Larry Borom has, so far and as of the publishing of this story, been the only tackle signing for the Detroit Lions in free agency.
The veteran, who most recently spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears, is coming hone to Detroit to more than likely be a depth swing tackle for the team in 2026. But, there's a pretty distinct possibility that Borom actually starts for the Lions given how thin they are in the tackle room for starting talent.
It wouldn't be such a terrible idea, especially if he can keep up his production from the tail end of the 2025 season headed into the beginning of 2026. But, Detroit needs to focus on a long-term solution at tackle. And, with how cheaply they've been moving in free agency, it looks like the draft will be their solution on that issue.
FanSided's Cody Williams recently pieced together a new NFL mock draft following the first wave of free agency, and probably to no surprise to Lions fans, he mocked a tackle to the team at 17th overall - just maybe not the one that's a great fit for the team and their timeline.
"Because the Lions have only done but so much to try and fill some newfound holes on the offensive line, it only stands to reason that this is likely what they plan to do with their first-round pick. Fano is an intriguing prospect with strong tape and an as strong body of work from his time at Utah. He's not the best athlete, but he knows how to play the position. Maybe the Lions would look at more upside, but I think they'll believe in the high floor of Fano, even if the ceiling isn't all that high."
Lions projected to select tackle with questionable ceiling in latest mock draft
The issue with Fano is his measurements. He ended up hitting the NFL Scouting Combine and leaving behind more questions about the viability of him as a long-term tackle than answers thanks to his short arms. While he started at right tackle for the last two seasons with the Utah Utes, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah reported that teams and scouts were more interested by Fano's willingness to swing inside.
Could this still be a positive for the Lions? Absolutely. They can always use guard depth, especially at left guard, and it wouldn't hurt to have the ability to throw him inside if things don't pan out for him at tackle. However, they really do need to figure out their 5-year plan, as it were, at the tackle spot.
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Are they okay with waiting for a bigger fish to come along in 2027? Or, are they okay with waiting until next draft cycle for a more fitting prospect, and allowing Borom the opportunity to win the job outright over whichever rookie they take at tackle?
Taylor Decker's release has thrown a wrench into the Lions' draft plans, moving taking a tackle from a priority to a 5-alarm fire need. Fano just doesn't seem like a good fit considering that urgency.
And, that's especially the case when there are a few other tackles - Monroe Freeling, Blake Miller, and Kadyn Proctor, to name a few - who could fit more of that traditional tackle mold the Lions have to be targeting for cheap.