Protecting the quarterback is something that the Detroit Lions cannot compromise on moving into the 2026 season. Jared Goff needs a starting-caliber offensive lineman. One polarizing prospect from the Georgia Bulldogs has already been linked to the Motown team.

According to ESPN's Mel Kiper, Dan Campbell and the Lions is predicted to pick up Georgia Bulldogs' offensive tackle, Monroe Freeling, as their 17th overall pick.

"Super talented but play doesn't match it," an AFC executive said. "Six-foot-7, fast, long, but first year could be rough. If you stick with it and let him play through the growing pains, he can be really good. His film isn't as good as some of the other guys right now."

The Detroit Lions moved on from 10-year veteran Taylor Decker last offseason, leaving them in search of a long-term solution up front. Even if Penei Sewell shifts to the left side, a gap still looms at right tackle.

How will Freeling be the best option to fill the spot? Any conversations about the 21-year-old begin with his frame, standing tall at 6-foot-7, and weighing 315 pounds, and arms stretching 34 3/4 inches.

As a run blocker, Freeling stands out for his movement skills. He uses his quick movement to block in space and close off running lanes. The Lions' most important need is to protect their quarterback.

Goff put up big numbers in 2025, 4,564 yards and a 34-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But the Lions still landed fourth in the NFC North, as he absorbed a career-high 38 sacks along the way. That's where Freeling fits in.

Freelings’s ability to move in space and recover in pass protection fits an offense built around keeping Goff clean in the pocket.  He is one of the most athletic tackles in the entire draft after decades, with a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 99.99 out of 100.

He ranked No. 2 out of 1,512 offensive tackles from 1987 to 2026. With his gigantic frame, he possesses an elite athletic ability, reflected in his 91 athleticism score, according to NFL.com, which is rare with such a big body frame. 

Detroit Lions to feel heavy competition in the Monroe Freeling race

Playing for 14 games in the last season for the Bulldogs, he earned a PFF grade of 71.4 within 747 offensive snaps. With an 85.6 PFF pass-blocking grade, he finished 10th among 632 qualified offensive tackles.

According to NFL Network analyst Mike Garafolo's reports on April 15, the Los Angeles Rams have spent “extended time” with Freeling during the pre-draft process. Along with the Rams, the Kansas City Chiefs could not pass on the offensive tackle prospect.

Dawgs By Nature’s Chris Pokorny stirred the Lions' pot a little more. According to his mock draft, with the sixth overall pick, the Cleveland Browns are to select Freeling.

Freeling is a high-upside prospect whose draft stock has surged in a big way. Once viewed as an early third-round pick in January, he’s now climbing into top-10 territory on consensus big boards. With that kind of momentum, it would be a bit of a surprise to see him still available at No. 17.

With so many teams already running the race, will the Lions' luck favor with the signing of Freeling at No.17? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar