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Detroit Lions 2026 Interior Offensive Line Mock Draft
USA Today Sports

It’s time for another Detroit Lions mock draft. This is the second entry of my single-position mock draft series for the Lions. You can check out my Offensive Tackle mock draft here. Now it’s time to shift focus to the interior of the line and see which prospects in the 2026 draft could bring some much-needed help to a position group that struggled mightily in 2025. Here is the Detroit Lions’ 2026 Interior Offensive Line mock draft:

The Interior Line Was A Mess In 2025

The interior of the Lions’ line was a game of musical chairs in 2025. All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement before the season created a massive hole in the middle of the line. Graham Glasnow, the Lions’ left guard in 2024, shifted to center. Second-year player Christian Mahogany, who had filled in for the injured Kevin Zeitler at right guard as a rookie, was moved to the left side. Rookie Tate Ratledge was the new right guard, although he spent significant time repping at center during training camp.

Needless to say, the unit fell short of expectations. Glasnow had another down year and may not be back in 2026. Mahogany couldn’t replicate his rookie success. He also had a lengthy stint on IR, and his ability to be a long-term starter is still a huge question mark. Ratledge had the ups and downs expected from a rookie. The Lions are rightfully excited about his future, but where will that future be? General Manager Brad Holmes has left open the possibility of Ratledge getting another look at center. As you can see, this group has a lot more questions than answers right now. Let’s see some prospects who can provide some answers.

Round 1, Pick 17: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Ioane is a 6’4, 330-pound mauler from Penn State. An exceptional pass-protector, he didn’t allow a sack or QB hit (and only four pressures) across 613 snaps in 2025. Lions’ QB Jared Goff excels when he has time, making Ioane a perfect addition for a team looking to get back its mojo on offense. Ioane, a First-Team All-American, is someone who can step in and become a perennial Pro Bowler. How he tests athletically at the Combine will determine just how quickly he hears his name called on draft night. His run-blocking isn’t at the level of his pass-blocking, but Lions’ offensive line Coach Hank Fraley will love getting a prospect of Ioane’s caliber. He is also a perfect scheme fit for Detroit. Ioane to the Lions is something fans will be seeing a lot of as the draft inches closer.

Round 2, Pick 50: Gennings Dunker, Iowa

Gennings Dunker just looks like a Detroit Lion. He will instantly challenge Ratledge for best mullet on the team. His play matches his look. Dunker was the Hawkeyes’ right tackle but projects as a Guard in the NFL. He is nasty in his run-blocking. For a team like the Lions, whose elite running game took a step back last year, Dunker is a terrific fit. His anchor, grip strength, and “mauler” mentality will translate to NFL success. Dunker is seeing his stock rise after showing the ability to play all over the offensive line at the Senior Bowl. Adding Dunker will certainly make Lions’ star running back Jahmyr Gibbs happy. If he is available at pick 50, the Lions will have an easy decision.

Round 4, Pick 118: Logan Jones, Iowa

Logan Jones making it to this pick would be a gift to the Lions. I fully believe the Lions will look to free agency to find Ragnow’s replacement at Center. However, if they don’t, or only sign a veteran on a one-year deal, Detroit should make drafting Jones a priority. Jones was PFF’s top-rated center in the country, and the only one to rank in the top five in both run and pass blocking. At 6’3, 300 pounds, Jones is considered a bit undersized. However, his elite athleticism more than makes up for it. Jones being undersized could work to Detroit’s advantage, as it may cause him to slide a bit during the draft. If that happens, the Lions should pounce on a day-one starter at possibly their biggest positional need. Jones could be a homerun pick for the Lions.

Round 5, Pick 155: DJ Campbell, Texas

DJ Campbell is a mauler in the run game. At 6’3, 330 pounds, Campbell is an imposing figure on the field. He has exceptionally strong hands and a strong anchor. Campbell, who still needs to improve his pass-blocking and penalties, is a prospect with starter upside. He has improved every year in college, and that trajectory should continue in the NFL. Primarily a right guard, Campbell would immediately provide excellent depth behind Ratledge. His run-blocking ability is just what the Lions need on the interior. Plus, Detroit has a pretty good track record with the last name Campbell.

Round 6, Pick 186 (Via Cleveland): Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech

Keylan Rutledge is a mauler whose draft stock is rising after a great week at the Senior Bowl. A good showing at the combine will probably have him going a round or two higher than this. If he is available in round six, the Lions will possibly have one of the steals of the draft. Rutledge is a high-floor player who excels in the run game. He plays with a mean streak that could make him a solid starter. He is quickly becoming one of my draft darlings for Detroit. Rutledge can play both guard and center, making him a great asset for a team needing to add talent all over the offensive line. 

Round 6, Pick 203 (Via Jacksonville): Anez Cooper, Miami (FL)

Anez Cooper is a 6’6, 347-pound monster who would provide excellent depth for the Lions at either guard position. Cooper has fantastic size and strength, although his athletic limitations prevent his ceiling from being as high as some other late-round prospects. Cooper is known for being very coachable and quick to fix his mistakes. He has successfully dropped his weight from 400 pounds to 347 pounds to improve his footwork and stamina. Cooper, who has 30 career college starts, can become a valuable depth piece for the Lions. 

Round 7, Pick 222 (Via Cleveland): Micah Morris, Georgia

Micah Morris, a 6’4, 330-pound beast from Georgia, would be a great addition for the Lions. Freakishly strong, Morris is a stud in the run game. His pass-protection technique needs to improve, but he did not allow a sack in 2025. Morris competed against elite competition at Georgia and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2025. He is a punishing player who pancakes defenders with ease. Morris is mainly a Left Guard, but has been cross-trained at both right guard and left tackle. His strength and positional versatility will likely earn him a roster spot as a rookie and become a key contributor as he develops his overall game.

What do you think? Please comment and let everyone know who you would like to see become a Detroit Lion at the 2026 NFL Draft.

(Note: Picks are subject to change, as the NFL has not yet announced compensatory selections, and trades involving draft picks are pending.)

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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