The Lions saw their offensive line go from a strength to a weakness this past season, and it played a big role in their failure to reach the playoffs. They have made some improvements by bringing in Cade Mays to hold down the center position, but there is still a hole in this offensive line.

Offensive Tackle:

The Lions suffered a blow when longtime Taylor Decker asked for his release after debating retirement. It is believed the Lions asked Decker to take a pay cut, and he refused, prompting him to ask to be released from the team.

He was set to make $21 million next year playing for the Lions. Now, with that cap freed up, the team went out and signed Larry Borom from the Miami Dolphins to a one-year, $5 million deal.

However, that should not be all the Lions do, as if Borom starts for them at tackle next year, they are likely to run into problems again. Likely, they have a number of options to handle it.

Kadyn Proctor:

He was a guy who was high up on draft boards towards the beginning of the season, but some struggles throughout the year have sent him skidding a bit. Most of those concerns stem from his reliance on his size and physical gifts rather than his technique.

There were times when he should stand up too tall and allow rushers to bend around him. He is still young at 20 and has a high ceiling to help him grow into a great tackle.

Monroe Freeling:

Freeling is a guy who has shot up draft boards due to his freakish size (6-7, 315 pounds) and athleticism (4.93-second 40-yard dash). However, he is extremely raw with just 18 starts under his belt.

Borom could start at the beginning of the year until Freeling is ready to go. Frank Haley could really help get the most out of Freeling and could get him on track quicker than people would expect.

Spencer Fano:

Fano has a lot of versatility, having played both left and right tackle during his time at Utah. Yet, some scouts and evaluators think he might slide inside to guard due to his 32 and ⅛-inch wingspan.

That would work out for the Lions as they can use help at the guard positions. Picking Fano will give them options up and down the offensive line, and they will go with whatever player is performing the best.

Taylor Decker:

Now looking into someone who is not going to be a rookie, and it’s an old friend. When Decker was released by the Lions, it seemed he would be picked up quickly, but that hasn't happened.

He is still a free agent, and while he has declined over the past couple of years, he still knows the system and is familiar with the team. If they could bring him back on a deal worth less than $8 million, then they should do it.

Conclusion:

The Lions have a number of options to address their tackle problem; it really doesn't matter which one they choose. They just need to make the factor to improve the position.