When the Detroit Lions signed veteran offensive lineman Larry Borom to a one-year deal last month, the early thought was that the Detroit native would be a potential replacement for Taylor Decker, who requested and was granted his release.
It would be a bold move by the Lions, considering that Borom spent last season with the Miami Dolphins playing at right tackle. But his versatility is worth taking a shot on, as Giovanni Manu isn’t ready yet.
That said, it appears that Borom’s ability to be a swing tackle has opened the door for Detroit to consider moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side. And if that were to happen, the Lions could make Borom the starter at right tackle, which wouldn’t be the worst idea.
However, Detroit could also look to address the right tackle spot in the 2026 draft later this month, and according to the NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, it is already eyeing a potential prospect.
Jeremiah was on the latest episode of The Mina Kimes Show ft. Lenny, where they did a mock draft. He mentioned that someone told him that the Lions “love [Kadyn] Proctor by the way,” (h/t Billy M on X).
Larry Borom’s Role with Lions Could Change in a Matter of Weeks
The 6-foot-7, 352-pound Proctor is viewed as one of the top offensive linemen in this year’s draft class. Proctor is coming off a tremendous junior season at the University of Alabama, where he had an 81.8 pass blocking and an 81.6 run blocking grade and only gave up two sacks, per Pro Football Focus, via Tim Twentyman of Lions.com.
Proctor is also a massive human you do not want to see running at you, as he can bulldoze whoever is in front of him. With Drew Petzing joining the Lions as their offensive coordinator, one has to believe he wants a young offensive lineman like Proctor, who can really move and can continue to be developed.
While Proctor's pass protection skills can still be fine-tuned, that isn’t something the Lions will have any issues working with him on.
Now, the question remains: Will Proctor be available at No. 17 overall? If you look at Chad Reuter’s latest mock draft, he has the Lions trading up to No. 13 with the Los Angeles Rams for another offensive lineman in Spencer Fano. Meanwhile, Proctor was selected No. 20 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Matt Miller's latest mock draft has the Lions taking OT Mason Freeling at No. 17 overall, with Proctor off the board at No. 21. There’s a chance he is, and it's a chance that the Lions go elsewhere.
Needless to say, if the Lions do take an offensive lineman in the first round, Borom could still get a chance to compete for the starting right tackle job. However, he’ll be better suited as a swing tackle or even used in jumbo sets, which isn’t bad value for the contract they signed him to last month.