The Detroit Lions return starting tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell in 2024 and the two form one of the better tackle pairings in the NFL. Sewell has reached superstar status as arguably the best right tackle in football, and Decker consistently grades among the Top 10 left tackles in the game.
Decker, 30, is entering the final year of a 4-year, $60 million extension he signed in 2020, though he has said his wish is to play his entire career with one team in Detroit.
The Lions re-signed swing tackle Dan Skipper in free agency, and also have Connor Galvin, who was on the practice squad last season, but they are a little light in terms of tackle depth and could stand to add a player in this draft.
Offensive tackle class draft strength: Talent and depth. Outside of wide receiver this is probably the most loaded position group in the class. NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah lists seven offensive tackles among his Top 20 players. A total of eight offensive tackles are in his Top 50.
Lions offensive tackle depth chart: Sewell, Decker, Skipper and Galvin.
View photos of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (78) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 15-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (78) during an NCAA football game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) gets set during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Notre Dame's Joe Alt (76) blocks in an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown, File)
Yale offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) blocks Virginia defensive end Chico Bennett Jr. (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) lines up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe (50) blocks during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Houston in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe (50) plays during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)
Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) lines up against Rutgers during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov.18, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) lines up against Utah during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) during an NCAA college football game against Stanford in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Notre Dame's Blake Fisher (54) blocks during an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Notre Dame's Blake Fisher (54) points to the crowd before the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee State on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
West Virginia's Zach Frazier (54) is seen against Texas Tech during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
West Virginia's Zach Frazier (54) calls signals at the line against Texas Tech during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Tulsa, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) warms up before an NCAA college football game against SMU, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Connecticut offensive lineman Christian Haynes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Connecticut offensive lineman Christian Haynes runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) battles Mississippi State linebacker J.P. Purvis (26) for position during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. Alabama won 40-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) sets up for a play against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Boston College offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (73) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Boston College offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (73) lines up during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse in Syracuse, N.Y., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
South Dakota State offensive lineman Mason McCormick runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
South Dakota State offensive lineman Mason McCormick runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) is shown against South Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Houston offensive lineman Patrick Paul (76) blocks against Kansas State defensive end Khalid Duke (29) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Houston offensive lineman Patrick Paul (76) lines up against TCU during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) stands on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni (67) looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. Kansas won 28-21. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
BYU offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78) takes the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against TCU Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
BYU offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia (78) blocks for running back Deion Smith (20) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Provo, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) blocks for quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) plays against UNLV in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Lions offensive tackle draft priority: High. Holmes has to feel good about his top three at the position but adding depth would certainly go a long way to solidifying that group for the present and also offer competition for the future. Decker has missed seven games in 2021, played all 17 in 2022 and missed two last season.
The Lions aren't in a position to draft the top tackles in this class with them currently sitting at No. 29, unless GM Brad Holmes decides to move up, so let's take a look at some of the tackles who could be available at the end of the first round or into Day 2 who could fit.
Five offensive tackles who could fit the Lions:
1. Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
6-8, 322. 5.19 40-yard dash (1.76 10-yard split).
Guyton has just 15 starts to his credit. Teams will view him as a bit raw with major upside. He played some tight end at TCU before moving to tackle full-time, which gives us a glimpse into his athleticism. He's also got a basketball background and that's evident by his quick feet and movement skills. He's raw, but he's a great athlete with huge upside.
2. Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
6-5, 326. 5.04 40-yard dash (1.73 10-yard split).
Suamataia is Penei Sewell's cousin, so there's a Detroit connection right off the bat. Suamataia has great length and experience starting at both left tackle (11 starts) and right tackle (12 starts). Like his cousin, Suamataia is a beast in the run game and his pass protection will improve in the NFL as his technique catches up with his physical tools.
3. Jordan Morgan, Arizona
6-5, 311. 5.04 40-yard dash (1.7 10-yard split).
A four-year starter, Morgan has a lot of reps under his belt playing in 47 games with 37 starts. He led the Wildcats offensive line in total blocking grade (84.3), run-blocking grade (77.0), and pass-blocking grade (87.3) per Pro Football Focus last season. Some might view him as a guard at the next level, but he's never played there and I think tackle is where teams will try to put him first and foremost.
View photos of NFL prospect Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) stands on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon offensive linemen Steven Jones, left, and Jackson Powers-Johnson, right, at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon offensive linemen Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and Dawson Jaramillo (70) warm up before an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
National offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
4. Brandon Coleman, TCU
6-4, 313. 4.99 40-yard dash (1.73 10-yard split).
Teams are going to love the fact that Coleman started at every offensive line spot outside of center during his time at TCU. His size and skillset will allow him to play either tackle or guard at the NFL level. He dealt with some injury issues in college but allowed just one sack over 723 snaps last season and totaled 32 knockdown blocks.
5. Patrick Paul, Houston
6-7, 331. 5.13 40-yard dash (1.77 10-yard split).
A massive tackle prospect with 36-inch arms and an 86-inch wing span, Paul started 44 games at left tackle and 39 straight to end his career. Paul had a national-best 91.5 pass block grade among tackles from Pro Football Focus and was the only offensive lineman with a 90.0+ pass block grade in each of last two seasons.
Sleeper: Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
6-6, 310. 5.20 40-yard dash (1.82 10-yard split).
He was the first freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener in 15 years, which says a lot about how advanced he was technique-wise entering college. Started 25 games at right tackle over the last two seasons. He's a good athlete with great length and will only get better with NFL coaching.
