The Detroit Lions are about to be on the clock in April, seeking to shore up some major pieces of their roster in order to get back to contending in 2026.
They're not set to face off with the Seattle Seahawks at all next season, but they'll still be getting a nice taste of contending football during the regular season against other NFC opponents.
Detroit probably learned a lot about what they have to focus on ahead of a roster reconstruction this offseason by watching the Super Bowl, like the need for a decent offensive line and an even better pass rush. Free agency is set to help them address some of these holes, but so will the 2026 NFL Draft.
Lions reinvigorate their entire run game in latest mock draft
Nick Baumgardner, a draft expert for The Athletic and a Detroit Lions podcaster, has just the player for the Lions to kick off their draft on the right note: Penn State's Vega Ioane.
"If the Lions are going to rebound next season, they have to reset the interior of their offensive line. Ioane, who has played right and left guard (and even some right tackle), is an absolute hammer in the run game and has enough power to make an impact as a rookie."
The Seahawks managed to get Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III going against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 thanks to the work of their interior offensive line. Led by rookie guard Grey Zabel, they created gaps large enough for Walker to pick up a game-high 135 rushing yards.
Having an IOL as proficient as Seattle's is clearly a game-changer when you're looking down a defense like New England's led by Christian Gonzalez: with no passing game, you must establish the run.
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This is a draft chock full of great options along the offensive line in the first round, if the Lions want to take someone that early for their line. Pass rush is obviously another concern for them with Al-Quadin Muhammad's impending free agency, and with Marcus Davenport likely set to walk after a disappointing 2025 campaign. But, if someone like Ioane is available, you strike.
His addition would form a line led by Penei Sewell, then anchored by Tate Ratledge at right guard, Ioane at left guard, and then Taylor Decker presumably at left tackle.
Decker's retirement, or non-retirement, could change Detroit's entire strategy with this first rounder. But, establishing the run behind new OC Drew Petzing and while you still have Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in the fold feels paramount to Detroit's success.