To draft a tackle, or to draft a pass-rusher. That's the question facing the Detroit Lions at No. 17 overall in next month's draft, and anything outside of that almost feels unacceptable, given this team's needs.
The good news is that general manager Brad Holmes should have plenty of intriguing options when his team hits the clock on draft night.
Various mock drafts, including our very own by Mike Luciano for SideLion Report, are aligned on the Lions' need to add a tackle in Round 1. Based on how the draft board is projected to fall on the opening night, Holmes should have a golden opportunity to upgrade the offensive line.
Lions mock draft roundup highlights where Brad Holmes must focus in Round 1
NFL Spin Zone: Trade up for Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)
Our friends at NFL Spin Zone have the Lions making a bold trade into the top 10. Lou Scataglia believes it would make sense for Detroit to jump up for Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa, and, honestly, it's hard to disagree.
As Scataglia points out, this trade would allow the Lions to move All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell to the left side of the line, with Mauigoa starting at right tackle.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes Mauigoa "should immediately be a dominant run blocker" in the NFL, which would be music to Dan Campbell's ears. The Lions' offense is arguably the league's best when they can run the ball.
Mauigoa's PFF run-blocking grade ranked 23rd among 632 tackles last season. He was even more impressive in pass protection, ranking seventh.
The Lions don't plan on picking as early as No. 17 again anytime soon, so why not take advantage by using that selection to trade into the top 10?
NFL.com and CBS Sports: Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
Trading up might not work for Holmes, who already has to navigate through this draft without a third-round pick. The good news is that he should still have options at No. 17.
Enter Alabama's Kadyn Proctor.
Both Charles Davis' mock draft for NFL.com and Josh Edwards' for CBS Sports have the Lions landing Proctor, and it makes a ton of sense.
Proctor dominated at Alabama and is more than ready to start in the NFL. He earned PFF's ninth-best grade among tackles last year, allowing only two sacks and 19 pressures in 13 games.
An added benefit is that selecting Proctor would allow the Lions to keep Sewell at right tackle, where he is a three-time first-team All-Pro. Staying at No. 17 and still landing a tackle with Proctor's upside would be a truly perfect scenario on the draft's opening night.
A to Z Sports: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Spencer Fano would be a fascinating choice for the Lions, and that's how Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports sees it playing out.
In terms of value, it's hard to argue. Fano is a top-15 talent. The question is where the Lions would want him to play. The Utah product has extensive experience at left and right tackle, but many draft analysts believe he will move inside at the NFL level.
The Lions may view Fano as a guard. Could he replace Christian Mahogany in the lineup? Would they move Sewell to left tackle and have Fano play right tackle? Would they view Fano as Taylor Decker's successor and have the rookie protect Jared Goff's blindside?
Fano's NFL position is in the eye of the beholder, but here's the bottom line: He has Pro Bowl potential, regardless of his eventual starting position along the line.