The Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes have built a reputation around the NFL for making bold and sometimes surprising moves, particularly during the draft. Because of that aggressive approach, some analysts believe Holmes could once again pull off a notable trade during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Holmes is no stranger to making impactful draft-day decisions. In 2023, he traded down from the No. 6 overall pick to No. 12, where Detroit selected Jahmyr Gibbs. That same draft also brought in Jack Campbell at No. 18 and Sam LaPorta at No. 34. Earlier moves included trading up in 2022 to draft Jameson Williams and making another aggressive jump in 2024 to select Terrion Arnold.

With that history, speculation has begun about whether Holmes will attempt another trade this year. One NFL analyst suggests the Lions could make a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, the franchise led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Such a move would be especially interesting given the blockbuster trade that once sent Stafford to Los Angeles in exchange for Jared Goff.

Lions Could Trade Up for Offensive Line Help

According to analyst Chad Reuter from NFL media, Detroit could move up in the draft order to strengthen its offensive line. In his projection, the Lions would trade up to the No. 13 pick. While the selection is currently tied to the Rams in the scenario, the pick originally belonged to the Atlanta Falcons.

In this projection, Detroit would send its fifth-round pick (No. 157) in the 2026 draft along with a third-round pick in 2027 to climb from No. 17 to No. 13. The goal would be to secure Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.

The reasoning behind the move is tied to Detroit’s long-term plans on the offensive line. If the Lions land Fano, star lineman Penei Sewell could potentially shift to the left tackle position following the departure of veteran Taylor Decker.

Why Spencer Fano Could Appeal to Detroit

Fano’s draft evaluation highlights his strong athletic ability. Even though he doesn’t have the ideal size for every team’s preference, he makes up for it with flexible hips, quick movement, and impressive overall athleticism.

Scouts also note that he has the ability to handle speedy edge rushers, maintain protection on the outside of the pocket, and recover effectively even when facing powerful bull rushes.

At the same time, his scouting report suggests he remains a developing prospect. His skill set is particularly suited for blocking systems that emphasize mobility, allowing him to pull across the formation, reach defenders, and climb to the second level quickly. However, he can sometimes lose leverage because of inconsistent pad level and a lack of core strength, which occasionally allows defenders to overpower him as plays develop.

Even so, the Lions might not necessarily need to trade up to secure a talented tackle. The 2026 draft class features several strong offensive line prospects. One player frequently linked to Detroit at pick No. 17 is Alabama standout Kadyn Proctor, who could give the team another quality option without sacrificing additional draft assets.