Drew Petzing was hired to try and re-establish the Detroit Lions’ run game.

The very one that helped propel them in 2024 was completely lost in 2025, mostly thanks to a lack of run blocking on their offensive line. The departures of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler, coupled with injuries to Taylor Decker, made it almost impossible to replicate their success on offense this past season.

But, with a Seattle Seahawks victory in Super Bowl 60, we’ve officially turned the page onto a 2026 season. Detroit is most certainly going to be looking to free agency and the trade market for any help up front, but the 2026 NFL Draft will also offer some options for the Lions on their offensive line.

Team reporter Tim Twentyman just published his first mock draft of the year following the Super Bowl, and his pick for the Lions screams “Petzing.”

“Pick: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama. Proctor is a massive human being at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds who fits in Detroit’s plans to have a powerful and explosive rushing offense. Proctor can also push inside and play guard and excel there with his size and athletic combo.”

Proctor is the perfect pick to establish Petzing’s run game in 2026

Proctor has gotten some question marks placed on him as a prospect due to his size and ability to hold up against smaller pass rushers, especially since it’s difficult for him to change directions against shiftier defensive linemen and edge rushers. But, he’s too good of a run-blocker to ignore if you’re the Lions.

His PFF grade on that front of 81.6 was 14th amongst all tackles in college football in 2025, and he wasn’t a shabby pass protector, either: he only gave up two sacks on the season.

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This is a draft full of quality tackles that Detroit should be seriously taking a look at in order to replace Decker if he does decide to retire this offseason, and Proctor might be the best fit for the Lions’ roster. Per NFL Draft Buzz, Proctor might not thrive very well in a fast-paced offense in the NFL, and that’s not what Detroit looks to do.

Detroit might end up in a great position to draft Proctor at 17th overall in this year’s draft because of how deep this class is at tackle, as well as at edge rusher.