right behind the Lions, with teams like the (Carolina) Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and several others who have done a lot of work on the top tackles. Do they try to jump in front of the Lions to get one of the top tackles, one of the last few top tackles available?"
Lions at risk of losing a dream Round 1 target due to a draft-day trade
Of course, it's worth knowing that it is smokescreen season. For all we know, the Lions could be zeroing in on a wide receiver like USC's Makai Lemon or a tight end like Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq. The extensive speculation that the Lions are going offensive could be by design, and trade-ups like this are exactly what the Lions want, as it increases the likelihood their preferred choice falls to them.
Let's assume they are targeting OT, and they do have someone big like Proctor in mind. This would have the potential to be a nightmare draft-night scenario. Guys like Utah's Spencer Fano and Miami's Francis Mauigoa are likely already off the board by #15. If Proctor and Freeling are also taken beforehand, do they still go with Miller, even if they may not feel as strongly about him as they do other prospects?
Who trades up could also pose problems. Rapoport listed exclusively NFC teams, all of whom went to the playoffs last season. He also neglected to mention the Chicago Bears, who might consider comboing a new OT with a chance to screw the Lions over.
The goal for the Lions in 2026 is to get back on track, but that becomes more difficult if the teams ahead of them are getting better at a faster rate. The draft is the Lions' opportunity to get a better player than a playoff team at a mutual position of need without having to break the bank, but that starts to go out the window if those playoff teams are looking to get ahead of the Lions.
Lions should consider their own trade-up to land their target
Where does that leave the Lions, assuming these possible trade-ups are problematic? They could stand their ground and hope everything falls in their favor. They could also do what ESPN's Peter Schrager suggests in his latest mock draft and trade up to #13 and take Proctor.
Trading up to draft someone who many currently expect will be there at #17, with other notable OT prospects still on the board, would no doubt be controversial. Especially for someone who is a risky candidate, with concerns about his weight. The toxic social media firestorm of that could top the Jahmyr Gibbs pick in 2023.
At the same time, one of the general beliefs about any sports draft is that if you have someone you love, go get them. According to Daniel Jeremiah, the Lions do love Proctor. If they are locked into taking Proctor, they may feel their only recourse is to spend extra draft capital to get him.
There will be heavy competition, which is sure to make for one of the most intense "Inside the Den" draft episodes of the Brad Holmes era.
Add us as a preferred source on Google