It's no secret the Detroit Lions have a big need at left tackle.
After releasing Taylor Decker earlier this offseason, the Lions don't have a sure starting solution for Jared Goff's blindside.
Of course, the Lions could move Penei Sewell to that spot, something head coach Dan Campbell has said he's open to doing, but then they'll create a hole on the right side that would be filled by free-agent signing Larry Borom, who is better suited as a backup swing tackle.
Even if the Lions are comfortable starting Borom in 2026, the expectation is the team will still address their need at tackle in the NFL draft this month.
And a rumor from Essentially Sports' Tony Pauline confirms the team is at least thinking about doing that with its first-round pick.
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Pauline reports that people around the league believe Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who is believed to be capable of playing on either side of the offensive line, won't get past the Lions at No. 17 overall.
"Those I’ve spoken with believe the latest Proctor ends up in the draft is the 17th pick, presently owned by the Detroit Lions," Pauline reported. "They believe the combo of Sewell and Proctor would be a dominant run-blocking duo."
Browns draft rumor presents problem for Lions
Pauline points out a real problem for the Lions' pursuit of Proctor and it has to do with the Cleveland Browns.
The NFL draft insider says the Browns are very interested in drafting Spencer Fano, and if the team pulls the trigger on such a selection, that could force the Lions to move up in order to have a chance to land Proctor.
"The Detroit Lions have a hole at left tackle, and sources believe they’ve zeroed in on Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. But the Cleveland Browns’ interest in a similar player, Spencer Fano, could force Detroit’s hand earlier than they’d like," he explained.
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While the Browns' No. 6 pick is probably too early to take Fano, they could trade back a few spots and still get their guy.
Cleveland drafting him presents a problem because that could lead to a run on the offensive tackle position earlier, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins also lurking as teams that could take Proctor and Francis Mauigoa.
If it plays out that way, the Lions could still get a crack at guys like Caleb Lomu and Monroe Freeling, but it remains to be seen if Detroit is as high on those prospects as it is on Proctor.
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