In Detroit, everything starts in the trenches. The Lions’ climb to contender status has been powered by brute force up front — and early 2026 NFL Draft projections suggest Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell aren’t done building a bully on the line of scrimmage.
The Detroit Lions have built a contender through physicality in the trenches, and early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft suggest that philosophy will not change. Several prospects frequently connected to Detroit — Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor — fit the identity general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have established.
Each would address a long-term need while reinforcing the Lions’ foundation up front.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Ioane, listed at 6-foot-4 and approximately 335 pounds, has emerged as one of the top interior offensive line prospects in the 2026 class. A powerful, thickly built guard, Ioane anchors well against bull rushers and generates movement in the run game with heavy hands and lower-body strength.
At Penn State, Ioane became a tone-setter inside, helping power one of the Big Ten’s most productive rushing attacks. While official 2025 season totals will shape his final evaluation, Ioane has been credited with limiting interior pressures and showcasing improved footwork in pass protection.
For Detroit, the fit is obvious. The Lions have prioritized dominance along the offensive line, but long-term questions remain at guard with contracts and age beginning to factor into roster planning. Ioane’s size and physical demeanor mirror what the Lions value — linemen who can control the line of scrimmage and protect quarterback Jared Goff in the pocket.
Most early mock drafts project Ioane as a late first- to early second-round selection. If Detroit is drafting in the back half of Round 1 again, he could be in range. His ability to step in immediately as a starting guard would make him a plug-and-play option in a system that leans heavily on power and play-action.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Mesidor brings a different type of trench presence. The 6-3, 280-pound edge defender combines interior strength with outside pass-rush versatility. After transferring to Miami, Mesidor became a disruptive force along the Hurricanes’ defensive front, using leverage and quick hands to collapse pockets.
Statistically, Mesidor has been productive as both a run defender and pass rusher, tallying multiple sacks and tackles for loss in consecutive seasons. His power profile allows him to reduce inside on passing downs, a trait that aligns well with Detroit’s defensive philosophy under Kelvin Sheppard.
The Lions have consistently sought complementary pass rushers to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Mesidor’s size and ability to set the edge against the run would make him an attractive option. Detroit’s defense thrives when it can generate pressure with four rushers, and Mesidor’s versatility would allow the Lions to disguise fronts and create interior matchups.
Most projections place Mesidor in the mid- to late first round, though a strong final collegiate season could push him higher. If Detroit is selecting in the teens or early 20s, he would be firmly in consideration as a high-upside defensive addition.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Proctor may be the most physically imposing of the trio. Listed at 6-7 and roughly 360 pounds, the Alabama tackle possesses rare size and length for the position. A former five-star recruit, Proctor has experience protecting the blind side in the SEC, facing elite edge talent on a weekly basis.
Though his development has included ups and downs, Proctor’s raw tools are undeniable. When technically sound, he overwhelms defenders with mass and reach, sealing lanes in the run game and absorbing speed rushers in pass protection.
Detroit’s interest would center on long-term security at tackle. With veteran contracts and potential retirement considerations looming in the coming seasons, drafting and developing a successor makes sense. Proctor would not need to start immediately but could benefit from learning within one of the league’s most stable offensive line rooms.
Proctor is widely viewed as a first-round talent and could come off the board within the top 15 selections depending on team needs and his final season performance.
For the Lions, Ioane, Mesidor and Proctor represent different paths to the same goal: sustained dominance in the trenches. Whether fortifying the interior offensive line, bolstering the pass rush or securing the future at tackle, each prospect aligns with the physical blueprint that has fueled Detroit’s rise.