By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s long-term offensive line vision may include a bold positional shift — and it starts at the top of the draft board.
As the Detroit Lions stare down a future without Taylor Decker, the organization’s next move along the offensive line is becoming one of the most fascinating storylines shaping the 2026 draft conversation. Decker hasn’t officially walked away, but his openness to retirement has accelerated a discussion the Lions were always going to have: how do you replace a franchise left tackle without destabilizing one of the NFL’s best trenches?
According to a recent 2026 mock draft, the answer may not be as straightforward as finding a plug-and-play replacement. Instead, Detroit could be preparing to zig where others zag.
Brad Holmes’ O-Line Philosophy Is Driving the Plan
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has never been subtle about his approach to the offensive line. Nearly a year ago, he famously compared it to a garden — something that requires constant attention and reinvestment. Detroit has lived by that mantra, drafting multiple linemen in each of the last two drafts and refusing to treat the position group as “finished.”
That thinking isn’t changing in 2026.
Beyond Decker’s uncertain future, center Frank Ragnow’s long-term outlook also looms, adding urgency to Detroit’s succession planning. Even if Decker plays another season, the Lions clearly want answers lined up before they’re forced into desperation.
Mock Draft Throws a Curveball at Left Tackle
In a recent first-round 2026 mock draft, Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick slotted the Lions at No. 17 overall — and paired them with Miami (FL) offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
Chadwick explained the reasoning clearly:
“Penei Sewell has been the best offensive lineman in football this season, but with Taylor Decker potentially nearing retirement, Detroit could look to fortify the tackle spot again.”
Mauigoa’s profile backs up the projection. He ranks among the nation’s top tackles, with Chadwick noting:
“Mauigoa ranks fourth among FBS tackles in PFF grade (85.7) and owns the third-best pass-blocking grade (88.3).”
On the surface, it looks like a simple succession pick. But the intrigue doesn’t stop there.
The Penei Sewell Wild Card Changes Everything
What makes this mock draft especially compelling is the implication behind it. Mauigoa, like Sewell, is a natural right tackle — and that opens the door to a far more flexible plan.
As Chadwick pointed out:
“While he plays right tackle like Sewell, Sewell’s dominance on the left side in college gives the Lions flexibility to make a seamless transition similar to Tristan Wirfs’ move in Tampa Bay.”
Sewell’s history supports the idea. At Oregon, he was a dominant left tackle. Early in his NFL career, he shifted back to the left side when Decker missed time, starting eight games there as a rookie and filling in again during injuries in 2023.
Notably, over the last two seasons, Sewell has remained at right tackle even when Decker was unavailable — a subtle hint that Detroit is comfortable keeping its options open.
When Decker eventually steps away, the Lions could choose to draft a high-end tackle like Mauigoa and slide Sewell back to his college position full-time, creating an elite bookend pairing without losing continuity.
Why Detroit’s Patience Could Pay Off
This isn’t about replacing Decker tomorrow. It’s about ensuring that when the moment arrives, the Lions aren’t scrambling. With Jared Goff’s success tied closely to pass protection and offensive stability, Detroit knows the trenches remain the foundation of everything they do.
Nothing about this approach is rushed. Nothing is off the table.
And if this mock draft proves prophetic, the Lions may not just replace Taylor Decker — they may reinvent their offensive line in the process.
Sometimes, the smartest succession plans are the ones hiding in plain sight.