Looking back on the Detroit Lions' 2025 season, it was clear that their rushing needed work. The patchwork offensive line that they were having to throw out towards the end of the season didn't help anything in that regard, leaving a lot of yards on the field thanks to a complete lack of run blocking available up front.
Jahmyr Gibbs, as a result, was a far less explosive option for John Morton, then Dan Campbell. The same went for David Montgomery, who's production suffered so much that he may request a trade from the team altogether.
Detroit is very obviously just missing a better guard up front and a center alongside Tate Ratledge to open up the lanes necessary for Gibbs to get his work done. Christian Mahogany is expected to be healthy by the time the Lions begin their 2026 season, but that might not even be a viable left guard solution considering how poorly Gibbs did with him taking significant snaps.
This year's NFL Draft has a few great options for the Lions to improve at that position, and for a discount. If Detroit's serious about revitalizing their running game under new OC Drew Petzing, then they'd seriously consider taking Vega Ioane in this year's draft.
Lions should consider NFL-ready guard in this year's draft
Ioane is regarded as one of the most NFL ready lineman in this year's draft, and Detroit could use a guard that's more consistent next to Tate Ratledge ahead of next season. And, if there's a move made to slot Ratledge at center, then the team would have Ioane on the roster ready to replace him.
It's hard to find talent in the draft that can immediately start on the O-line of a contending team, but it's not impossible - look at Grey Zabel, who was a key part of the Seattle Seahawks' offense this season and throughout the postseason.
From Lance Zierlein's profile on Ioane, who tabs him as an eventual starter:
"Ioane plays with excellent contact balance and technique on both base blocks and double teams. He uses his hips and hands for leverage and displacement when drive blocking. However, he lacks athleticism and foot quickness to operate effectively as a move blocker. He pass sets with good posture and a firm punch and can anchor against power."
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Detroit still doesn't know what's happening with Taylor Decker this offseason, and they might be smart to add reinforcements at tackle in the first round if a stud of a talent falls to them there.
But, if those picks are off the board at 17th overall, they'd be smart to consider adding competition to the room for Mahogany. They need as much help to get their run game going again as possible, and it's time for Brad Holmes to stop getting experimental with his picks along the line.