The Detroit Lions are expected to address the offensive line early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

But if you ask quarterback Jared Goff, there is already confidence inside the building.

Speaking recently at a youth football camp, Goff made it clear he believes the group in front of him will be ready, regardless of what happens on draft night.

“They’ll be just fine,” Goff said via the Detroit Free Press. “I’m excited to see Penei Sewell step into even more of a role in that room being the longest-tenured guy now.”

Detroit Lions offensive line entering new era

Detroit’s offensive line has been one of the league’s strengths in recent seasons. That group, however, is undergoing a significant transition.

The Lions moved on from longtime left tackle Taylor Decker earlier this offseason. Veteran lineman Graham Glasgow was also released, continuing a shift that began when All-Pro center Frank Ragnow stepped away from the game a year ago.

For Goff, those changes are not easy to ignore.

“Those guys were so special of friends and teammates for me,” Goff said. “It hurts. As a guy that you love those guys, but it’s out of my control obviously, and the team has to make certain decisions, and they did.”

Even with the departures, Goff is not dwelling on what was lost. Instead, his focus has already shifted toward what comes next.

New additions bring competition and opportunity

The Lions have quietly reshaped the offensive line through free agency and trades.

Detroit added Cade Mays in free agency, signed offensive tackle Larry Borom, and acquired interior lineman Juice Scruggs via trade.

Goff welcomed the changes and the competition they bring.

“But with that said, I’m excited about the new guys coming in,” he said. “Cade as a free agent and Larry and Scruggs and these guys we’ve added. I’m excited. It’ll be great and good competition.”

That competition could ultimately shape how the line looks in Week 1.

Penei Sewell’s role could expand in 2026

One of the biggest storylines to watch is the potential shift of Sewell from right tackle to left tackle.

Head coach Dan Campbell has already expressed interest in making that move, which would place Sewell in a different leadership role both on and off the field.

The three-time first-team All-Pro has anchored the right side of Detroit’s line, but a move to the left could signal a new phase for the unit.

If that happens, Borom could slide into the right tackle spot, depending on how the depth chart shakes out.

Draft decision still looming

The Lions hold the No. 17 overall pick in the first round, and offensive tackle remains one of the most commonly projected positions.

Whether Detroit adds a lineman early could influence how the entire unit is structured heading into the season.

But from Goff’s perspective, there is no sense of urgency or concern.

There is belief.

And as the Lions prepare for the next phase of roster building, that confidence from their quarterback may be as important as any draft selection.

The Detroit Lions aren’t sitting back in this latest mock draft from NFL.com’s Chad Reuter; they’re going and getting their guy.

In a projected move, Detroit trades up from No. 17 to No. 13 in a deal with the Los Angeles Rams (via a pick originally owned by the Atlanta Falcons) to select Spencer Fano.

The Trade Details

To move up four spots, the Lions send:

• Pick No. 157 (2026 fifth-rounder)
• A 2027 third-round pick

It’s a price Detroit has shown it’s willing to pay before, especially when targeting a foundational piece in the trenches.

A Perfect Fit Next to Sewell

Fano isn’t just another offensive lineman, he’s viewed as a potential long-term answer on the right side.

That’s where things get interesting.

With Penei Sewell already established as one of the league’s elite tackles, this move could allow Detroit to reshape its offensive line moving forward.

The scenario?

• Fano steps in at right tackle
• Sewell shifts to left tackle following the departure of Taylor Decker

It’s a bold vision, but one that fits how the Lions think about building in the trenches.

Why Detroit Makes This Move

This isn’t about filling a short-term hole.

It’s about securing a long-term cornerstone.

Detroit has consistently prioritized the offensive line under Brad Holmes, and this move would continue that trend by adding another young, high-upside player to the mix.

Even if Fano isn’t a finished product, the Lions have shown they’re comfortable betting on traits and development, just like they did with Sewell.

The Bottom Line

Trading up isn’t something Detroit does lightly.

But when they believe in a player, they don’t hesitate.

If this mock scenario played out, the Lions wouldn’t just be adding protection; they’d be pairing Penei Sewell with a potential long-term running mate.

And that’s how you build an offensive line that lasts for years.