The Detroit Lions may have their eyes on a replacement for Taylor Decker, and they’re prepared to make a trade to land him.
The Lions have some big needs along their offensive line after the departure of Decker and others, but the NFL draft gives them the possibility to add new talent. ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jeremy Fowler reported that the Lions are planning a potential trade up the board to land the player they see as an immediate replacement.
Lions Have Eyes on Kadyn Proctor
The ESPN report noted that the Lions have their eyes on Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor and that the team has used some traditional draft smokescreens to help land him. One NFL executive told the report that the team’s discussions about moving Penei Sewell are not exactly true, instead meant to help them land Proctor.
“That whole talk about moving [Penei] Sewell to left tackle was Dan Campbell trying to convince people they don’t want Proctor,” the executive said.
The report added that the Lions are willing to trade up the board to land Proctor, if there’s a run on offensive linemen early in the draft.
“One team exec told me that Detroit has called around for a potential trade,” the report noted. “Though these could be feeler calls, it’s worth noting an offensive tackle run could happen early, with four possibly going in the top 15. And Detroit has an obvious need at one of the tackle spots.”
The Lions have not been shy about making trades in the NFL draft, though landing Proctor would likely take quite a bit of draft capital.
The Lions could use a boost for their offensive line, which had been one of the league’s top units until struggles emerged last season. The team’s offense ground to a halt down the final stretch of the season, and the offseason departures created an even greater need for talent.
Kadyn Proctor Earned Praise Before NFL Draft
The Lions could find a perfect fit with Proctor, who earned big praise leading up to the NFL draft. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein noted that he has a strong mix of physical tools and athleticism that give him star potential in the NFL.
“Proctor is a mass of humanity with rare size and length at his command,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s capable as a move blocker but shines when rolling downhill as a bona-fide people mover with bulldozing power.”
Zierlein added that Proctor has some areas that need polish, but he is strong as both a run and pass blocker.
“However, slants and quick first steps beat him to the spot in the run game,” Zierlein wrote. “When set and centered, Proctor is a roadblock to speed-to-power charges. He has a stout anchor and strong hands to stall the rush in its track. He struggles to mirror athletes in space and lacks the range to protect deeper pocket drops against speed. Inconsistency in pass protection hasn’t helped his draft standing, but he still has the potential to become a good right tackle or very good guard.”
Lions Predicted to Swing Trade for Taylor Decker Replacement