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

The NFL draft is a highly anticipated event every year, where teams have the opportunity to select new talent to add to their rosters. One team that has been generating a lot of buzz leading up to the draft is the Detroit Lions. With the seventh overall pick in the first round, many mock draft experts believe that the Lions will use their selection on an offensive lineman.

The offensive line is a crucial position in football, as they are responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the team’s running backs. Without a strong offensive line, a team’s offense can struggle to move the ball down the field and put points on the board. The Lions have had their fair share of struggles on the offensive line in recent years, so it makes sense that they would prioritize addressing this position in the draft.

One offensive lineman in particular that has been linked to the Lions in mock drafts is Penei Sewell out of Oregon. Sewell is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class and is considered by many to be a generational talent at the offensive tackle position. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds, Sewell possesses the size, strength, and athleticism needed to excel in the NFL.

Sewell’s college career at Oregon was nothing short of impressive. In his sophomore season, he won the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. Sewell was also named a unanimous All-American and won the Morris Trophy, given to the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12 conference. His dominance on the field earned him the reputation as a mauler in the run game and a brick wall in pass protection.

The Lions have struggled to find consistency at the offensive tackle position in recent years, with injuries and underperformance plaguing the unit. Sewell would provide an immediate upgrade to the Lions’ offensive line and help solidify the protection for quarterback Jared Goff. With Sewell anchoring the line, Goff would have more time in the pocket to go through his progressions and make accurate throws down the field.

In addition to his prowess as a pass protector, Sewell is also known for his physicality in the running game. He possesses a rare combination of power and agility that allows him to dominate defenders at the point of attack and create running lanes for the team’s ball carriers. Sewell’s presence on the offensive line would not only benefit Goff but also running back D’Andre Swift, who would have more room to operate behind a formidable offensive line.

While Sewell is the consensus top offensive lineman in this year’s draft class, there are other options that the Lions could consider with their first-round pick. Players like Rashawn Slater out of Northwestern and Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech have also been linked to the Lions in mock drafts. Both Slater and Darrisaw are talented offensive tackles in their own right and would provide the Lions with quality options to address their needs on the offensive line.

Slater, in particular, is known for his versatility and technical prowess as an offensive lineman. He played both tackle and guard during his college career and excelled at both positions. Slater is a technically sound blocker with quick feet and strong hands, making him a reliable pass protector and run blocker. His ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line would give the Lions flexibility in how they choose to utilize him in their offense.

Darrisaw, on the other hand, is known for his size and athleticism at the offensive tackle position. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 314 pounds, Darrisaw possesses the length and strength needed to handle elite pass rushers in the NFL. He is a smooth mover in space and has the agility to mirror defenders in pass protection. Darrisaw’s physical tools and natural talent make him an intriguing prospect for the Lions to consider with their first-round pick.

In addition to Sewell, Slater, and Darrisaw, there are other offensive linemen in this year’s draft class that could also be targets for the Lions. Players like Alijah Vera-Tucker out of USC, Teven Jenkins out of Oklahoma State, and Samuel Cosmi out of Texas have all been mentioned as potential options for the Lions in mock drafts. Each of these players brings their own unique skill set to the table and could help bolster the Lions’ offensive line.

Vera-Tucker is a versatile lineman who played both guard and tackle during his college career. He is known for his quick feet and strong hands, which allow him to handle pass rushers with ease. Vera-Tucker is also a mauler in the run game, using his size and strength to overpower defenders at the point of attack. His ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line would give the Lions flexibility in how they choose to deploy him in their offense.

Jenkins is a powerful and physical offensive tackle who excels in run blocking. He is known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to finish blocks through the whistle. Jenkins is a road grader in the running game, clearing paths for running backs with his strength and tenacity. His imposing presence on the offensive line would help set the tone for the Lions’ offense and establish a physical identity for the team.

Cosmi is an athletic offensive tackle with the ability to excel in both pass protection and run blocking. He is a smooth mover in space and has the agility to mirror defenders in pass protection. Cosmi is also a technically sound blocker, using his hands and footwork to control defenders at the line of scrimmage. His combination of physical tools and technical skills make him a well-rounded prospect for the Lions to consider with their first-round pick.

As the draft approaches, the Lions will have a difficult decision to make with their first-round pick. They have a number of talented offensive linemen to choose from, each with their own strengths and areas for improvement. Whether they ultimately select Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, Christian Darrisaw, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Teven Jenkins, Samuel Cosmi, or another offensive lineman, the Lions will be looking to address their needs on the offensive line and solidify their protection for quarterback Jared Goff.

No matter which offensive lineman the Lions choose with their first-round pick, they will be adding a talented and impactful player to their roster. The offensive line is a critical position in football, and having a strong unit can make all the difference in a team’s success. With the potential addition of a player like Sewell, Slater, Darrisaw, Vera-Tucker, Jenkins, or Cosmi, the Lions would be taking a significant step towards improving their offense and giving themselves the best chance to compete in the highly competitive NFC North division.

In conclusion, the Detroit Lions are in a prime position to address their needs on the offensive line in the upcoming NFL draft. With a talented pool of offensive linemen to choose from, the Lions have the opportunity to add a game-changing player to their roster and solidify their protection for quarterback Jared Goff. Whether they select Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, Christian Darrisaw, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Teven Jenkins, Samuel Cosmi, or another offensive lineman, the Lions will be looking to make a significant impact on their offense and take a step towards contention in the NFC North. The future looks bright for the Lions, and the addition of a top offensive

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Source: Detroit Free Press