After being split between the Detroit Lions taking an edge rusher or a tackle in the previous edition of Mock Draft Watch before the start of free agency, now most mock drafts have the Lions selecting the best available tackle with the No. 17 overall pick in next month's NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Detroit released veteran left tackle Taylor Decker and signed veteran Larry Borom in free agency but could still certainly look to add some competition, and a young rookie could certainly provide that.
Let's see who the mock drafts have the Lions selecting at No. 17:
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
Why: Freeling has the most upside of any tackle in this year's draft -- and the Lions have a void to fill at the position after parting ways with Decker.
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
Why: Freeling could replace Decker, or the Lions could move Penei Sewell to the left side in Decker's place and ask Freeling to play right tackle. He's a bit green (18 college starts) but has a ton of natural ability. Detroit can still address the edge position in Round 2.
View photos of 2026 NFL Draft tackle prospect Monroe Freeling.
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks Florida edge Kamran James (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks against Florida edge Tyreak Sapp (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) sets up to block against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (24) runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Spencer Fano, T, Utah (No. 13 after trade w/ Rams)
Why: The Lions ignored Sewell's lack of ideal arm length (33 1/4 inches) when selecting him seventh overall in 2021. They throw caution to the wind again, moving up for an excellent blocker with 32 1/8-inch arms -- and the versatility to play tackle, guard or center. Detroit sends a fifth-rounder this year (No. 157 overall) and a 2027 third-rounder to the Rams, who recoup some draft currency after giving up multiple picks in the deal for CB Trent McDuffie.
Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (No. 50)
Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame (No. 118)
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
Why: Proctor's play was a little uneven last season, but I think he can stick at left tackle in the NFL and could help keep Jared Goff upright as Detroit tries to get back to the playoffs. Proctor has 40 starts worth of experience, knows how to take away opponent pass-rush moves and moves very well for a 6-7, 352-pound blocker.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Why: The most straightforward option for the Lions might be to move Sewell to the left side to cover for the Decker divorce and then grab the best right tackle available. In this scenario, there's little question that would be Fano, an agile blocker built to counter the modern NFL pass rusher.
Jacob Camenker, USA Today: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
Why: If Freeling lasts this long, he would be a great fit in Detroit, as Dan Campbell and Hank Fraley can develop him into a strong starter.
Nate Davis, USA Today: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia (No. 6 after trade w/ Browns)
Why: Freeling, 21, who was a teammate of Lions G Tate Ratledge in Athens, seems like the obvious choice in the draft − where he's probably got the highest ceiling among all the left tackle prospects, if not a ton of experience with only 16 college starts. But given Detroit is squarely in a championship window, GM Brad Holmes would probably have to get aggressive to obtain Freeling − likely a first-round pick swap with Cleveland and a second-rounder this year and next given the Lions don't have a Round 3 choice in 2026.
Jordan Plocher, Pro Football Focus: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Why: Mesidor was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football in 2025, amassing 13 sacks, four quarterback hits and 50 hurries on 445 pass-rush snaps. He finished the 2025 season with a 94.2 PFF pass-rushing grade against true pass sets, the second-best mark in the draft class.
Jared Feinberg, Sports Illustrated: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (No. 17)
Why: One of my favorite prospects to watch this spring, Mesidor, is much higher on my board compared to the consensus. He's arguably the best pure pass rusher in the class with a terrific arsenal while adding enough value as a run defender to be an impactful player, regardless of his injury history and age.
Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (No. 50)
Justin Melo, Sports Illustrated: Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Why: Fano was excellent at the NFL Combine, and his measurements proved he could stick at tackle. Fano is an excellent pass protector on tape who is also familiar with a variety of run-blocking concepts from his time executing Utah's offense.
Tyler Erzberger, Newsweek: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
Why: No team is more reliant on having a strong offensive line than the Lions.
Connor Rogers, NBC Sports: Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
Why: A massive tackle prospect that can drive defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game? This not only hits on a need for the Lions offense, but is the type of player you can easily envision them falling in love with.
Kyle Dvorchak, NBC Sports: Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Why: After releasing left tackle Decker, the Lions are in search of a new blindside protector for Goff. They could move Sewell to the left side. Had one of the top left tackle prospects not been on the board in this hypothetical draft, they would have done just that (hypothetically). Instead, they take a top-notch tackle here and keep Sewell in his natural spot.
Go behind the scenes with the Detroit Lions during 2026 free agency.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) signs a free agent contract at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, MI on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) signs a free agent contract at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, MI on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien signs his contract during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien signs his contract during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin and his family during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 13, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 13, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) with his family as he signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch and his family during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch and his family during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch and his family as he signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 19, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 19, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 19, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 20, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 20, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 20, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 23, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 23, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 23, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Why: This is a team in need of young offensive line help. Fano played tackle in college, but he could also move inside to guard.
Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
Why: Decker's departure leaves a glaring hole at left tackle that Lomu can fill. He may not be a high-end run blocker, but he has the tools to become a plus pass protector.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
Why: Detroit lands its replacement for Decker. Freeling has a wide range of opinions, but there's no argument he's among the offensive tackles with the most potential.
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: Blake Miller, T, Clemson
Why: Miller is a plus athlete who has shown the ability to excel in pass protection. He's also one of the few OT prospects in this class worthy of a pick this early, with a clear tackle frame.
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Why: The Lions are still in the process of resetting their line, with center Cade Mays being the notable free-agent addition to start with all-world tackle Sewell.
Bleacher Report Staff: Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Why: Utah's Fano is the reigning Outland Trophy winner. He can immediately slide into the starting right tackle spot and give the Lions outstanding young bookends.
The Athletic staff: Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
Why: At No. 17, Blake Miller and Max Iheanachor were considered, but Lomu was the pick. An athletic left tackle with light feet, length and solid technique, Lomu's addition could keep Sewell at right tackle, if that's what the Lions prefer. – Colton Pouncy
Yahoo Sports Staff: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Why: Mesidor is a bit hit-or-miss on a down-to-down basis and turns 25 before the draft, but he has a chance to be a contributor in the NFL or even a legitimate, consistent threat off the edge if he hits the ground running.
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports: Blake Miller, T, Clemson
Why: Miller was one of these Clemson prospects that some might not value as much considering the Tigers' down season, but he has got a ton of experience and played well.
Vincent Bonsignore, New York Post: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Why: The Lions have been searching for a complement to Hutchinson for a few years now, and they may have found that missing piece in Faulk, a raw prospect with an elite skill set. Hutchinson can take Faulk under his wing and help expedite his development and potentially give Detroit a powerful pass-rush tandem.
Steve Serby, New York Post: Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Why: He can play any position on the line, but Dan Campbell might believe this can be the replacement for LT Decker. Short arms, yes, but 80 ¹/₄-inch wingspan. And oh, he didn't allow a sack last season.
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
Why: The Lions signed veteran swing tackle Borom in free agency, but they still need a long-term replacement for Decker at left tackle. Detroit also could choose to invest in a right tackle and flip Sewell to the left side.
