Detroit Lions mock draft 2026 roundup: Which O-lineman should they pick at 17?

It's mock draft season, as Detroit Lions fans are anxiously waiting to see how the team fill some of its biggest needs.

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, with the Lions looking to round out a busy offseason. The Lions are selecting in the first round at No. 17 overall after a disappointing 9-8 season, one where they finished in last place in the NFC North and missed the playoffs.

Detroit came into the offseason with needs at center, tackle and in the secondary, and addressed some of those issues with its two biggest transactions of the offseason – trading running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans and signing free agent center Cade Mays.

But many still see the Lions' offseason moves as part of an underwhelming return, with many starting slots still needing filled.

If the most recent mock drafts from NFL outlets are to be believed, the Lions are going to focus on drafting an offensive tackle with their first-round pick following the release of longtime left tackle Taylor Decker. The veteran's departure leaves a hole at tackle that the Lions may not be able to immediately replace with options currently on the roster, making it likely they'll look for a starting-caliber replacement through the draft.

For his part, Lions general manager Brad Holmes says the Lions don't need to focus on an offensive tackle in the draft, saying that newly-signed lineman Larry Borom might be able to replace Penei Sewell at right tackle if Sewell moves to left tackle.

But NFL draft experts still think the Lions will focus on drafting an offensive lineman in the first round, though there is no consensus on who that will be.

Here is what the NFL mock drafts say so far:

BIRKETT: Brad Holmes on contract futures of Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell

USA TODAY: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Last year, the Lions selected an offensive guard from Georgia (Tate Ratledge) with their second-round pick, and this year, For The Win's Christian D'Andrea believes the Lions will go back to Athens for their first-round selection, taking offensive tackle Monroe Freeling.

"The Bulldog star was an absolute stud at the combine, posting some of the best all-around numbers in offensive line history," he writes. "He's got long arms, quick countering and smooth lateral movement. While he's still got tools to add to his box, he lands with a franchise capable of taking him down every aisle of Home Depot."

Quite a description!

CBS: Freeling

Monroe Freeling #57 of the Georgia Bulldogs blocks Chris Murray #3 of the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama.

Though he doesn't bring the same hardware metaphors as D'Andrea, CBS' Mike Renner shares the writer's belief that the Lions will make Freeling their first-round selection.

"The Lions' need at tackle is desperate enough to take whoever falls at 17. Fortunately, it's one of the strongest positions in the class," he writes. "Freeling improved significantly over last season and backed it up with a rare combine performance."

Detroit Free Press: Freeling

Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (OL24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Our Dave Birkett's most recent mock draft is from nearly a month ago, but he appeared to be on the same wavelength that many mock draft experts are still feeling about Freeling.

"The Lions should have their pick of the second tier of offensive tackles at No. 17, and after giving them Clemson’s Blake Miller in my first mock, I sent Freeling their way this time around," he writes. "Miller is the more experienced and durable option, but I’m banking on Freeling’s upside with this pick. He has just 17 career starts, including 13 at left tackle last year, and can begin the year as the Lions’ swing lineman before moving into a full-time role later in the season or in 2027. His ability to play both tackle positions also gives the Lions the option of keeping Penei Sewell at right tackle, if that’s his preference."

ESPN: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN's Peter Schrager has the Lions staying in Big Ten country with their first-round pick, taking Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane at No. 17 overall.

"I'm not sure there's a more 'Dan Campbell' player in this draft than Ioane," he writes. "He's 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, and he plays with a mean streak. Ioane didn't give up a single sack and was an All-American last season at Penn State. Nice fit on the interior for the Detroit line."

Fox Sports: OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (OL35) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Fox Sports' Rob Rang took a slightly different approach with his most recent mock draft, not selecting who he thinks the team will pick, but selecting a "perfect pick" for each team at their respective slot. And for a Lions team in need of a starting offensive tackle, he settled on Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, who Birkett also mentioned in his most recent mock draft.

"At the NFL Annual League Meeting, Dan Campbell suggested that the Lions were 'ready' to move their All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell back to the blindside role he played in college, if necessary. Doing that would put Larry Borom in position to start on the right side, but I think there are several candidates in this class who would be better," he writes. "Miller hasn’t generated as much buzz as some of the other offensive tackles of this class, but he’s a relatively sure thing with 54 career starts and an ideal combination of size, athleticism and technique."

Pro Football Focus: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 30: Spencer Fano #55 of the Utah Utes llines up on the defensive line during the second half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker thinks the Lions will draft an offensive tackle, but he thinks Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, a highly-rated draft prospect, will fall low enough in the draft for the Lions to take.

"Detroit has a sneakily big need along its offensive line after cutting veteran TaylorDecker, plus experiencing an underwhelming season from Christian Mahogany. Whether playing on the perimeter or inside, Fano and his great run-blocking (13.6% impact run-block rate) are perfect for Dan Campbell’s bunch," he writes.

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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions NFL mock draft roundup, offensive linemen available