Detroit Lions mock draft 2026 roundup: Which O-lineman should they pick at 17?

It's mock draft season, as Detroit Lions fans are anxiously waiting to see how the team fill some of its biggest needs. The 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, with the Lions looking to round out a busy offseason. The Lions are selecting in the first round at No.

17 overall after a disappointing 9-8 season, one where they finished in last place in the NFC North and missed the playoffs. Detroit came into the offseason with needs at center, tackle and in the secondary, and addressed some of those issues with its two biggest transactions of the offseason – trading running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans and signing free agent center Cade Mays . But many still see the Lions' offseason moves as part of an underwhelming return, with many starting slots still needing filled.

If the most recent mock drafts from NFL outlets are to be believed, the Lions are going to focus on drafting an offensive tackle with their first-round pick following the release of longtime left tackle Taylor Decker . The veteran's departure leaves a hole at tackle that the Lions may not be able to immediately replace with options currently on the roster, making it likely they'll look for a starting-caliber replacement through the draft. For his part, Lions general manager Brad Holmes says the Lions don't need to focus on an offensive tackle in the draft, saying that newly-signed lineman Larry Borom might be able to replace Penei Sewell at right tackle if Sewell moves to left tackle.

But NFL draft experts still think the Lions will focus on drafting an offensive lineman in the first round, though there is no consensus on who that will be. Here is what the NFL mock drafts say so far: BIRKETT: Brad Holmes on contract futures of Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell USA TODAY : OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia Last year, the Lions selected an offensive guard from Georgia (Tate Ratledge) with their second-round pick, and this year, For The Win's Christian D'Andrea believes the Lions will go back to Athens for their first-round selection, taking offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. "The Bulldog star was an absolute stud at the combine, posting some of the best all-around numbers in offensive line history," he writes.