The Detroit Lions took a slight step away from their identity in 2025. After years of dominating defenses with an elite offensive line, they regressed to fielding just an above-average unit. Players like Penei Sewell were still elite, but the unit as a whole wasn't the force it had been in years past.
Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will need to add to the trenches this offseason to get back to the level fans have come to expect. There aren't many elite offensive line prospects available in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Lions could land one with the 17th pick in the first round.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper has Detroit taking Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane in his latest mock draft. For Campbell and the Lions, the move makes perfect sense.
Mel Kiper has Lions selecting Olaivavega Ioane in recent 2026 NFL mock draft
Since Campbell and Holmes arrived in Detroit, the Lions have been known for thinking outside the box in the draft. They often take players that the rest of the league would pass up on. Kiper's prediction falls in line with that trend.
Kiper laid out his thought process in his mock draft, saying, "The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate at 55.5%. With all their skill on offense, that has to be fixed. And while taking a guard in the first round isn't the most exciting pick, Ioane is extremely talented."
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A few of the offensive linemen in this class are former tackles who could move inside to play guard in the NFL. Ioane may be the best true guard in the entire class. Even though Penn State had a disappointing season in 2025, the junior stood out as a future NFL starter.
He's excellent in pass protection, having never given up a single sack since 2023. His quick feet and strong hands allow him to stay in front of oncoming defensive linemen. He already shows the technique and spatial awareness that coaches would expect from an established NFL player. He rarely makes mistakes and has only been penalized twice in over 2,000 snaps at Penn State.
This is the kind of player Campbell could instantly fall in love with. He may not be an immediate solution to the Lions' needs on the offensive line, but drafting him would be a big step in the right direction. Don't be surprised if Ioane is wearing silver and blue in the fall.