Of all the potential roster needs the Detroit Lions may have had at the end of last season, left tackle wasn't supposed to be one of them. Taylor Decker, for better or worse, was the undisputed starter at the position.
That's why releasing him left the team stuck between a rock and a hard place. They now have to find a blindside protector for Jared Goff, and even though Penei Sewell can slide into that spot, they'd have to find someone to fill in for him.
Considering that, the NFL Draft -- and especially this class -- gives Dan Campbell's team a prime opportunity to solve that issue for years to come. Fortunately, GM Brian Holmes will have several options to choose from.
The Lions Must Draft an OT in the First Round
While this class isn't the deepest, it's actually full of promising OT prospects. Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano will most likely be gone by the time the Lions are on the clock at No. 17, but they will still have several options to choose from.
Alabama's Kadyn Proctor is a physical unit and an elite run-blocker. Some argue that he might be better off as a guard, and concerns about his weight might cause him to drop, but he's a durable and incredibly talented prospect, and he's also a natural left tackle.
Then, there's Georgia's Monroe Freeling, whose draft stock skyrocketed after blowing scouts' minds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He might be the rawest prospect, but he's also the most athletic, and he's officially in the first-round conversation now.
The Lions could also target Utah's Caleb Lomu, an efficient albeit non-spectacular player and one of the best blindside protectors in this class. He may not have the highest upside, but he has a high floor as someone who anchored one of the strongest offensive lines in the nation. That said, they could probably take him by trading down several spots, so they may not want to reach for him.
Whatever the case, the good thing is that the Lions will have options. Of course, it would've been better to keep Decker and use this valuable pick to address other needs, particularly on defense, but it is what it is. Decker is gone, and this game is won and lost in the trenches, so they can't afford to run with an unproven player like Larry Borom as their only option to keep Goff out of harm's way.
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