Lions 2026 draft preview: Does Detroit need to add an OT in Round 1?

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh), we'll be taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions ' roster and how the team's needs can be met on draft weekend. Today: Offensive tackles. Previously: Quarterbacks , running backs , wide receivers , tight ends , interior offensive linemen (Consensus rankings via NFL Mock Draft Database’s aggregated big board) Current roster outlook For the first time since the 2021 NFL Draft, the Lions are looking for a long-term solution at offensive tackle.

Detroit parted ways with stalwart Taylor Decker after 10 seasons together and signed veteran Larry Borom to compete for a starting job regardless of whether it selects a tackle in Round 1. According to general manager Brad Holmes , Borom’s tape suggests he can be an effective starter — and maybe has some untapped potential — but it goes without saying that acquiring a young, cost-controlled asset is still going to provide the best chance at achieving multi-year stability for an offensive line that’s in transition. Thanks to Penei Sewell , the Lions have some flexibility at tackle going into next season.

If Borom ends up being the starter, it seems inevitable that Sewell will switch to the left side . If Detroit drafts a prospect who’s more comfortable on the left side and can start immediately, the Lions can keep Sewell at the position where he became a three-time All-Pro in five seasons. Behind Sewell and Borom, the Lions have four players who could compete for reserve tackle jobs.

Giovanni Manu is hoping to build on his second season, which saw him make his first career start before a knee injury derailed his progress. Devin Cochran was a mainstay on Detroit’s practice squad last season and signed a reserve/future contract at season’s end. The Lions also have depth piece Colby Sorsdal , who missed all of last season with a leg injury , and second-year lineman Miles Frazier , who played guard last season but took plenty of tackle reps in college.