As the 2026 NFL Draft season heats up, one name keeps popping up in mock drafts tied to the Detroit Lions — a standout offensive lineman out of the University of Miami who figures prominently as a potential replacement for veteran Taylor Decker. In Pro Football Focus’s latest mock draft projection, Detroit is pegged to select this Miami star early, signaling a shift toward building long-term offensive line depth and addressing one of the team’s biggest needs.
📍 Why the OL Needs an Upgrade
Taylor Decker was one of the Lions’ most consistent blockers for years, but injuries and age concerns have finally made the Lions seriously consider life after the former All-Pro tackle. With Detroit’s commitment to protecting Jared Goff and establishing a powerful run game — particularly with Jahmyr Gibbs emerging as a true centerpiece — finding a long-term solution on the offensive front is more crucial than ever. A strong offensive line isn’t just helpful — it’s foundational to Detroit’s championship aspirations.
📈 Enter the Miami Standout
PFF’s latest mock draft places a Miami offensive lineman squarely in Detroit’s early-to-mid draft projection, suggesting that evaluators believe this player has the physical tools, technical polish, and versatility to grow into a starting role on Day 1 or soon after.
What makes this Miami prospect especially intriguing for the Lions:
Elite athleticism — an ideal blend of power and mobility
Technique refinement — advanced footwork and hand placement for an offensive tackle
High ceiling — college tape showing growth and adaptability at the next level
NFL scheme versatility — ability to play multiple spots along the line
These traits align with what Detroit wants on the right side of the offensive line: a road-grader in the run game and a dependable pass protector who can hold up against elite edge rusher after edge rusher.
🧠 Why the Mock Makes Sense
The Lions have shown a pattern of valuing offensive line talent early when the right player presents himself. Recent drafts brought in players like Tate Ratledge and reinforced Detroit’s interior strength, but a true long-term answer at tackle has been elusive.
By targeting a polished Miami prospect early, Detroit would:
Begin the post-Decker era with a foundational piece
Give Jared Goff a boost in protection right away
Help sustain a physical identity on offense
Increase flexibility in offensive scheming
This isn’t just speculation — it’s a reflection of Detroit’s evolving draft philosophy.
🦁 What Lions Fans Should Watch
As the draft order solidifies and mock boards continue to evolve, keep an eye on:
Combine and pro day measurements — how the Miami tackle tests
Injury history — durability projections for a high-usage lineman
Interviews and team fits — how well this prospect meshes with Detroit’s culture
Mock drafts are just projections, but when a source like PFF, known for its analytics and positional grading, places this Miami star with the Lions, it’s a strong indication of where evaluators see value and fit.
For a Lions team that’s serious about protecting its core players and building a championship-caliber offensive line, this mock isn’t just a guess — it’s a strategic blueprint.
PFF’s Latest Mock Draft Has Detroit Snagging a Miami OL Star for Decker’s Spot
