Taylor Decker just saw one of his least productive seasons in memory. The left tackle allowed 33 total pressures for the Detroit Lions in 2025, in addition to just two sacks and three quarterback hits. While still obviously effective, he was a step slow and obviously playing through some hurt.
Decker told reporters after this season that he had to take everything into consideration before making a decision about his 11th season in the NFL, including future opportunities and whether it'd be worth it to continue to work his body this hard for more than a decade. He took that time, and has decided to come back in 2026.
With that in mind, the Lions might be looking to take his successor as soon as possible in this year's NFL Draft. Ahead of the NFL Combine, we conducted a 3-round mock draft that sees them settling on a tackle at 17th overall, and grabbing the best available defender at 50th overall.
Lions snag tackle to replace Taylor Decker in pre-combine mock draft
Round 1, Pick 17: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs
Freeling has been creeping up boards as of late, considered a prospect that could develop into a "plus starter," per NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein. Freeling, a top tackle in this year's class chock full of potential starting talent at that position, is an imposing lineman who allowed just two sacks and gave up zero quarterback hits in 2025 with Georgia.
Freeling would be the perfect backup and trainee behind Decker since he's a bit of a project, and with Decker coming back, you want a high-value tackle you can invest in and expect to see actual results from in 2027 and beyond once Decker does hang up his cleats.
Getting mentoring from Decker while working his way into a starting role, or even sporadically throughout 2026 if Decker suffers from any additional injury woes, feels like the Lions' best bet at finding longevity and consistency at left tackle.
Other perfectly fine options at this point (and those still available in this mock draft, done using the NFL Mock Draft Simulator) include Calub Lomu and Kadyn Proctor.
READ MORE: Lions beat writer points to 'likely' option to fix huge problem from last season
Round 2, Pick 50: EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois Fighting Illini
Jacas is projected to be a plus starter in the NFL, per Zierlein, and you get that sense watching his tape from 2025. He has ridiculous finesse turning corners on linemen he's beaten on the edge, even through second attempts at getting to the quarterback. He's also just a big hitter, forcing three fumbles last season.
This is an experienced pass rusher who can start on day one for the Lions, which is exactly the kind of draft prospect the team has to be prioritizing headed into the 2nd round. But, prioritizing their run-game by taking a run-blocking tackle seems like their best bet.