The Detroit Lions have already experienced significant changes along their offensive line this offseason, and the upcoming NFL Draft may provide one of their best chances to reinforce the unit.

According to SI.com analyst Albert Breer, the Lions’ draft approach could be heavily influenced by the need to strengthen the trenches. He explained that head coach Dan Campbell has built the team’s identity around physical play at the line of scrimmage, which may create pressure to prioritize an offensive lineman early in the draft.

Lions May Need Early Offensive Line Help

Breer pointed out that Detroit has limited early selections, with only two picks inside the top 100. Because of that, the team may have little choice but to address key needs quickly rather than waiting until later rounds.

He noted that having so few early picks can restrict a team’s flexibility, since prospects capable of filling immediate holes are harder to find later in the draft. For that reason, Breer believes it would be surprising if Detroit didn’t use one of those selections to add an offensive lineman.

While the final decision rests with general manager Brad Holmes, Breer emphasized that Campbell could feel the most urgency to restore the dominance the Lions once had up front. The offensive line has been central to Detroit’s identity during the five-year partnership between Holmes and Campbell.

The team felt the impact of losing veteran linemen Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow, two players who carried over from previous regimes and became cornerstones of the rebuild. Their absence was noticeable late in the 2025 season, when Detroit’s offense slowed down and the running game struggled during the final stretch, ultimately contributing to the team missing the playoffs.

Because of those departures, Breer suggested that selecting an offensive tackle such as Monroe Freeling or Kadyn Proctor with the 17th overall pick could be a logical move for Detroit.

Kadyn Proctor Seen as Potential Fit

One player who could help address the Lions’ needs is Proctor, a tackle from University of Alabama. Draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes Proctor has the physical tools to develop into a reliable starter within a couple of seasons.

Zierlein described Proctor as an enormous lineman with rare size and length, traits that allow him to overpower defenders when driving forward in the run game. He is particularly effective when moving downhill and using his strength to clear space.

However, Zierlein also noted that Proctor can struggle against quick defenders who beat him off the snap. While he holds his ground well against power rushers thanks to his strong base and hand usage, he can have difficulty staying in front of faster edge rushers in open space.

Despite those concerns, Zierlein believes Proctor’s potential remains high. Although his pass protection has been inconsistent at times, his physical traits and versatility could allow him to develop into a dependable right tackle or possibly an excellent guard at the next level.