Detroit Lions NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling was a full-time starter for just one season at Georgia, but he has ideal length and athleticism for a right tackle. The Lions can flip All-Pro OT Penei Sewell to the left side.

Left tackle is a sizable need for Detroit with the departure of Taylor Decker after 10 seasons. Proctor is a sizable answer to the problem -- literally -- at 6-7, 352 pounds. He has power when he gets his hands on defenders in the running game as well.

Proctor's tape had up-and-down moments during his final college season, as sometimes his foot quickness was overmatched by edge rushers. But the upside is immense for the 20-year-old left tackle, who started all 40 games he appeared in at Alabama.

Certain players just look like they'd fit in coach Dan Campbell's program -- and Jacas is one of them. He's a hard-nosed rusher with heavy hands and a dedication to defending the run (21 run stuffs over the past two seasons). The Lions must continue to stockpile young rushers to complement Aidan Hutchinson.

This is a team in need of young offensive line help. Fano played tackle in college, but he could also move inside to guard.

The Lions have boxed themselves into a bit of a corner this offseason. They released longtime left tackle Taylor Decker and replaced him with free-agent tackle Larry Borom — a low-end starting option. They don't usually have a need as glaring as this, but they're going to need a young tackle who can compete with Borom. I reached out to four teams about a trade-back into the 20s and received two rejections, one no-answer and an offer that would net us ... a sixth-round pick. 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 Penei Sewell at right tackle, if that's what the Lions prefer. — Colton Pouncy

This pick doesn't need much more explanation other than the fact that the Lions don't have many pass rushers on their roster right now. They are razor thin at defensive end outside of Aidan Hutchinson, almost to the point where they have to take an edge rusher with this pick. 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. The Lions have to try something.

Proposed trade: The Lions and longtime LT Taylor Decker divorced, yet there doesn't appear to be an obvious in-house replacement, nor did one arrive during free agency. 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.

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 Taylor Decker.

The Lions entered free agency with a Taylor Decker-sized hole at left tackle after the veteran asked for his release. They signed Larry Borom, but they shouldn't stop there. 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.

The Lions are reshuffling their offensive line this season, with Penei Sewell going from right to left tackle following the departure of Taylor Decker. 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.