Detroit Lions sign offensive tackle Darrin Paulo

The Detroit Lions announced on Monday morning that they have signed offensive tackle Darrin Paulo, filling up the final spot on their 90-man roster.

Paulo went undrafted in 2020 and was signed by the New Orleans Saints shortly after the draft. He spent a couple of months with the team before being waived as part of the team’s final cuts prior to the regular season. From there, he was claimed by the Denver Broncos. He stayed with the team for the entire season on their practice squad but was waived back in February as one of new GM George Paton’s first moves.

Paulo (6-foot-5, 317 pounds) was a three-year starter in college for the University of Utah. He started 26 games at right tackle and 14 games at left tackle (as a senior). In that final season in college, Paulo was named first-team All-Pac 12 as the Utes enjoyed the best rushing offense in the conference.

Solid anchor in pass pro, Paulo has the strength to hold his ground. He will struggle with athletic defensive ends and needs to improve his bend to prevent losing leverage, but he has the potential to improve.

Paulo brings some interesting depth to the Lions’ offensive tackle position. With Halapoulivaati Vaitai likely sliding in to guard, and Tyrell Crosby potentially on the trade block, Paulo may come in and compete with the likes of Matt Nelson and Dan Skipper for the primary backup job.

We may get our first glimpse at Paulo and the rest of the Lions offensive line depth this week during Organized Team Activities, which are set to begin on Tuesday.