Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is beloved in the city, but if he doesn't turn things around, he may be in the hot seat.
The Detroit Lions face questions on their offensive line after some offseason departures, but one NFL analyst believes they can address them through a draft-day trade.
NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter predicted the Lions would move up the board in the first round, snagging one of the top-rated linemen in the draft. Reuter noted that the Lions could be just out of reach for a potential replacement for Taylor Decker after his departure this offseason and may need a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to find out.
Lions Make Draft-Day Trade for Spencer Fano
In his mock draft published on April 3, Reuter predicted the Lions would jump up four spots, taking the No. 13 pick from the Rams and landing Utah lineman Spencer Fano.
“General manager Brad Holmes once again trades with his former boss, Les Snead, moving up four spots for a fifth-round pick this year and a 2027 third-rounder,” Reuter wrote. “Despite possessing below-average arm length for a tackle, Fano takes over the right bookend spot for departed longtime starter Taylor Decker.”
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein predicted that Fano would grow into a strong starter within two years, giving him a strong grade despite lacking some of the prototypical tools for an offensive lineman.
“Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism,” Zierlein wrote. “He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush.”
Zierlein added that there would be some risks in taking Fano, who would need to jump into the right scheme.
“He gives good effort as a downhill blocker but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses,” Zierlein wrote. “Fano’s level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups.”
Dan Campbell Hinted at Changes to Offensive Line
The Lions have lost some of their core offensive lineman, releasing Decker at his request while also parting ways with Graham Glasgow. Center Frank Ragnow retired, while Kevin Zeitler found a new home in free agency.
Campbell had hinted at the coming changes at the conclusion of last season, saying the team needed to re-evaluate the line and their priorities for the 2026 season.
“I need time to really sit down and think about all this,” Campbell said, via USA Today’s Lions Wire. “But what we do know is one way or another probably, change is inevitable. Now, it may not be much but there will be something that’ll change.”
As John Helmer of Lions Wire noted, the unit that had once been among the league’s best fell apart during a critical stretch last season.
“The Lions’ inability to run the football effectively down the stretch of this season when the games have mattered most has been a glaring indictment on the group,” Helmer wrote. “Detroit rushed for just 15 yards on 12 attempts in its loss versus Pittsburgh and for only 68 yards on 30 attempts in its loss at the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.”