How Penn State's Vega Ioane could fit with the Detroit Lions

Draft month, finally, has arrived. Continuing our series that began this month and will run until the 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23, The Detroit News will spotlight one prospect a day who could be a first-round fit for the Detroit Lions , who own the 17th overall pick. Assuming the Lions don't trade out, it'll be their highest selection since running back Jahmyr Gibbs went No.

12 in 2023. Today's focus will be on Penn State offensive guard Vega Ioane. By the numbers ▶ 11 appearances in 2025 ▶ Four pressures allowed (four hurries) ▶ 614 offensive snaps (311 pass blocking, 303 run blocking) ▶ One special teams snap (field goal block) Career overview Told by his parents to focus on his academics while at Graham-Kapowsin High School in Washington, Ioane went behind their backs and signed himself up for football.

By his sophomore year, Ioane was a starter, and he went on to help the Eagles win a Class 4A state championship with an undefeated record as a senior in 2021. Ioane, rated by the 247Sports Composite as a three-star recruit and the No. 574 overall player in the Class of 2022, was initially committed to Washington but flipped to Penn State after former Huskies coach Jimmy Lake was fired.

Ioane redshirted at Penn State in 2022 before making 13 appearances, including five starts, in his second season. He became a full-time starter in 2024 and never looked back, becoming one of the nation's best interior blockers, especially in pass protection. The last time Ioane allowed a sack was against Maryland in November 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.