The Detroit Lions are closer to a Super Bowl run than many realize, but only if they address needs at tackle and edge-rusher between now and September. Determining Penei Sewell's role is another important piece to the puzzle.
Sewell is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro for the Lions, all at right tackle. General manager Brad Holmes has left the door open for Sewell to switch to left tackle to replace the departing Taylor Decker. However, that would create a void on the right side and force Sewell to adapt to a new position, which isn't guaranteed to work.
If Field Yates' mock draft for ESPN comes true, the Lions could land their long-term starting left tackle, allowing Sewell to stay put. Yates has Detroit landing Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round.
"Proctor is a sizable answer to the problem -- literally -- at 6-7, 352 pounds. He has power when he gets his hands on defenders in the running game as well," writes Yates.
"Proctor's tape had up-and-down moments during his final college season, as sometimes his foot quickness was overmatched by edge rushers. But the upside is immense for the 20-year-old left tackle, who started all 40 games he appeared in at Alabama."
ESPN's Field Yates has Lions fixing their urgent needs at tackle and edge-rusher
Proctor would solve one problem, but the Lions must also find a capable No. 2 edge defender to work alongside Aidan Hutchinson. That's what Yates addressed in the second round, with Detroit landing Illinois pass-rusher Gabe Jacas at No. 50 overall.
Let's start with Proctor.
Yates is spot-on with his assessment. Proctor is about as NFL-ready as possible for a college tackle, having consistently started at left tackle for Alabama. According to Pro Football Focus, his overall grade of 85.4 ranked ninth among 632 tackles last season, having allowed only two sacks on 527 pass-block snaps.
Proctor is also outstanding in the run game, which we know the Lions value. The Alabama product could immediately compete for the left tackle job, which would allow Sewell to stay in his most comfortable position and Larry Borom to provide backup as the swing tackle.
Meanwhile, Jacas would go a long way to upgrading the pass rush.
He was among the best edge defenders in college football last season, recording 11 sacks and forcing three fumbles. Jacas also had a career-best 13.5 tackles for loss.
Jacas made 19 sacks in his final two years in Illinois. Detroit wouldn't need double-digit sacks in Year 1, but he could provide steady production to take the pressure off Hutchinson on the opposite side of the field.
Yates' mock draft would be a home-run scenario for the Lions. They desperately need early-round reinforcements at tackle and edge-rusher. A combination of Proctor and Jacas would see the Lions take a significant step toward fixing both problems.