Combine preview: 7 offensive tackles the Lions should be watching

Identifying which offensive tackles the Detroit Lions should be keeping an eye on during the 2025 NFL Combine.

The 2025 NFL Combine kicks off in the final week of February and we are exploring each position group ahead of the big event.

So far, we have previewed quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends the Detroit Lions should be scouting, and in this article, we take a look at the offensive tackle prospects who should have the Lions’ attention. All offensive linemen will go through on-field drills on NFL Network on Sunday, March 2nd.

Team need

With All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell and Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Decker entrenched as the starters, the Lions have one of the top starting duos in the league. In last year’s draft, the Lions traded up in order to select Giovanni Manu in the fourth round out of British Columbia. In addition to those three, the Lions also have Colby Sorsdal entering year three of his rookie deal, along with former Seattle Seahawk Jamarco Jones to round out the tackle position.

Veteran utility lineman Dan Skipper—who was the Lions OT3 and sixth offensive lineman in big sets—is set to be a free agent, as is starting right guard Kevin Zeitler. Even if the Lions do end up bringing Zeitler back for the 2025 season, it would be wise to work on an eventual succession plan at right guard to ensure the offensive line remains an elite unit.

Drafting a player early in the 2025 NFL Draft with tackle-guard flexibility is certainly on the table for a Lions team that takes pride in dominating the trenches.

What to watch for

The Lions prefer their offensive linemen to be athletic, big, and strong, with a high level of intelligence and exposure to both gap and zone run-blocking schemes.

During on-field drills, keep an eye on the following traits:

• Balance through their hips and butt
• Knee bend — ideally not hunching over and bending at the waist
• Lateral movement skills
• Drills like the kick slide and lateral shuffle will help expose stiffness
• Pull and drive drills will illustrate a player’s athleticism and ability to work in space
• Reactionary time and fluidity in all drills

Armand Membou, T/G, Missouri (6-foot-3 3**⁄4, 332 pounds)**

Membou is first up on our list, and for good reason. He is the son of two Cameroonian parents, and while he played right tackle in 2024, he was originally an interior offensive lineman recruit coming out of high school. Since he would be on the shorter side for an NFL tackle, he is a player who should have the ability to kick inside early on in his career as a pro. Membou is an athlete who plays low to the ground and is light on his feet—which could help improve his stock while in Indianapolis.

While he likely won’t be available where the Lions currently sit in the first round...