Could This 'Crazy Route' Give the Detroit Lions the NFL's No. 1 Offensive Line?

A new proposal suggests a bold strategy for the Detroit Lions to build the NFL's best offensive line—but it comes with significant risks.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:36am

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The Detroit Lions already have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, but a new proposal suggests they could take an aggressive, unconventional approach to make it the best in the league. The plan involves using a first-round pick on a dominant offensive guard, shifting star tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle, and targeting a right tackle on Day 2 of the draft. While the logic behind fortifying the interior line makes sense, relying on two rookie starters could be a major gamble.

Why it matters

The Lions' offense thrives when the offensive line dominates, so investing even more heavily in that identity could elevate the run game to elite levels, give quarterback Jared Goff maximum protection, and create one of the deepest offensive lines in the NFL. However, the risks involved in relying on two rookie starters on the line could disrupt existing chemistry and pass up on addressing other needs, like pass rusher.

The details

The proposal suggests the Lions should use their first-round pick on Penn State guard Vega Ioane, shift star tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle, and target a right tackle like Iowa's Gennings Dunker, Arizona State's Max Iheanachor, or Oregon's Isaiah World on Day 2 of the draft. This strategy is built on value and flexibility, rather than chasing premium positions early. While it could give the Lions one of the best offensive lines in the league, relying on two rookies to step in and immediately perform at a high level is a major gamble, especially in the trenches where the jump to the NFL is steep.

  • The Detroit Lions are preparing for the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Penei Sewell

A star offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions who has already proven he can handle the left side of the offensive line.

Vega Ioane

A dominant offensive guard prospect out of Penn State who is being proposed as the Lions' first-round draft pick.

Gennings Dunker

An offensive tackle prospect from Iowa who is being suggested as a potential Day 2 draft target for the Lions.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle prospect from Arizona State who is being suggested as a potential Day 2 draft target for the Lions.

Isaiah World

An offensive tackle prospect from Oregon who is being suggested as a potential Day 2 draft target for the Lions.

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What they’re saying

“The idea is simple: fortify the interior at all costs and lean fully into what already makes Detroit dangerous, its ability to control the line of scrimmage.”

— Mike Payton, Writer

What’s next

The Detroit Lions will need to carefully evaluate this proposal and weigh the potential rewards against the significant risks involved in relying on two rookie starters on the offensive line.

The takeaway

While the idea of building the NFL's best offensive line is appealing, the Detroit Lions must consider the potential disruption to existing chemistry and the gamble of expecting immediate production from multiple rookie linemen. Striking the right balance between fortifying their strength and addressing other needs will be crucial for the Lions as they look to take the next step in 2026.