DETROIT — Brad Holmes isn’t messing around. The Detroit Lions ripped the band-aid off this week, completely altering their 2026 draft board. First, they shipped veteran bruiser David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and draft capital. Then, the real shocker hit: left tackle Taylor Decker requested his release after 10 seasons, blowing up what was once the NFL’s most secure offensive line.
You could almost feel the collective gasp from the Motor City faithful when Decker’s Instagram post dropped. Now, sitting at pick No. 17, the Lions face an immediate crisis. They need a tackle to protect Jared Goff’s blindside, and they still desperately need an edge rusher to take the heat off Aidan Hutchinson. Let’s break down the latest expert projections.
Filling the Void Left by Taylor Decker
Decker’s sudden exit turns a luxury pick into an absolute necessity. The front office can no longer draft for the future; they need a Day 1 starter.
- Spencer Fano (OT, Utah): Tim Crean at ClutchPoints connects Fano to Detroit. Fano possesses a slightly shorter wingspan than traditional tackles, but his freakish athleticism makes up for it. The Lions run a heavy-movement blocking scheme. Fano steps in and fits the physical culture immediately.
- Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami): Fox Sports’ Henry McKenna sees Mauigoa as the safest bet. You don’t let a strength become a weakness. Mauigoa boasts a massive, true tackle frame. He provides instant insurance on the perimeter and keeps the run game humming.
- Kadyn Proctor (OL, Alabama): NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein takes a hybrid approach. Proctor is an absolute mauler. He could start at guard right now and kick out to tackle once the offensive line fully transitions. Versatility wins championships in Detroit.
Bringing the Heat Opposite Hutchinson
The offensive line isn’t the only fire Brad Holmes needs to put out. Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate, and the draft offers some heavy hitters.
- Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami): Jordan Reid of ESPN pegs Mesidor as the perfect fit. He turns 25 next month, but the Lions are in a win-now window. Age doesn’t matter when you post a 20.8% pass-rush win rate. Mesidor attacks blockers with heavy hands and a relentless motor.
- Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn): Bleacher Report takes a gamble on traits. They call Faulk a 21-year-old “ball of clay.” He offers a massive frame and elite raw power. Detroit’s coaching staff thrives on developing raw talent, and Faulk could serve as a solid base end while he sharpens his pass-rush arsenal.
“Detroit has never just been a location to me – it’s been a community. This isn’t goodbye because something ended. It’s goodbye because something grew.”
— David Montgomery, Former Lions Running Back (via Instagram)
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
Detroit cannot afford a step backward. Integrating Juice Scruggs gives them interior flexibility, but finding a starting left tackle at No. 17 is a massive ask for a rookie. The NFC North is a bloodbath right now. If the Lions miss on their first-round pick, Jared Goff will be running for his life, and the defense will remain trapped on the field. Brad Holmes has the draft capital to move up if a premier tackle slips. Watch for aggressive trades on draft night.
