The Detroit Lions haven't been able to answer questions along the offensive line, especially after they released Taylor Decker. His exit from the Motor City opened up a hole at left tackle, which has caused them to consider moving Penei Sewell from right tackle over to the left side.
The draft will give the Lions a chance to find an answer up front, and many fans believed they would use the No. 17 overall pick to select an offensive lineman, but the latest reports revealed that it's not a lock. ESPN's Matt Miller and Jordan Reid released an article addressing the latest news and rumblings around the draft they are hearing around the league, and it stated that Detroit is looking at the defensive line with their first-round pick.
Miller wrote, "The release of Taylor Decker prompted many to assume Detroit would go offensive tackle in Round 1, but like Eric, I've heard the Lions are equally high on filling their edge rusher need. With only two picks in the top 117, the Lions should be expected to go tackle and edge rusher with those selections."
And this statement echoed a similar sentiment that ESPN's Eric Woodyard revealed. Woodyard said, "So, it wouldn't be surprising for Detroit to try to strengthen its defensive line early in the draft, particularly with a young, promising player to pair with Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson. That is a top priority after losing Al-Quadin Muhammad to the Buccaneers following his breakout 2025 season."
Lions Will Look to Upgrade DL Early in NFL Draft
And while offensive line is a priority, so is finding another quality pass rusher opposite Hutchinson. The Lions were tied for fourth in the NFL last season in sacks (49), but Al-Quadin Muhammad was second on the team in sacks (11), which accounted for 22 percent of the team's sacks. With him no longer on the team, they have a big hole that wasn't filled during free agency.
But thankfully, there are several options to consider. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Miami's Akheem Mesidor, Auburn's Keldric Faulk, Clemson's T.J. Parker, Texas A&M Cashius Howell, Missouri's Zion Young, and UCF's Malachi Lawrence are some options that should be on the board for Detroit to consider in the first round.
While preference and fit will help dictate which direction the Lions head into, it's obvious they are doing their homework on this edge class. With Larry Borom being added in free agency and 38 starts under his belt, he at least gives the Lions an option to start at tackle.
Compared to edge, D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner were signed this offseason, but the Lions can't just rely on those two. They need more juice, and the No. 17 selection gives them a shot to add an impactful player at this position.
Time will tell what direction this team goes into, but it's been made clear they will be looking at pass rushers in the 1st round.