Detroit Lions 2026 Offensive Tackle Mock Draft

It is mock draft season for the Detroit Lions. Now that Super Bowl LX is over, it is officially the off-season. The Lions will look much different in 2026. Free agency will see many players leaving Detroit, and a few new ones will arrive. The 2026 NFL Draft will give Brad Holmes and Co. a new set of young talent that hopefully will help the Lions finally reach their first-ever Super Bowl. 

This is the first of a series of mock drafts I will be writing. Each will focus on only one position that the Lions will certainly be looking to upgrade this offseason. I will select one prospect at that position for each of the Lions’ 2026 draft picks. My goal is to familiarize readers with as many potential new Lions as possible. Welcome to the Detroit Lions 2026 Offensive Tackle Mock Draft.

Offensive Line Is Lions’ Biggest Need

The Lions’ offensive line was a huge disappointment in 2025. Injuries, Father Time, inexperience, and Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement all contributed to the unit’s regression. Sadly, the outlook for the future does not look great, especially at tackle.

Taylor Decker, the Lions’ starting LT for the past decade, will almost certainly retire or be a cap casualty. Primary backup and sixth lineman in jumbo sets, Dan Skipper, has already announced his retirement. The Lions now have a huge need at tackle, both short and long-term. It would be shocking if they do not address this need very high in the draft and then again in the later rounds. Here are some tackles who would be welcome additions to the Lions’ offensive line in 2026.

Round 1, Pick 17: Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor is a behemoth. Standing at 6’7 and weighing 369 lbs, Proctor has the potential to be a franchise left tackle. His athleticism is terrific for a man of his size. He is exactly the type of blindside protector that will make QB Jared Goff feel comfortable in the pocket. His run blocking needs refinement, but Lions’ Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley is one of the best in the business. Fraley can work his magic with Proctor and help him reach his ceiling. Proctor could step in as a day-one starter for the Lions if needed. If Detroit decides to sign a short-term tackle in free agency, the Alabama standout can serve as the Lions’ swing tackle in 2026 and take over as a full-time starter in 2027. Either way, Proctor would be an instant building block for the Lions’ offensive line.

Round 2, Pick 50: Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern

A Michigan native, Caleb Tiernan would instantly become a fan favorite in Detroit. Tiernan is another massive human being who could become a very solid starter in the NFL. He has earned Big Ten Academic All-American honors, and his intelligence shows up on the field. A prospect with a very high floor, Tiernan is one of the most NFL-ready linemen in the draft. His basketball background shows up in his balance, and his hand usage is already elite. His 32.5-inch arm length is below average for an NFL tackle, but Tiernan could easily kick inside to guard if that is where Dan Campbell thinks his ability will be maximized. Tiernan is a solid pass protector and is known for taking out linebackers once he gets to the second level. His ability to play multiple positions along the line will certainly make him attractive to Detroit. 

Round 4, Pick 118: Austin Barber, Florida

Austin Barber would provide great value for the Lions in the fourth round. He is a 6’6, 314-pound prospect who has extensive experience at both tackle spots. Barber has strong hands, solid technique, and above-average mobility. Barber has the potential to develop into a starter at either tackle spot. At worst, he will be a high-end swing tackle who would provide excellent depth for the Lions. Barber’s experience playing against high-level competition in the SEC will serve him well in the NFL. He is someone that Lions’ star RT Penei Sewell can take under his wing to help reach his full potential.