By Moses Joshua 
With Taylor Decker’s future uncertain, Detroit’s next franchise left tackle may already be on the board.
The Detroit Lions have built their identity in the trenches, but that foundation could be tested sooner than expected. With longtime blindside protector Taylor Decker openly weighing retirement, the organization is staring down one of the most important decisions of Brad Holmes’ tenure: how to protect the quarterback in a post-Decker world.
Detroit currently owns the No. 17 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a slot that often sits in the sweet spot for elite offensive line talent. Even if the front office patches the position in free agency, it would be shocking if they didn’t also invest premium draft capital in a long-term solution.
Here are four offensive tackles who could define the next era of Lions football.
A Franchise Left Tackle at No. 17?
Holmes has never been shy about building through the draft, especially in the trenches. The Lions’ physical, run-centric offense only works when the edges are secure, and Decker’s potential exit makes that more urgent than ever.
Detroit doesn’t just need a starter. They need a cornerstone.
Spencer Fano, Utah — The Technician
Spencer Fano has become one of the cleanest tackle prospects in the country, even if he doesn’t dominate highlight reels.
At 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, Fano blends ideal size with rare polish. Back-to-back seasons with elite PFF grades north of 90 have turned him into a coach’s dream: technically sound in pass protection and forceful in the run game.
For a team that wants reliability on the left edge, Fano profiles as a plug-and-play option who could start Week 1.
Francis Mauigoa, Miami — The Power Athlete
Mauigoa looks like he was built in a lab to play left tackle.
At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, he brings raw strength with surprising agility. His leap in 2025 as a pass protector vaulted him into the top tier of tackle prospects, and his ability to absorb bull rushes while mirroring speed off the edge makes him a natural Decker successor.
If Detroit wants to replace brute force with brute force, Mauigoa is the obvious candidate.
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama — The Physical Outlier
If Holmes is hunting upside, Proctor might be the most intriguing tackle in the class.
At a towering 6-foot-7 and roughly 360 pounds, Proctor is a rare blend of mass and mobility. His development at Alabama has been steep, and his 2025 grading put him among the nation’s best at the position.
Detroit’s downhill rushing attack would allow Proctor to thrive early while the coaching staff fine-tunes his pass protection. His ceiling? Pro Bowl. His floor? A road grader defenses hate facing.
Caleb Lomu, Utah — The Safe Bet
Lomu doesn’t arrive with Proctor’s freakish measurements or Mauigoa’s raw power, but he may be the most dependable of the bunch.
At 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, Lomu has logged a heavy snap count and improved steadily every season. His leverage, football IQ, and consistency jump off the film, making him a favorite among coaches who value trust as much as talent.
For a team built on discipline and detail, Lomu feels like a very Lions-style pick.
The Bottom Line
Taylor Decker’s possible retirement isn’t just a roster issue — it’s a philosophical crossroads.
Detroit’s offensive line has been the heartbeat of its resurgence, and the 2026 draft offers the chance to keep that tradition alive. Whether Holmes prioritizes polish, power, upside, or reliability, the Lions will have no shortage of premium options staring back at them when they go on the clock at No. 17.
Protect the edge, protect the pride — the next era of Lions football may hinge on it.