The Detroit Lions are in the market for a starting left tackle, with hopes that Larry Borom - their only free agency tackle signing so far in free agency - can take up that role in 2026. However, seeing the rest of the Lions' tackle depth, it's clear they need to be looking for an additional piece in this year's draft - or two.
While it's likely Detroit targets a tackle with a high floor at 17th overall in the draft, it's not out of the realm of possibility that they look for another lineman in the 3rd (if they trade back in there) or the 4th round. They have two fourth-rounders to package, so it's not hard to imagine Brad Holmes trading back into the third.
There's definitely one target worth kicking the can on: Illinois tackle J.C. Davis. And, there's at least one other NFC North team being urged to consider him in the draft. From Bear Goggles On writer Ryan Heckman:
"Should the Bears have an opportunity to draft Davis on Day 3, they need to do it. Sure, they brought back Braxton Jones, but on a 1-year deal. They have Theo Benedet who is still far from proven. But, drafting Davis would tell Bears fans something they had long-desired to hear and see happen: they are never done improving the offensive line."
Lions should steal Illinois target from right under Bears' nose
Detroit is in a similar boat to Chicago this offseason. Both teams need to rebuild their trenches after a disappointing 2025 campaign from their offensive lines, with the Lions having done a good job snagging Cade Mays off the market before the Bears could make that move. Adding competition to their respective lines is a good thing, especially for the longevity of their contention windows.
Davis finished up his campaign with Illinois with an overall grade of 87.8 from PFF, good for 6th amongst tackles in college football last season.
He only allowed three sacks and 18 pressures, with 775 total snaps being played at left tackle. As mentioned by Heckman in his analysis of Davis' fit for the Bears, his only flaw might be that his footwork needs coaching.
"Truly, the biggest area he struggles is when it comes to his footwork. If his technique was stronger, and he was able to figure out how to better position his feet in order to sustain blocks, Davis is more of a Round 2 prospect."
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Otherwise, he could be a sneaky great get for Detroit if they, for example, decide to go with a pass rusher in the first round instead of a tackle, or if they trade back up with their plethora of picks to get him before he's gone through the first two days of the draft. There's also the added motivation to take him off the board from a divisional rival.
The Lions have been mum about their free agency moves, or rather, the lack of any that indicate a specific pecking order at positions of need. This opens the door wide open for a bold pick like this.