:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49431381/usa-today-9134663.0.jpg)
The Detroit Lions have selected Taylor Decker with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Decker was one of the most popular picks in mock drafts leading up to Thursday's first round. Decker is the fourth offensive tackle off the board, after a crazy turn of events surrounding Laremy Tunsil and his descent down the board in the first round.
The Lions have a big need for offensive tackle after having one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2015. With the selection of Decker, the Lions hope to improve their run offense going forward. The question is where will Decker land on the line? Smart money is on Decker starting on the right side of the line in 2016, but could he move to the left side should the Lions decide to move on from Riley Reiff in 2017?
Here's what Stephen White had to say about Decker:
At the end of the day I do think Decker is going to play in the league for a long while because if he doesn't work out at left tackle he still has a lot of potential as a right tackle. As I have pointed out before, with many of the top rushers now lining up against right tackles, I imagine a lot of teams will be looking to upgrade that position as well. Decker might even be able to play guard -- especially with that mean streak of his -- though I think his leverage issues might be magnified if the team that drafts him decides to move him inside. Regardless, I think he will ultimately develop somewhere on the offensive line and become a starter because even with the high pad level, the guy moves really well.
Having said all that, I'm not sure you spend a first-round pick on a guy with that many maybes. In fact, I'm pretty sure you don't, and I wouldn't in this case either. That doesn't mean he would be a bad player, it just means that you can't afford to take the risk that high in the draft.
Even if Decker can't move to the left side of the line, he should be a good option for the Lions at right tackle, something they haven't had in a long while.