Offensive line is becoming the popular choice in mock drafts for the Detroit Lions. Easy to see why. The once stalwart unit crumbled last season, becoming one of the team's biggest liabilities.
The Lions have already prioritized OL this offseason, bringing in players like Cade Mays, Larry Borom, and Juice Scruggs, but adding another in the first round of the 2026 Draft would put a neat bow on the team's aggressive remodel.
Lions may have Georgia on their mind when they're on the clock, as dream pick Monroe Freeling could be on the board at #17. But those Freeling dreams could be fleeting based on Dane Brugler's comprehensive and interactive The Beast draft guide at The Athletic, where Freeling ranks as the third-best OT prospect.
In his analysis, Brugler views Freeling as an "ascending prospect" who "passes the eye test with his frame, length and movements off the ball." Brugler notes Freeling's raw and unhoned abilities and that whoever takes him should expect "bumps in the road," but he expects Freeling to start in his rookie season.
For those wondering about which side of the ball Freeling plays, he has experience at RT, but was primarily a LT for the Bulldogs. That's notable given the increasing likelihood of Penei Sewell moving over to LT after Taylor Decker's departure.
Don't necessarily view that as the Lions avoiding all primary LTs, as Sewell had to find a home at RT when he was drafted. Not to mention general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell mused about the possibility of moving guard Tate Ratledge to center from the moment they selected him.
Positional shifts are one of the biggest reasons Freeling might not be on the board at #17. Brugler's #2 OT prospect is Miami's Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa would be an amazing pick for the Lions in himself, as he's primarily a RT and considered by many as the best OL player in this draft. However, Brugler believes Mauigoa's abilities would be "maximized" at G rather than OT.
If front offices and scouting departments feel the same way, Freeling could then be seen as the #2 OT prospect, increasing his draft value. If teams at the top of the draft are aggressive on defense, maybe the Cincinnati Bengals at #10 pivot from their expected defensive pick and go offensive line, as it's not only a need, but the Baltimore Ravens are right behind them at #14 and are likely eying OL as well.
The Los Angeles Rams are sitting at the #13 spot, and while they're not expected to go OL, they are a prime trade-back team. Someone like the Carolina Panthers at #19 could be interested in moving up for the South Carolina-born Freeling or Utah's Spencer Fano (Brugler's #1 OT) if he's still available.
Kadyn Proctor is Brugler's #4 OT
If the Lions miss out on Fano, Mauigoa, and Freeling, who's left? Lions fans have already grown familiar with Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, who sits at the #4 OT spot on Brugler's list. Proctor is frequently mocked by the Lions, despite his playing LT exclusively, as opposed to Freeling, who has experience at RT at the college level.
Brugler sees Proctor as "big, strong and explosive, which is an exciting foundation for an offensive lineman." Still, caution and patience will be necessary "until his discipline and technique catch up."
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Proctor may not be the most exciting OL prospect in this year's draft, from a fan perspective, but the Lions could feel differently. Daniel Jeremiah was recently on The Mina Kimes Show for a mock draft, and their mock draft played out perfectly, with the Lions having their choice between Fano and Mauigoa. Jeremiah picked Mauigoa, but also added, “I was told they love Proctor, by the way."
The Lions loving Proctor does yield some scary thoughts, assuming it's not a smokescreen during peak smokescreen season. They could pass on someone like Freeling, giving a team like the Chicago Bears the opening to trade up and take him, instead. Maybe the Lions themselves trade up and take Proctor, which would be Holmes' magnum opus of controversial draft decisions.
If Brugler's analysis is correct, Proctor may be the Lions' only option at OT, barring a trade up. Proctor could very well end up as the correct pick for the Lions and even the best OL in his draft class, but until we know for certain, it looks like the dreams of a more highly-regarded OL prospect like Freeling are crushed if his draft stock continues to rise.