One IOL Lions Could Select in Every Round of NFL Draft

Evaluating interior offensive linemen in every round of upcoming NFL Draft.

Feb 1, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman Christian Haynes of UConn (63) battles at the Senior Bowl. / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions lost a key part of their offensive line early in free agency, as Jonah Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Rams. 

However, the organization has retooled by adding veteran Keven Zeitler to be the new right guard. He joins a very sturdy group that is considered to be among the league’s best offensive lines. 

Yet, the Lions could still stand to add young depth through the Draft as they look to build competition on the offensive interior. 

Here is one interior offensive lineman the Lions can target in each round of the NFL Draft. 

Round 1

Graham Barton, Duke

With Jackson Powers-Johnson likely to go before the Lions’ pick, Barton could be the best available lineman when Detroit is on the clock. There’s a lot to like about his abilities, too, as he had a 78.2 pass block grade last season with the Blue Devils. 

Barton played tackle at the collegiate level, protecting the blind side of passer Riley Leonard last season. However, he will likely slide inside at the NFL level and should fit just fine. 

Barton has strong hands in pass-protection and moves well enough to be a strong contributor in the run game. He can bury defenders and be a true impact blocker, making him an easy fit for the Lions’ front line. 

Nov 18, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62). / Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2

Christian Haynes, UCONN

Whereas other highly rated linemen in this class will have to transition to the guard spot, Haynes is a true guard who demonstrated the ability to start right away in the pros on film. 

He had a strong week at the Senior Bowl, which helped separate himself from a crowded mid-round class of guards. Haynes is shorter than the average guard, but makes up for that in strength and arm length. 

Even with the addition of Kevin Zeitler, the Lions will need ready-made depth. After spending his entire collegiate career at right guard, he’d require little instruction to assume that role for the Lions in a pinch. 

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut offensive lineman Christian Haynes (OL33) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3

Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

Beebe is another versatile lineman who has starting experience at left guard as well as both tackle positions. His build, which features strong legs, suits him best for the interior in the NFL. 

Beebe has athletic limitations, but he has a strong fundamental base that allows him to compensate for some struggles. He had a Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade of 90.4 last season and has had an overall grade in the 80’s each of the last three years. 

There’s a lot to like about his football IQ, which fits what Holmes and his staff are looking for in terms of ‘Football players.’ At the least, he’d be a nice depth addition. 

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe (OL07) during the NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4

The Lions do not currently own a fourth-round selection

Round 5

Trevor Keegan, Michigan

Keegan was one of the catalysts who spurned the NFL last season to come back and win a national title at Michigan. He did just that, serving as a big part of a Wolverines ground attack that was near-unstoppable at times. 

A big part of Keegan’s success is his physicality. He works hard and looks to dominate at the point of attack, pounding his feet and driving defenders in the run game. He also held his own in the run game, allowing just 11 total pressures in all of 2023. 

He was also a very efficient player, as he wasn’t penalized at all last season and had just six called on him in four seasons. 

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan offensive lineman Trevor Keegan (OL38) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6 

Javion Cohen, Miami (Florida)

After beginning his career with three seasons at Alabama, Cohen transferred to Miami for his final collegiate campaign. Playing the left guard position, he finished the year with a 59.4 overall offensive grade via PFF. 

Cohen bulked up ahead of his final collegiate season. Scouts believe that he could’ve sacrificed some athleticism by adding this weight, so it remains to be seen how his size will translate to the NFL game. 

A positive for him is how well he uses his body, as he keeps defenders away with his long arms. With improved technique and added strength, he can become more of an impact player in the run game and therefore improve his chances of succeeding at the professional ranks.

Sep 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Javion Cohen (70). / Andy Lewis-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7

Layden Robinson, Texas A&M

Robinson is an intriguing prospect worth taking a flyer on in the late rounds. He was quite inconsistent in pass protection, earning a 61.3 PFF pass blocking grade and allowing 16 pressures. 

However, Robinson is a physical beast in the run game who utilizes his frame to bully defenders. At 6-foot-3, 302, he cuts an imposing figure and backs it up with his performance in the run game. 

This ability to dominate on the ground can be beneficial for the Lions’ rushing attack, so he’s worth considering if the Lions hope to bolster the depth on their O-line late in the Draft. 

Oct 28, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Layden Robinson. / Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports