The NFL Scouting Combine is more than just a display of athleticism; it is the first major checkpoint on the road to the draft, where potential meets the stopwatch and teams begin solidifying their boards. For the Detroit Lions, a franchise that has built its recent identity on a dominant offensive line, this year's event in Indianapolis carries particular significance at the tackle position. According to a recent preview by Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman on the team's official site, the front office is conducting thorough evaluations of a promising group of offensive tackles--a position that could shift from strength to critical need in the near future.
The driving factor behind this proactive scouting is the future of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker. A cornerstone of the Lions' offensive renaissance, Decker has been a model of consistency and leadership since being drafted in 2016. At 32 years old, the specter of retirement is a realistic possibility, although Decker remains under contract for the 2026 season and has given no public indication of stepping away. Nevertheless, General Manager Brad Holmes understands the NFL's "next man up" ethos and is planning for all contingencies. Identifying that next man, especially at a premium position like left tackle, is a year-round endeavor. This Combine preview highlights that the Lions are already deep in that process for the 2026 draft class.
Let's examine the top prospects Twentyman highlighted--players set to be under the microscope in Indianapolis and undoubtedly on the Lions' radar.
Spencer Fano, Utah
Fano enters the Combine as arguably the most polished pass protector in the group. Having started every game since his freshman year in the rugged Pac-12, he possesses the technical refinement and footwork scouts covet in a modern left tackle. His tape showcases excellent balance, a powerful initial punch, and the lateral agility needed to handle speed rushers on the edge. Questions for Fano at the Combine will revolve around his raw athletic testing and functional strength. While technically sound, some evaluators wonder if he has the elite length and upper-body power to consistently anchor against the NFL's most powerful defensive ends. A strong showing in the bench press and agility drills could solidify him as a top-15 pick and a potential Day 1 starter--a profile aligning well with the Lions' preference for early selections with a high floor.
Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
If Fano represents the technician, Mauigoa is the raw, explosive athlete with sky-high potential. A former highly touted recruit, Mauigoa boasts all the physical tools that excite scouts: immense size, long arms, and surprising burst for a man of his stature. He is a force in the run game, capable of driving defenders off the ball and creating massive lanes. The potential for a player like Mauigoa in a scheme like Detroit's, which emphasizes a physical rushing attack, is evident. Concerns lie chiefly in his consistency in pass protection. His technique occasionally becomes sloppy, and he sometimes relies too much on athleticism to recover. The Combine will be crucial for Mauigoa to demonstrate he is more than just a traits-based prospect. A clean performance in positional drills--showcasing improved hand placement and kick-slide technique--paired with elite testing numbers could cause his stock to soar. He represents a classic high-risk, high-reward prospect that a confident scouting department like Detroit's might bet on developing.
Kadyn Proctor, Iowa
Proctor's path is compelling. After transferring and reestablishing himself, he offers a blend of experience and proven performance against top-tier competition. Physically imposing, he is the mauler with a tough playing style that would immediately endear him to the Lions' fanbase and locker room. He plays with a toughness and finish that directly matches Detroit's culture. Proctor's strengths are in-line power and the ability to dominate at the point of attack. Combine evaluations will focus on his mobility: can he test well enough in the 40-yard dash and shuttle drills to convince teams he has the agility necessary to protect the blindside at the NFL level, or is he destined for the right tackle? His interviews will also be crucial, as teams assess his maturity and lessons learned from his collegiate journey. For a Lions organization valuing character as much as talent, Proctor's off-field growth may be as significant as his on-field measurements.
The Lions' Big Picture Context
This proactive evaluation of offensive tackles reflects the hallmark of a well-run organization. The Lions are not in panic mode. Their current line, anchored by Decker, Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and others, remains one of the league's best units. However, Holmes has consistently emphasized drafting for needs a year in advance--a philosophy exemplified by the selection of linebacker Jack Campbell well before linebacker was considered a glaring hole. Applying that logic to the tackle position is sound planning.
Moreover, it's not solely about preparing for Decker's potential retirement. Depth remains a constant concern. Injuries to starting tackles can dramatically disrupt an offense, and having a high-quality, cost-controlled rookie developing in the pipeline provides invaluable security and roster flexibility. It also helps the team avoid desperate reaches in future drafts or overspending in free agency.
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will provide the Lions' brass--Holmes, head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, and their scouting department--their first in-person look at these athletes. They will scrutinize every 40-yard dash time, bench press rep, and interview answer through lenses trained to evaluate toughness, athleticism, and cultural fit.
While it is still early in the pre-draft calendar, with pro days, private workouts, and the draft itself months away, Tim Twentyman's report makes one thing clear: the Detroit Lions are already hard at work. The process of fortifying the trenches--the very foundation of their recent success--is a never-ending mission. As the spotlight shines on Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, and Kadyn Proctor in Indianapolis, a keen set of eyes from Detroit will be watching closely, plotting the next chapter for one of the NFL's most formidable offensive lines.