The Detroit Lions just blew up their offensive line, and it’s gonna be absolute fireworks at right tackle during the 2026 training camp! After five seasons of Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker being the bookends, Decker got released. That move alone totally reshuffled the deck and sets up an insane battle for that starting right tackle gig.
The O-Line Overhaul Nobody Saw Coming
Dude, think about it: five years, those two guys, Sewell and Decker, locking down the tackle spots. Long run! Decker’s out. If that wasn’t enough, Dan Skipper, Mr. Reliable as an OT3 or OT4 for four seasons, retired and joined the Lions coaching staff as an offensive assistant. Massive hole to fill, right? But Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell? They weren’t just sitting around. They dropped three huge decisions to completely rebuild that line. First, they wisely moved Penei Sewell back to left tackle, where he dominated in college. Then, they snagged Michigan native, NFL veteran Larry Borom on day one of free agency. But the biggest splash, the one everyone is talking about, was drafting Clemson right tackle Blake Miller with pick No. 17 in the first round of the NFL Draft. On top of all that, Giovanni Manu is expected back for camp after an early-season injury sidelined him for most of 2025, and they even re-signed practice squader Devin Cochran. This regime has a clear history: they consistently add offensive linemen, usually starting with eight to 10 but finishing with 10 or 11 on the active roster. They’re clearly staying true to that game plan.
Rookie First-Rounder Fighting For It? You Bet.
So, who’s protecting the right side? It’s shaping up to be a straight-up, no-holds-barred war between first-round pick Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom for that starting right tackle spot. The Lions’ front office has been super clear: they’re gonna let these two guys battle it out. During spring practices, they literally rotated both Miller and Borom through the first and second team reps. That tells you everything about how serious this competition is. Here’s what makes it even crazier: this regime isn’t afraid to throw a rookie into the fire. Like, at all. Historically, their first-round picks tend to start right from the jump. And when you hear that Blake Miller is “loaded with more,” you just know the potential is off the charts. This isn’t just about finding a starter; it’s about seeing if a top-tier draft pick can prove his worth instantly.
The Stakes Are Sky-High For Camp
Alright, Detroit fans, seriously, training camp is gonna be absolutely essential viewing. The stakes could not be higher for that right tackle position. Will Blake Miller live up to that first-round hype and prove he’s the real deal right out of the gate, or will the veteran presence of Larry Borom hold him off? Get ready for a fierce, must-watch competition that could totally define the Lions’ offensive line for the next few seasons! This is what it’s all about!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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