Detroit Lions Draft Coverage: 2022 First round big board

Detroit Lions Big Board Tier 4: The Tackles

7. Ikem Ekwonu, T, NC State
8. Evan Neal, T, Alabama

Both tackles are paired together as they are both excellent prospects who should be good pros right away. For the Detroit Lions to take the tackle, they would have to be graded significantly higher than other prospects at different positions due to team needs.

The Lions’ offensive line is already one of the best in the NFL, with stud tackles in Taylor Decker and Peneii Sewell. After this season, there is a future need for a guard, and both players, especially Ikem Ekwonu, could start off as high-end guards. Satisfying that need with the second overall pick seems like it’s too steep.

Despite the need, it would be difficult to justify spending such a high pick to start off one of the players at guard and then eventually ship off 28-year-old Taylor Decker with so many other needs on the roster. Both players deserve to be selected in the top ten, but the Lions should look to fill needs instead of getting younger at strong positions.

The Lions have to think about getting the most value out of both picks two and thirty-two and one of these tackles at two does not seem like it’s in the cards, but who knows.