The Detroit Lions could look to strengthen their offensive line by selecting a tackle in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Regardless of whether that happens, quarterback Jared Goff indicated he remains confident in the group that will protect him during the upcoming season.

While speaking with reporter David Birkett of the Detroit Free Press during a youth football camp on Sunday, Goff expressed optimism about the current offensive line.

“They’ll be just fine,” Goff said. “I’m excited to see Penei [Sewell] take on even more responsibility in that room now that he’s the longest-tenured player there.”

Penei Sewell may also see a shift in his on-field role in 2026. Head coach Dan Campbell has previously mentioned the possibility of moving Sewell from right tackle to the left side of the line this offseason.

The 25-year-old has earned first-team All-Pro honors at right tackle in each of the past three seasons. Whether Detroit ultimately moves him to left tackle could depend on how the draft unfolds, as the Lions currently hold the No. 17 overall pick in the first round. The opening round of the 2026 draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 23.

Goff Reflects on Departed Teammates

Detroit’s offensive line has undergone notable changes this offseason. The organization parted ways with longtime left tackle Taylor Decker and also released veteran guard Graham Glasgow.

Those moves came one year after All-Pro center Frank Ragnow decided to retire. Goff admitted it will be difficult not having those teammates around.

“Those guys meant a lot to me as friends and teammates,” Goff said. “It’s tough because you care about them, but those decisions are out of my hands and the team has to do what it believes is best.

“At the same time, I’m excited about the players we’ve added—Cade coming in through free agency, Larry, Scruggs, and the others. It should create good competition.”

Detroit added several new pieces to help rebuild the line. The Lions signed center Cade Mays and offensive tackle Larry Borom in free agency. They also traded for interior lineman Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans.

Borom has spent most of his career playing right tackle, which could allow Detroit to shift Sewell to the left side if the coaching staff decides to do so.

Campbell addressed that possibility during the league’s annual meetings in late March, saying Sewell’s move to left tackle is something the team is prepared for if needed.

“We’re ready to do that if it comes to it,” Campbell said, via Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. “I’m not committing to it right now, but he’s capable. It’s like riding a bike for him—he’ll get reps and adjust. That flexibility helps us.”

Analysts currently project Mays as Detroit’s likely starting center, while Scruggs could provide depth along the interior.

Could Detroit Draft a Tackle Early?

Even if Sewell shifts to left tackle, that does not guarantee Borom will lock down the right side. Detroit could still target a tackle with the No. 17 selection in the 2026 draft.

It’s also possible the Lions could draft a tackle who eventually plays on the left side, allowing Sewell to remain at right tackle. However, many rookie tackles—particularly those selected later in the first round—often begin their careers on the right side.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Detroit may look to reinforce the position early in the draft.

Breer noted that the Lions’ success under general manager Brad Holmes and Campbell has largely been built around their offensive line. With Ragnow retired and Decker gone, the team could prioritize reinvesting in that area.

Breer suggested potential first-round targets could include Monroe Freeling from Georgia Bulldogs or Kadyn Proctor from Alabama Crimson Tide if they remain available when Detroit is on the clock.

Although Borom is considered a capable option, selecting a tackle in the first round could provide a stronger long-term solution for the offensive line. If Detroit goes in that direction, it would likely give Goff even more confidence in the group tasked with protecting him in 2026.