The Detroit Lions are beginning to size up what improvements they need to make ahead of the 2026 season, and while free agency will come first, there's never a bad time to think about the NFL draft.
This offseason, the Lions already have clearly defined needs and holes that have presented themselves on the roster. There's no question that upgrades will be needed on defense, and the offensive line also needs a major boost.
Specifically, offensive tackle is going to be firmly under the microscope. While Penei Sewell is entrenched with the Lions, Taylor Decker's future remains up in the air. The veteran could choose to retire, and if he does, it would open a gaping hole at the other tackle spot.
Would the Lions look to the draft for Decker's replacement as they did successfully last April with Tate Ratledge to mitigate the loss of Kevin Zeitler in free agency? It's very possible, and early on, several mocks believe that could be the plan for pick No. 17.
Pro Football Focus and writer Max Chadwick recently set out to name the top draft fit for every team this year. Not surprisingly, an offensive tackle was the pick for Detroit. He revealed Utah's Spencer Fano to be the player fitting the Lions like a glove.
"The Lions would be wise to address their offensive line this offseason, especially with longtime left tackle Taylor Decker contemplating retirement. Fano notched an elite 92.2 PFF overall grade across his final two seasons at Utah."
Fano figures to be one of the top tackles on the board, and along with edge rusher and safety, could represent one of the top three needs the Lions have going into the draft. His selection would be bad news for one of Detroit's other young players.
Brad Holmes not yet sold on Giovanni Manu earning a role for 2026
In spite of the fact that the Lions have had Manu in the system for two years, he may not be ready to assume the full-time role at tackle. That could force the Lions to look outside the franchise for a more capable replacement.
While Holmes typically tends to favor slotting in younger players he has drafted, he notably didn't commit to making Manu the full-time tackle for next season no matter what might happen with Decker's pending decision on his future.
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"I'm not sure what (Taylor) Decker is going to decide to do, but not only will (addressing the line) have to be urgent this offseason, but it's been urgent in the past. Two years ago, we drafted (Giovanni) Manu as more of a developmental guy, thinking that he's going to have some years to take some steps forward. It would be irresponsible for us to just go into (the offseason) thinking we drafted a developmental player a couple years ago (and) he's going to be the guy."
If the Lions hone in on a tackle early in the draft, that would be an ominous sign for Manu. It would show that his development behind the scenes did not match up with what the team expected early on in his tenure. A first-round pick at the position would mean Manu's ceiling is likely a swing tackle and nothing more if not a potential future cut candidate.
Right now, the Lions have some decisions to iron out ahead of the scouting portion of the offseason. If a tackle does fit them best, that decision is likely to have major roster ripple effects.