Lions 2023 draft preview: With an eye to the future, Detroit could shore up O-line

Over the next several days, leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we’re taking a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions’ roster and evaluating how the team might address each unit. Today: Offensive line.

▶ Current roster: Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Graham Glasgow, Matt Nelson, Obinna Eze, Darrin Paulo, Ross Pierschbacher, Logan Stenberg, Kayode Awosika

▶ Short-term need: One out of 10

▶ Long-term need: Eight out of 10

▶ Top prospects: Peter Skoronski, Broderick Jones, Paris Johnson Jr., Darnell Wright, O’Cyrus Torrence, John Michael Schmitz

▶ Day 2 options: Cody Mauch, Steve Avila, Anthony Bradford

▶ Late-round considerations: Blake Freeland, Andrew Vorhees, Sidy Sow, Nick Broeker

▶ Analysis: We’ve been saying it for three consecutive years, but, on paper, the Lions have the makings of a dominant offensive front. Last year was the closest we’ve seen to the realization of that potential, but some continued instability at the right guard spot prevented the unit from reaching its ceiling.

Right guard continues to be the biggest question mark heading into this draft, but the Lions have two solid veterans set to compete for the job. Vaitai, despite missing all of the 2022 campaign with a back injury, is presumably the front-runner for the job after agreeing to take a significant pay cut to stay with the Lions. But not taking any chances with his durability, the team brought back Glasgow to compete for that role.

With the other four starting jobs locked up, and Glasgow potentially providing top-tier depth for the three interior spots, Detroit’s only other weakness is the swing tackle spot behind Decker and Sewell. That’s currently held by Nelson, the converted defensive lineman who has logged 12 starts the past three seasons but has struggled in those opportunities.

Those struggles aren’t unusual. There aren’t many backup tackles who can step in and perform at a high level around the league, but the Lions used to have a guy like that in Tyrell Crosby. Finding a similar caliber talent to fill that role on the draft’s third day would certainly be a plus. In our prospects to watch, we highlighted someone like Freeland, the towering 6-foot-8 prospect out of BYU, who could fit that description.

But Detroit’s bigger concern is at guard. While the Lions might not need one immediately, there’s a clear long-term hole. That doesn’t simply extend to the aforementioned right guard situation, but also on the left side, where Jackson is entering the final year of his contract and is on track for an extension that should pay him double-digit millions per season.

The Lions probably won’t, but they could address the need as early in the first round. At No. 6, Skoronski carries some appeal. An elite offensive tackle at Northwestern, his shorter-than-desired arms could lead to a move inside at the next level, similar to shifts we’ve seen with Zack Martin and Brandon Scherff at the top of recent drafts. And at No. 18, Torrence is a mauling monster with plug-and-play potential, whether this season or next.

The draft’s second day is more typically the sweet spot for interior linemen. Mauch, who also played tackle, is similarly being pegged as a future guard. His physicality and demeanor would be a welcomed addition to almost any roster. Meanwhile, the 330-pound Avila has the desired bulk and power for the spot, with the added bonuses of versatility (he’s started at center) and high football character.

In the later rounds, the Lions might be able to do some bargain shopping if Vorhees drops. The five-year starter for USC was viewed by many analysts as a second-day pick before he suffered a torn ACL. And we know Detroit is in a position to take on his rehab without needing him in 2023.

And in the backyard, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Eastern Michigan’s Sow. An impressive athlete for his size (6-5, 323 pounds), he’ll need some work as a run blocker, but with good coaching and some patience, he could be developed into a future starter.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers