The Detroit Lions built their recent identity on a foundation of trench dominance - a bruising, physical offensive line that bullied defenses and gave their offense the edge it needed. But in 2025, that edge dulled just a bit.
While elite talents like Penei Sewell continued to play at a high level, the unit as a whole slipped from dominant to merely above average. For a team that’s prided itself on winning in the trenches, that’s a noticeable drop - and one that head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes will be looking to fix this offseason.
Enter the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Lions hold the 17th overall pick. While this year’s draft class isn’t overflowing with elite offensive line prospects, there may be a perfect fit sitting right in their wheelhouse: Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects Detroit to select Ioane at No. 17. And when you look at the Lions’ current needs and the type of player Ioane is, the pick makes a lot of sense.
Let’s start with the Lions’ pass protection woes. Despite all their firepower on offense, Detroit ranked 31st in the league in pass block win rate last season at just 55.5%. That’s a glaring issue for a team with playoff aspirations - and one that can’t be ignored if they want to take the next step.
Ioane offers a potential fix. While taking a guard in the first round might not generate the same buzz as a flashy skill player, the Penn State junior brings a level of polish and reliability that’s rare among interior linemen. He’s not a converted tackle or a project - he’s a true guard, and arguably the best one in this draft class.
Despite Penn State’s underwhelming 2025 season, Ioane consistently stood out on tape. He hasn’t allowed a single sack since 2023 - a remarkable stat that speaks to his technique, awareness, and ability to anchor against elite pass rushers.
His footwork is clean, his hands are strong, and he rarely puts himself in bad positions. Over more than 2,000 snaps at the college level, he’s only been flagged twice.
That’s the kind of discipline and consistency that coaches dream about.
For Dan Campbell - a coach who values grit, toughness, and fundamentals - Ioane feels like a natural fit. He’s not just a mauler in the run game; he’s a technician in pass protection who already plays like a seasoned pro. While he might not be a plug-and-play superstar from day one, he’s the kind of player who can stabilize the interior of the line and grow into a cornerstone piece.
Detroit has made a habit of zigging when others zag on draft day, and Kiper’s projection fits that mold. Ioane may not be the flashiest name on the board, but he checks a lot of boxes for what this Lions team needs - and what they value. If they want to get back to being the bullies up front, this is the kind of pick that could help them reclaim that identity.
So don’t be surprised if come fall, Olaivavega Ioane is suiting up in Honolulu blue, ready to help restore some bite to Detroit’s offensive line.