MOCK DRAFT WATCH: Interior OL emerging as top pick for Lions post-Combine
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books and free agency just around the corner, mock drafts continue to roll in, painting a clearer picture of the Detroit Lions’ potential first-round strategy. While free agency can shift team priorities, the latest projections consistently point to one major area of focus for Detroit: the interior offensive line.
Several analysts have pegged Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson as a strong fit for the Lions at No. 28 overall. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, and Charles Davis all have Detroit selecting the powerful guard, citing his ability to step in as an immediate starter should veteran Kevin Zeitler depart in free agency. Brooks specifically notes that general manager Brad Holmes’ philosophy revolves around building through the trenches, and Jackson’s physicality and aggressive play style align perfectly with that vision.
Beyond Jackson, North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel has also gained traction as a potential option. Both Ryan Wilson and Josh Edwards of CBS Sports have projected Zabel to the Lions, emphasizing his versatility and standout performance at the Senior Bowl. With experience at left tackle, guard, and center, Zabel’s ability to move across the line makes him an intriguing prospect for Detroit’s offensive front.
While the interior line remains the most common projection, some mock drafts suggest alternative routes. Dane Brugler (The Athletic) and Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports) both have the Lions bolstering the defensive line with Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, a massive 6-foot-4, 331-pound defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Lance Zierlein (NFL.com) links Detroit to Florida State cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, noting the Lions’ need for a long, physical press-man defender in the secondary.
Other defensive names surfacing in mocks include Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton (NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice), Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku (ESPN’s Jordan Reid), and UCLA linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo (ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.). Each of these players would provide a different type of reinforcement to Detroit’s defense, whether as a pass rusher, run stopper, or coverage linebacker.
Ultimately, while some analysts see the Lions addressing defense in Round 1, the growing consensus post-Combine is that Detroit will prioritize strengthening its offensive line. With Zeitler’s future uncertain and Holmes’ commitment to building through the trenches, selecting a dominant interior lineman seems like the safest bet heading into free agency.
Interior OL Rises as Lions’ Favorite Pick After NFL Combine
