There are plenty of possibilities for the Detroit Lions in the NFL Draft, and one of the most discussed situations involves the franchise selecting an offensive tackle in the first round.
The position figures to be in demand, and multiple franchises could want to chase difference-makers to insert into their offensive fronts. No team might need a tackle as much as Detroit, however, considering their current roster situation.
When the Lions cut Taylor Decker and only signed Larry Borom in response, it became clear they could be looking for a foundational piece to build around up front. Enter several prospects in the 2026 class, and perhaps specifically Georgia's Monroe Freeling.
While Freeling could end up going anywhere, he's gotten some feedback from a former Bulldogs teammate in Detroit that he's wanted there. Freeling joined Kay Adams on the Up & Adams show and shared that guard Tate Ratledge has been hoping he lands in the Motor City.
"I've talked to Tate (Ratledge) a lot too. My (former Georgia) teammate Tate Ratledge, (we've talked) a lot about it. He's hoping I could go there, but who knows to be honest. It's kind of up to a single night, so we'll see what happens," Freeling said.
It isn't surprising to hear Ratledge wants Freeling in Detroit, given that the duo have already played together and likely have chemistry, which could flatten the rookie's learning curve. Ratledge is coming off a fantastic first season with the Lions, and it will be interesting to see if his quick NFL adjustment and opinion mean anything with Detroit's brass as it relates to Freeling.
Monroe Freeling still being projected to join Lions in a final mock draft
As the draft process has pushed to a close, many mocks have begun to come into focus for Detroit. Most believe the Lions will be looking for an offensive tackle to compete and learn the ropes up front for the future with their first pick.
Many of those mocks have centered around the talented yet risky Kadyn Proctor, with the feeling that Spencer Fano will be off the board when Detroit picks. Freeling has been all over the place, with some projecting he goes top 10, while others believe he could slide.
ESPN analyst Jordan Reid believes the Lions will select Freeling when push comes to shove. In his final mock, he projected that outcome, with the reasoning that Detroit will be impressed by his potential and athletic gifts, even if he needs grooming and experience.
"Freeling isn't as polished as some of his counterparts in this class, but his upside is through the roof because of his balanced base, length and continued ascension. Freeling reminds me of Kolton Miller early in his career. There are rough stretches with Freeling's hand placement and strike timing, but his range in pass protection and ability to operate in space excite scouts."
If the Lions do draft Freeling, they could bring him along in his own time. Penei Sewell can anchor one side of the line, and Detroit could rely on Borom to fill in, given his NFL experience. Combined with having a former teammate in Ratlege on the roster, it could be the best possible fit for a player like Freeling.
Whether it happens remains anyone's guess until Thursday night, but it's clear Freeling would land on his feet substantially if the Lions were his eventual destination.
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