Veteran free-agent addition Cade Mays is set to start at center and second-year player Tate Ratledge is likely at right guard, but left guard could be tightly contested between players like Christian Mahogany, Ben Bartch, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs and potentially others.
The Lions wanted to get younger and more talented upfront along the offensive line this offseason. They made big strides with free-agent additions but could look to continue adding via the draft.
Interior offensive line class draft strength: Depth. It's a really strong class of guards and centers with more than a half dozen FBC and FBC All-Americans headlining the group.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler lists nine interior offensive linemen (three centers and six guards) among his final list of the Top 100 players available in this draft class.
View photos of the top interior offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Texas A&M offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) sets to block during an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (05) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (23) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kentucky offensive lineman Jalen Farmer (23) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kansas State offensive lineman Sam Hecht (75) prepares to snap the football while the rest of the offensive and defensive line wait for the snap during an NCAA football game against Brigham Young on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Kansas State offensive lineman Sam Hecht (27) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) blocks during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (30) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Iowa offensive lineman Logan Jones (65) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa offensive lineman Logan Jones (31) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew waits for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Baylor and Auburn Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew lifts weights at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Duke's Brian Parker II (53) blocks during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II (38) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (75) looks to block against Penn State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (40) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Ar'maj Reed-Adams (55) looks to pass block against Utah State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Ar'maj Reed-Adams (42) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
National Team offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77), of Georgia Tech, during the second half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (44) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida center Jake Slaughter (66) gets set during an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Oct. 19 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)
Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (47) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Lions interior OL depth chart: Mays, Ratledge, Mahogany, Bartch, Frazier, Scruggs, Borom, Seth McLaughlin, Michael Niese, Mason Miller
Lions interior OL draft priority: Opportunistic. The left guard spot is not set in stone but there's currently pretty good competition among a lot of experienced players for the role. If a player really fits the Lions, there's room to add to the competition. Detroit doesn't have to go into this draft feeling like they must get a ready-to-compete player at guard to feel good about the position.
Five interior offensive linemen who could fit the Lions:
1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
6-4, 320. Did not run 40-yard dash
Ioane is considered one of the top guard prospects in several years. He's a mauler in the run game while being wide-bodied and stout at the point of attack in pass protection. He's the total package and a likely plug and play prospect inside for all 32 teams.
2. Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
6-4, 316. 5.05 seconds 40-yard dash (1.81 10-yard split)
Rutledge became the first Georgia Tech player since Calvin Johnson to earn first-team All-America honors in back-to-back years. He's a good athlete with movement skill and plays the game with an old-school mean streak. He should compete for immediate playing time.
View photos of some of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft at their Pro Days.
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey attends the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., left, does a football workout during the school's NFL pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) talks with reporters during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Wide receiver Germie Bernard catches a pass in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston runs the ball during Washington's NFL football Pro Day Monday, March 16, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse (15) runs drills during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse (15) runs the 40 yard dash for during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) goes through workouts during their NFL football pro day, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) goes through workouts during their NFL football pro day, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano participates in drills during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano, center, participates in drills during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Keldric Faulk runs drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. runs a position drill in the school's NFL football pro day, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter runs a position drill during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter watches a position drill during the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor runs during a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs with the ball during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon runs during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love speaks with media during the school's NFL Pro Day in South Bend, Ind., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, right, works out during the school's NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa completes a football drill during the school's NFL fpo day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren takes part in the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren catches a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Monday, March 23, 2026, at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL football pro day Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor works out during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor waits to work out during the school's NFL football pro day, Monday March 23, 2026, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman TJ Parker works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson's TJ Parker works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price runs a drill runs a drill during the school's NFL football pro day in South Bend, Ind., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor runs through drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese participates in a drill during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez attends the school's NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) talks to the press at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Miami corner back Keionte Scott runs the 40 yard dash during the school's NFL Pro Day, Monday March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Laughlin)
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Quarterback Ty Simpson throws in passing drills during Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate makes a catch during the school's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate makes a catch during the school's NFL football Pro Day in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson watches teammates during the school's NFL football Pro Day, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods runs a 10-yard split during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C.. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Missouri defensive end Zion Young runs the 40-yard dash during the school's NFL football pro day, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
3. Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
6-5, 315. 5.02 seconds 40-yard dash (1.76 10-yard split)
One of the strongest players in the entire draft, Bisontis is an experienced technician with very strong hands and 35 collegiate starts under his belt. He also has some experience playing right tackle, so there's some versatility to his game.
4. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
6-4, 314. 5.21 seconds 40-yard dash (1.82 10-yard split)
Pregnon is an All-American who was one of the key reasons the Ducks were finalists for the Joe Moore Award as the nation's top offensive line. Pregnon has an NFL-ready frame with power and toughness. He can drive defenders in the run game and anchors well in pass pro.
5. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
6-5, 318. 5.18 seconds 40-yard dash (1.83 10-yard split)
Dunker played mostly right tackle at Iowa but does have guard experience and projects more as an interior player in the NFL with tackle flexibility. He's an old-school kind of player with a flowing mullet and a nasty disposition on the football field.
