Taking a look at the top Detroit Lions draft targets with the 17th pick, including offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.
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Just one year after a 15-2 record that saw them finish atop the NFC, the Detroit Lions took a massive step back, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. There were many reasons the Lions regressed, and head coach Dan Campbell will have his hands full getting this team back to the playoffs. With plenty of holes on both sides of the line and a tough NFC North division ahead, it’s imperative the Detroit Lions get a difference maker in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here are three Detroit Lions draft targets to take with the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions Draft Targets at No. 17
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Detroit Lions have some really good players on their offensive line. Unfortunately, they are still in need of a second tackle opposite stud offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Fortunately for them, this draft class has one of the deepest offensive line classes in recent history. One of the names that will interest the Lions is Kadyn Proctor from Alabama. Not only would this selection give the Lions a much-needed starting tackle, but it would also get the Lions that elite offensive line they missed so desperately last year.
Dan Campbell and the Lions love having a physical team that will punish anyone who dares to line up on the opposite side of the ball. From a pure size standpoint, few players in this draft class are as imposing as Proctor. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing over 360 pounds, Proctor is an absolutely massive human being. He’s a long and strong player who can absolutely maul even the biggest of defensive linemen. While he is not the perfect prospect, he can absolutely become one of the better tackles in the league with the right coaching. With the Lions knowing how to coach up their offensive line, Proctor seems like a perfect fit for the Detroit Lions.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
While not as physically imposing as Proctor, Spencer Fano is not exactly a small lineman either. Standing at 6’6″ and just under 310 pounds, Fano will be able to more than hold his own against NFL talent. With the Lions needing another tackle badly, Fano makes complete sense for a few reasons. For starters, Fano can play both tackle positions, which gives his team plenty of flexibility in where they can put him on the line. In addition, Fano has good hands and footwork as well, making him a rare prospect who doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses from a technique standpoint.
The main criticism of Fano is that he isn’t as big weight-wise or strength-wise as some of the other tackles in this class. With that in mind, he comes from a run-heavy offense in college. There are few teams that like to run the ball as often and efficiently as the Detroit Lions, making Fano a seamless fit. While strength and weight are issues, it is also something that will definitely be prioritized by the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff anyway.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
For as much as the Lions would love to shore up their offensive line with a tackle at this pick, landing a player like Jermod McCoy might be too much for the Lions’ front office to pass up. Even after coming back from a torn ACL and missing all of last year due to the injury, McCoy still possesses athleticism that is unrivaled by any other cornerback in this draft class. McCoy posted a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and 38″ vertical jump.
The Detroit Lions are set at the safety position, but they do have some question marks at the cornerback position. Terrion Arnold, DJ Reed and Roger McCreary are certainly not the worst cornerback room in the NFL, but they are far from the best. Outside of those three, the talent level really falls off a cliff, which puts the Lions in a precarious position should any of them either get hurt or struggle once again. McCoy could instantly slot in as a starter and would bring some physicality and strength to a defense that will go up against some of the best offenses in the league in the NFC North, making him a great selection for the Lions at 17th overall.
