The 2026 NFL Draft is just hours away, and rumors are flying around at a breakneck speed. One team that has been involved in much of the action ahead of the draft is the Detroit Lions, who reportedly are looking to make a move up the board in the first round for some offensive line help.
The Lions have seen some serious turnover along their o-line this offseason, and they could very well end up using their first-round pick, which is the No. 17 overall selection, to address this spot. Detroit has also been linked to a move up the board in the first round, and it sounds like the front office could be eyeing a trade so that they can get the sort of offensive line help that they are looking for.
Lions Continue to Be Linked to Trade Up the Board
• The high trade-up team many are eyeing is the Saints at No. 8.
• The Browns have been open to moving down from No. 6. Everyone knows the Cardinals would love to get out of No. 3.
• There seem to be several teams in the teens and 20s looking
The left side of Detroit’s offensive line has taken a hit this offseason, as the team opted to move on from both Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. With neither guy having truly been replaced yet, the Lions are expected to bring in some help at both the tackle and guard positions in the draft, with the hope being that they can find a pair of Week 1 starters.
That is obviously going to be easier said than done, especially with there not being a ton of first-round offensive linemen available in this draft class. Detroit isn’t necessarily in a bad spot with the No. 17 pick, but if it has its sights set on one player in particular, it may have to make a move up the board in order to land that player.
Several teams are looking to trade down the board early in the draft, which could present the Lions with a great opportunity to move up and get their guy. And while that seems to be a very feasible option for the front office, it sounds like Detroit may face competition when it comes to moving up the board, as a handful of other teams are looking to make a similar move for OL help.
“There seem to be several teams in the teens and 20s looking to make small moves up to secure an OL before the run begins. The Lions are one of those teams,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported in a post on X.
Lions Have Big Decision to Make with No. 17 Pick
GettyGeneral manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
After missing the playoffs entirely last year, it’s clear the Lions are operating with a heightened sense of urgency this offseason. Nailing their picks in the draft is crucial, and none are more important than their first-round selection. Detroit could stand pat and hope one of its top targets falls to it, or it could make a move up the board in order to ensure it gets its guy.
Considering how several other teams appear to have the same idea as the Lions, making a trade up the board may be the best way to ensure that they get the player they are aiming for. Detroit has made a slew of aggressive moves in years past, and it ultimately wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see them make another big trade in the draft this time around.
Lions Reportedly Looking to Trade Up for Offensive Line Help in 2026 Draft