With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a week away, the Detroit Lions are facing critical decisions as they prepare to pick at No. 17 overall. While Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor has been widely projected as a top target, one ESPN analyst believes Detroit should look elsewhere.

ESPN’s Ben Solak recently shared his recommendations for the Lions, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding and reinforcing the offensive line. However, he cautioned against selecting Proctor despite his size and athletic upside.

Proctor, who stands at 6-foot-6½ and weighs 352 pounds, has been linked to Detroit due to his physical traits and scheme fit. Still, Solak raised concerns about his readiness to contribute immediately at the NFL level.

Instead, Solak pointed to Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling as a more suitable option, noting his ability to fit seamlessly without forcing a position switch for Penei Sewell. He also highlighted Clemson’s Blake Miller as another strong alternative, praising his consistency compared to other prospects.

According to Solak, addressing the offensive line should remain Detroit’s top priority. He added that the Lions may also need to invest in interior depth, with uncertainty surrounding the long-term reliability of current options at guard.

Beyond the offensive line, Solak identified edge rusher and cornerback as additional areas of need. However, he suggested that Detroit is more likely to target a cornerback, especially given recent concerns about depth and consistency in the secondary.

As draft day approaches, the Lions remain one of the more intriguing teams to watch, with multiple directions they could take depending on how the board falls.