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ESPN report: Teams viewing Detroit Lions as NFL draft trade-up threat
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions are seen as a potential trade-up threat in the 2026 NFL Draft after releasing Taylor Decker, with expectations of a run on offensive tackles. Teams are closely monitoring the Lions' moves as they may look to secure a specific tackle in the first round.
Key points
- Detroit Lions released Taylor Decker
- Lions may target offensive tackle in 2026 NFL Draft
- Teams are watching Lions as a trade-up threat
- Expectations of a run on offensive tackles in the draft
- Lions are making calls regarding potential trades
Mentioned in this story
Taylor Decker
Detroit Lions
Even before they released Taylor Decker, the Detroit Lions were viewed as a team that might be looking at offensive tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
After Decker's release, many felt the Lions taking a tackle in the first round became a foregone conclusion. Pre-draft reports have indicated that there will be a run on offensive tackles in Thursday night's first round.
In order to ensure they get their guy, that means the Lions might not be able to stay put at No. 17 if there's a specific offensive tackle they are eyeing in tonight's first round. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday morning that teams around the league are watching Detroit as a trade-up threat tonight.
According to Fowler, the Lions have been making calls.
It's certainly something to monitor as draft day arrives.
Multiple mock drafts have forecasted the Lions orchestrating draft-day trades to move up the board and get one of the top offensive tackles in this draft class.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter had the Lions trading its No. 17 overall pick, one of its two fifth-round selections in this year's draft and a 2027 third-rounder in order to jump to pick No. 13 to select Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.
Similarly, ESPN's Peter Schrager had the Lions making a move with the Rams. In Schrager's projected trade, the Lions would deal picks No. 17 and No. 118 (fourth round) and a 2027 second-round pick to obtain pick No. 13 where Detroit would select Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
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Q&A
Why are teams viewing the Detroit Lions as a trade-up threat in the NFL Draft?
Teams view the Lions as a trade-up threat due to their recent release of Taylor Decker and the likelihood of them targeting an offensive tackle in the first round.
What impact does Taylor Decker's release have on the Lions' draft strategy?
Taylor Decker's release increases the urgency for the Lions to draft an offensive tackle, making it likely they will trade up from their No. 17 pick to secure their preferred player.
What are the expectations for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft regarding offensive tackles?
There is an expectation of a run on offensive tackles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, prompting teams like the Lions to consider trading up to ensure they get their target.