The Detroit Lions don’t need a starting tackle—but smart teams think ahead. These late-round prospects bring upside, toughness, and even Michigan roots that could quietly shape Detroit’s offensive line future.
Building through the trenches has become the identity of the Detroit Lions under general manager Brad Holmes, and that philosophy won’t change in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even with one of the league’s premier offensive lines, Detroit understands the importance of depth, development, and long-term planning at tackle. With injuries, contracts, and roster turnover always looming, targeting high-upside linemen on Day 3 is a smart, sustainable strategy. Here are three late-round offensive tackle prospects who could fit the Lions’ system and culture.
1. Logan Brown, Kansas
Logan Brown brings intriguing upside, but what makes him an especially compelling fit for Detroit goes beyond just his physical traits. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brown offers local ties that could make him an appealing addition for a front office that values culture and connection as much as talent. Bringing a Michigan product back home would not only resonate with the fan base but could also provide an extra layer of motivation for the player himself.
On the field, Brown is a former five-star recruit with excellent size and athleticism at 6-foot-6. He moves fluidly for his frame and flashes strong pass protection ability when his technique is dialed in. While his college career has had some inconsistency, the tools are still very much there.
For the Lions, Brown represents a classic developmental swing tackle. He would benefit from NFL coaching to refine his hand placement and consistency, but his athletic upside makes him worth the investment late in the draft. Combined with his Michigan roots, Brown feels like a natural cultural and schematic fit.
2. Austin Barber, Florida
Austin Barber is a steady, technically sound offensive tackle who aligns well with Detroit’s preference for disciplined, assignment-focused linemen. Playing in the SEC, Barber has faced elite competition and held his own, showcasing solid balance, awareness, and functional strength.
While he may lack elite athletic traits, Barber makes up for it with consistency and reliability—two qualities the Lions value highly. He plays under control, rarely looks overwhelmed, and does a good job anchoring in pass protection. Those traits give him a relatively high floor compared to many late-round prospects.
In Detroit, Barber could quickly establish himself as a dependable backup with the ability to step in when needed. Over time, he could develop into a spot starter, providing valuable depth for a team with playoff aspirations.
3. Xavier Truss, Georgia
Xavier Truss offers a blend of size, power, and versatility that makes him an intriguing Day 3 target. Having played multiple positions along the offensive line at Georgia, Truss brings positional flexibility, something that is incredibly valuable on an NFL roster.
At around 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, Truss is a force in the run game. He generates movement at the point of attack and fits well in a physical, downhill rushing scheme like Detroit’s. His pass protection remains a work in progress, particularly against speed rushers, but his length and strength provide a solid foundation to build on.
For the Lions, Truss could fill a key depth role early in his career, backing up multiple spots along the line. If developed properly, he has the tools to exceed expectations and become a reliable contributor.
Final Thoughts
Detroit doesn’t need immediate starters at tackle, but maintaining depth and developing future contributors is critical to sustaining success. Brown offers upside and local ties, Barber brings stability, and Truss provides versatility. Adding one of these late-round prospects would help the Lions continue building a dominant offensive line for years to come.