The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Detroit Lions, the biggest need is an obvious one: Tackle.
The Lions released veteran left tackle Taylor Decker in March, and there are rumblings that tackle Penei Sewell might move over to the left side after starring at the position at Oregon. Detroit needs a starter at tackle on the opposite side of wherever Sewell lines up. The Lions ranked 31st in the NFL in pass block win rate last year, per ESPN.
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Here's everything you need to know about the Detroit Lions for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster:
Detroit may have to move Penei Sewell to left tackle after parting ways with Taylor Decker. If that pans out, Mauigoa could slot in at right tackle for the Lions. He'd be a fit with his powerful frame and anchor as well as his mauling attitude in run blocking. Ultimately he may be best at guard but he's a perfectly viable tackle option until proven otherwise.
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LaPorta is entering a contract year in 2026, and the Lions have already extended many of their stars: quarterback Jared Goff, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, offensive tackle Penei Sewell and edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The bill is about to come due on running back Jahmyr Gibbs. General manager Brad Holmes has offloaded a star tight end in a contract year before (T.J. Hockenson), and we might see it again with LaPorta, whose ceiling remains high despite injuries limiting him to nine games in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs, trade candidates