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MOCK DRAFT WATCH: Tackle the top pick for Lions but experts split on which player

Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Caleb Lomu, T, Utah

Why: Decker's departure leaves a glaring hole at left tackle that Caleb Lomu can fill. He may not be a high-end run blocker, but he has the tools to become a plus pass protector.

Renner’s full mock

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama

Why: If Sewell moves to the left side, the Lions could look at, say, Spencer Fano here. But if Sewell stays at right tackle, Proctor feels like the natural successor to Decker.

Wilson’s full mock

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia

Why: Campbell has expressed the possibility of moving Sewell from right tackle to left, just as Tampa Bay did with Tristan Wirfs. His response, however, left the door open for the team to draft a left tackle and keep Sewell on the right side, which is how this scenario plays out.

Edwards’ full mock

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Why: their revamped line needs a mauler inside to help the run game, which keys the offense for this team. Ioane is the most complete guard in this draft.

Prisco’s full mock

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami

Why: Perhaps it's time for Detroit to move Sewell over to the left side of the offensive line? Drafting Mauigoa would help ease the transition and keep the Lions' run game from dropping off considerably.

Fornelli’s full mock

Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia

Why: Freeling flourished at left tackle with the Bulldogs, and Sewell is the best right tackle in the NFL. They could be Detroit's bookend tackles for many years to come.

Manzano’s full mock

Justin Melo, Sports Illustrated: Spencer Fano, T, Utah

Why: Fano looked really smooth and athletic during on-field position drills at the NFL Combine. There have been pre-draft questions about his capability to play offensive tackle, but he's looked the part during the process.

Melo’s full mock

Yahoo Sports Staff: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Why: Mesidor is a bit hit-or-miss on a down-to-down basis and turns 25 before the draft, but he has a chance to be a contributor in the NFL or even a legitimate, consistent threat off the edge if he hits the ground running.

Yahoo’s full mock

Bleacher Report staff: Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama

Why: In this scenario, the Lions have an opportunity to draft a left tackle prospect with outstanding physical gifts to complete their front five.

Bleacher Report’s full mock

Rob Rang, Fox Sports: Caleb Lomu, T, Utah (No. 19 after trade with Carolina)

Why: Like the Bengals a pick earlier, the Lions can add to their draft class — acquiring a 10th pick — and still nab a tackle they understandably could be targeting at No. 17 in Lomu. The precocious 6-foot-6, 313-pound redshirt sophomore might one day prove the best tackle of this class.

Rang’s full mock

Ben Arthur, Fox Sports: Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia

Why: The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling was a full-time starter for just one season at Georgia, but he has ideal length and athleticism for a right tackle. The Lions can flip All-Pro OT Sewell to the left side.

Arthur’s full mock

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