The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching which makes it a good time to review the Lions’ positional needs and how it may impact their draft strategy. Last year, defensive tackle got the biggest combined need score, and the Lions indeed filled that position in the 1st round with Tyleik Williams.
For the complete offensive positional breakdown, read Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Needs: OFFENSE Positional Rankings + Injury Impact.
The following is the review of the OT position.
The combined need score is the summation of positional need (0-5) plus medical concern level (0-5). The higher the score, the greater the need. I’m reserving the focus to the starters and key backups here, with health of the starters weighted more heavily.
(In parentheses are player age at the start of the 2026 season, signed-through year, and medical concern level.) *Projected starters.
Offensive tackle
Positional need 5/5
The loss of Taylor Decker leaves an extinction-level meteor hole at OT entering the draft. Expect a 1st-round OT to start in 2026.
Medical concern 2/5
Behind Sewell, there are some moderate health concerns. The Lions would be wise to select an OT with low medical risk in the draft.
TOTAL 7/10
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft Need Analysis: Offensive Tackle
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
