The Detroit Lions have their starters. Technically, they even have their depth, too. But general manager Bob Quinn is always looking to improve.
While he likely wouldn’t find -- or be searching for -- replacements for offensive tackles Taylor Decker or Rick Wagner in the draft, he might try to improve the team’s depth. For the first time in a while, though, offensive tackle is not a glaring position of need for the Lions, which is a pretty big win for a franchise that has struggled to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford for the past two years.
What the Lions have: Taylor Decker (starting LT), Rick Wagner (starting RT), Cornelius Lucas, Corey Robinson, Pierce Burton.
Chances the Lions draft a player at this position: 15 percent
Need level (out of five): 1
Players to watch in the draft:
Sam Tevi, Utah: He started one year at left tackle and one year at right tackle for the Utes after moving from the defensive line to the offensive line. He’s shown he can adapt quickly, too, as injuries at Utah forced the move to right tackle. That’s the type of player the Lions would look for as a tackle-in-a-pinch on the left or right side. He could be worth a late-round draft pick.
Storm Norton, Toledo: After two years on the bench, Norton spent a good portion of his last three years with the Rockets at left tackle, so that would likely be his primary NFL position early on. This will be a theme, but that 6-foot-8, 311-pound frame has to intrigue the Lions. He is really long, which gives Detroit’s coaches something to work with, and that’s an area the Lions should have confidence in, considering the development of both Decker and Lucas as taller tackles.
Javarius Leamon, South Carolina State: Size is a good thing here again as Leamon is 6-foot-7, 332 pounds with 35ΒΌ-inch arms. As with many players on this list, it’s going to be about development. Most of these guys would be priority free agents or late-round picks. The last time the Lions drafted a small-school offensive lineman was in 2011, when they selected Johnny Culbreath from South Carolina State.
Max Rich, Harvard: His size is prototypical for a tackle, at 6-foot-7, 315 pounds. Played high school basketball in Oregon and was an economics major at Harvard, so no question about his intelligence. He’s the type of player who could end up being a good backup, which is where the Lions are focusing during this draft process.
Jerry Ugokwe, William & Mary: His size is fantastic (6-foot-7, 321 pounds) and he’s clearly a developmental prospect, as he started his college career as a walk-on. He played left tackle and right tackle at William & Mary. An economics major, he also has the intelligence to be able to pick up an NFL system quickly.