When it comes to building strength in the trenches, few organizations do it better than the Detroit Lions. It’s become their identity — tough football, punishing ground attacks, and linemen who dictate the game’s pace.

But as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, there’s a subtle weakness that general manager Brad Holmes should address quickly: the interior offensive line.

With veteran Kevin Zeitler gone in free agency, the Lions now have rookie Christian Mahogany projected to start at right guard. On the left, Graham Glasgow remains, but after a difficult 2024 campaign, he’s clearly not a long-term fix.

That leaves Detroit relying on either aging or inexperienced guards to protect Jared Goff — a risky move for a team firmly in its Super Bowl window.

Tyler Booker, a 6-foot-5, 335-pound powerhouse from Alabama, embodies everything Dan Campbell seeks in a lineman: tough, physical, and relentless. But he’s more than just brute strength — Booker brings versatility, having played both guard positions and flashed early ability at tackle.

He’s intelligent, coachable, and could thrive under new offensive coordinator John Morton, who brings his own flavor to the offense after Ben Johnson’s departure.

Morton steps in for Ben Johnson (now leading the Bears), but the core approach hasn’t changed: physical dominance, offensive balance, and controlling the tempo — which begins at the line of scrimmage.

Booker fits the mold. He thrives in both zone and gap blocking, and his agility lets him reach the second level — a huge advantage for Jahmyr Gibbs, who is most dangerous in open space.

Detroit’s offensive line has long been a foundation, but it’s also aging and expensive. While Frank Ragnow, Taylor Decker, and Penei Sewell remain elite, drafting Booker gives them a cost-effective, long-term piece — critical as they look to extend players like Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Gibbs.

Booker could challenge for a starting job right away or serve as high-quality depth if Glasgow or Mahogany struggle. Either way, he’s a forward-thinking addition.

The Lions don’t need to chase headlines with their 2025 pick. They need to be practical — and Tyler Booker is the smart choice.

He’s a rugged, high-ceiling lineman with championship experience, perfect for Detroit’s tough-minded approach. With proper development, he could become a foundational piece and keep the Lions contending for years.