Scouting Detroit Lions fits at No. 17 in 2026 NFL Draft

The Detroit Lions could have their choice of the second tier of OTs in the first round, including Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling and Blake Miller.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:04am

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The Detroit Lions hold the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett breaks down five prospects who could be good fits for the team, including offensive tackles Blake Miller, Monroe Freeling, and Kadyn Proctor, as well as edge rusher Keldric Faulk and cornerback Jermod McCoy.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to continue building their roster through the draft, and landing an impact player at a key position like offensive tackle or edge rusher could be crucial for their success in the 2026 season and beyond.

The details

Miller is described as a durable, experienced tackle who could start right away or provide depth, while Freeling has more upside but may need time to develop. Proctor is a massive tackle who has drawn mixed reviews but could be a good fit. Faulk is an excellent run defender but needs to improve his pass rush, while McCoy is a talented cornerback coming off an injury.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Blake Miller

A 6-foot-7, 317-pound offensive tackle from Clemson who has started 54 games in college and is seen as a safe, two-contract starter in the NFL.

Monroe Freeling

A 6-foot-7, 315-pound offensive tackle from Georgia who has impressive athleticism and upside but may need time to develop into a full-time starter.

Kadyn Proctor

A massive 6-foot-7, 352-pound offensive tackle from Alabama who has drawn mixed reviews but could be a good fit for the Lions.

Keldric Faulk

A 6-foot-6, 276-pound edge rusher from Auburn who is an excellent run defender but needs to improve his pass rush production.

Jermod McCoy

A 6-foot-1, 188-pound cornerback from Tennessee who was one of the best in college football in 2024 before missing last season with a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“I know there's knocks on Clemson offensive linemen. There haven't been many of them that transitioned well to the NFL. That doesn't bother me with him. I just love the temperament which he plays, he got better each and every year. He's played a ton, he started 54 games. I like the fact that he's got a wrestling background. All the traits, all the dimensions, he checks all those boxes. So I think he goes off in the late teens to the end of the first round would be his range.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network analyst

“Monroe Freeling this year had a heck of a season. Very impressed with him all year. … He didn't have a lot of starts but the improvement he showed was monumental. He's got everything you want. If you could draw up on paper the perfect left tackle it would be him because he's quick out of his stance, really good hand placement, the alertness dealing with stunts for a kid who didn't play a lot of football as a starter was outstanding. Now, run blocking needs to improve and it will but I'll tell you that steady progression of Monroe Freeling was impressive.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN analyst

“He's a bit polarizing. It just depends on really who you ask about Proctor and just talking to some scouts at the combine, either you love him or you're just going to let him be really good somewhere else. That really was the overwhelming opinion about him.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN analyst

“Keldric Faulk is someone I think teams are all over the map on. He's got this ideal frame, he's young, he's almost 6-6, 274 pounds, plays inside, plays outside. Real smooth mover. Be great against the run, just doesn't have an elite, elite get-off or urgency as a rusher and doesn't have a ton of production, so you balance that out with he's really, really young and has an NFL body and by all accounts, talking to folks at Auburn, his character and intangibles, off the charts. So I think you see a wide range of where he goes.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network analyst

“All his tape [in 2024] is as good as anything you'll see in this draft and he plays big, he's explosive. Has the knee injury, shows up at the pro day, runs really well. Runs in the 4.3s but the change of direction, not totally there yet so how much risk is associated with that? Does that cause him to slide or fall? It's a little bit of a gamble there with the health situation but, man, if you hit on that one, if he's there and you pull the trigger and hit on him, man, you've got a dynamic difference maker.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April, where the Detroit Lions will have the 17th overall pick and look to address key needs on their roster.

The takeaway

The Detroit Lions have several intriguing options at offensive tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Whichever player they select could have a significant impact on the team's success in the coming seasons.