The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here, and Detroit Lions fans are eagerly waiting to see who the Lions will select in the first round on Thursday night. The Lions own the No. 17 overall pick in the first round of the draft, and many expect Detroit to select either an offensive lineman or add depth to their defense.
However, there is speculation that the Lions could consider trading up in the first round. According to Jordan Schultz, the Lions are among several teams that are contemplating trading up to draft an offensive lineman.Â
Under general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions haven’t been shy about trading up in the draft. During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Lions originally had the No. 32 overall pick, but traded up to No. 12 to select Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams.Â
Potential Offensive Lineman Lions Could Select
That decision to trade proved rewarding for the Lions, and if Detroit does the same tonight, fans hope that it has a positive impact moving forward. There are several talented offensive linemen that the Lions could select in the first round of the draft.
The two prospects on the Lions' radar the most are Alabama offensive tackle Kayden Proctor and Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. The Lions' selection of Freeling would reunite him with his former Bulldogs teammate Tate Ratledge.
Both players would be great selections for the Lions, especially after their offensive line struggled last season, as they finished last in the NFC North with a 9-8 record. The Lions are also looking to put a talented piece next to offensive tackle Penei Sewell heading into next season.Â
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Sewell was Holmes’ first-ever pick as general manager for the Lions, as Detroit selected him with the No. 7 overall pick out of Oregon in the 2021 NFL Draft.Â
While unlikely, the Lions trading up to potentially steal offensive tackle Spencer Fano from the Utah Utes would be considered a big move for Detroit. Fano was considered one of the best offensive linemen in college football last season, as he was named the 2025 Outland Trophy winner, which is given to the nation’s best interior offensive lineman.
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