The free agent market is not looking very solid right now for the Detroit Lions in 2026. Outside of potentially snagging center Tyler Linderbaum or tackle Rasheed Walker, the team has to likely rely on their scouting ability and draft room to land a replacement at both right guard and left tackle.
Taylor Decker has begun dropping some ominous clues about his future with the Lions and the NFL, making it clear that the team needs to focus on getting not only some reinforcements at center and guard, but at left tackle, as well. Penei Sewell and rookie Tate Ratledge feel like the only sure-thing offensive linemen set to return next season and start.
In this 3-round mock draft done using NFL Mock Draft Simulator, the Lions land a two-fold solution to a potential Decker retirement, and to the lack of starting option at left guard. As a reminder, the Lions do not own a 3rd round pick in 2026 by way of the trade up for Isaac TeSlaa in 2025.
3-round mock draft lands improved pass protection for Jared Goff
Proctor immediately solves the Lions' issue at left tackle if Decker's retirement tease becomes a reality. The Alabama product is the 3rd-ranked offensive lineman by NFL Draft Buzz, allowing just one sack this season for the Crimson Tide in addition to just three quarterback hits and 16 total pressures, per PFF.
Even if Decker remains for one more season with Detroit, the veteran could be the perfect mentor to Proctor as he learns the starting ropes behind him. One thing's for sure, though: the Lions' depth of Dan Skipper and Giovanni Manu is far from enough to provide pass protection to Goff for years to come. Proctor would be a fantastic solution to that long-term problem.
READ MORE: Rams' Matthew Stafford announcement added insult to injury for Jared Goff
Pregnon is the second prong to this offensive line rebuild. The Oregon Duck started all of his games while with USC in 2024 at left guard, allowing zero sacks at that position. He's an overpowering guard who, according to Bleacher Report's Brandon Thorn, has the tools to become a long-term starting guard in the NFL.
Left guard is far more open for the Lions at this stage, with them trying out a variation of Christian Mahogany, rookie Miles Frazier, Kayode Awosika, and Trystan Colon at that spot. None have impressed to the point where Detroit seems to have found their solution at that position.
Pregnon, ranked between the 2nd and 3rd-best IOL across various draft profile sites, could be a much better prospect to build up than those already selected by the Lions in previous drafts that simply haven't panned out.