The Detroit Lions may still be firmly in the playoff hunt, but long-term planning never stops in the NFL. According to a recent 2026 mock draft, Detroit is already being linked to a potential successor for veteran left tackle Taylor Decker — a move that signals foresight rather than panic.
Decker has been one of the most consistent and respected players on the Lions’ roster for years. When healthy, he remains a reliable blindside protector and a leader in the locker room. However, with Decker entering the later stages of his career and dealing with recurring injuries, it’s only natural for the front office to think ahead.
The mock draft projects Detroit targeting a high-upside offensive tackle with elite size, athleticism, and pass-protection traits — the exact profile needed to eventually take over at left tackle. While the selection wouldn’t mean Decker is being pushed out immediately, it would allow the Lions to groom a successor while maintaining stability up front.
This approach aligns perfectly with how general manager Brad Holmes has operated. Rather than waiting until a hole becomes urgent, the Lions prefer to draft and develop, especially along the offensive line — a position group that has been central to the team’s recent success.
For now, Decker remains the unquestioned starter and a key piece of Detroit’s offense. But the mock draft buzz highlights an unavoidable truth: the future is coming, and the Lions appear determined to be ready when it does.
Planning for tomorrow while competing today is how sustained contenders are built — and this mock draft suggests Detroit is thinking exactly that way.
Mock Draft Reveals Lions’ Long-Term Replacement Plan for Taylor Decker
