NFL free agency: Left Tackle alternatives for the Detroit Lions

Taylor Decker, the Lions starting left tackle is recovering from torn labrum surgery and will be out 4-6 months. Many are considering him to start the season on the PUP list, therefore, let’s take a look at some left tackle alternates for the Detroit Lions.

Everything was looking good for the Detroit Lions and their newly revamped offensive line. However, things have taken a turn, and it could be a turn for the worst. Taylor Decker will be out anywhere from four-to-six months, as he recovers from a torn labrum.

Matthew Stafford’s blindside was pretty good last year. As a rookie, Taylor Decker improved throughout the season. He impressed so much that through his 451 snaps, he got an overall grade of 79.4 from Pro Football Focus.

Keep in mind; many considered him to be a right tackle during the pre-draft process because of his ability as a run blocker. Proving many people wrong, he impressed and solidified himself in pass protection.

While the Taylor Decker news is relatively fresh, let’s take a look at how the Lions finished OTA’s this week and what their future holds at left tackle.

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell shakes hands with offensive guard Joe Dahl (66) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

According to the Detroit Free Press, Joe Dahl, split time at the position and with the first team. He was splitting time with Cornelius Lucas.

For Dahl, it’s a position switch. Last year, as a rookie, he primarily played as a guard. But coming out of college, he was the starting left tackle at Washington State. I would consider him a run blocker over a pass blocker, but he was efficient in a quick-pass offense at Washington State. If he were to win the left tackle battle, we could expect more quick throws from Stafford.

Then there’s Cornelius Lucas, an undrafted free agent out of the 2014 NFL Draft class. The Kansas State product has lacked consistency at the pro-level, but he’s fought for his playing time. Often, Lucas has been near the bottom of the depth chart, but he’s still managed to play in 35 games and start for the Lions in six.

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Falling behind Dahl and Lucas doesn’t sound promising, though. They recently signed Tony Hills, who was a 4th round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. By signing with the Lions, the 32-year old journeymen has now played for 11 teams in the NFL, since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Don’t expect Hills to hold down the blindside with only one career start but he should provide a veteran presence during training camp.

Lastly, as the third offensive tackle listed on the depth chart, Corey Robinson. He’s started in three games for the Lions since being a seventh-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s still recovering from season-ending foot surgery from this past season. I wouldn’t expect him to provide much competition at left tackle and I’d expect him to be the backup to Rick Wagner, at right tackle.

Everyone will have differing opinions on the left tackle alternates for the Lions. Personally, I expect the Lions to place Taylor Decker on the PUP list. That will leave him off-the-field for the first six weeks of the regular season.

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From that point on, I’d expect the Lions to rotate between Joe Dahl and Cornelius Lucas. You can consider it treading water, but at this point, the Lions have very little alternate options at left tackle.

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