When the Detroit Lions released Rick Wagner, most people immediately jumped on the thought the Lions will fill the right tackle position through the draft where there are a plethora of tackles that could dominate the top of the draft, but GM Bob Quinn had other plans.
With their first agreement in the tampering period, the Lions agreed to terms with right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai. The Lions love versatile players and no surprise Vaitai fits the bill, logging snaps at both tackle positions and some at guard. He was seldomly used while in Philadelphia playing behind Jason Peters and Lane Johnson, two very good players. With the contract, the Lions are signing him to, all expectations are he will slide right into the right tackle vacancy.
There is your RT Lions fans
Halapoulivaati Vaitai is an excellent run blocker https://t.co/jbyAvGPwpF— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) March 16, 2020
Even before the Lions signed Vaitai it was highly unlikely the Lions were going to use a high pick on an offensive tackle like Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Willis, or Andrew Thomas to replace Wagner, but this doesn’t count them out for getting one later in the draft.
Right now the Lions’ tackle depth is very bare with only Tyrell Crosby, Dan Skipper, and Matt Nelson in the wings. With Taylor Decker’s contract on its last year, the Lions could look to bring in a tackle to learn behind just in case the two sides are unable to work out an extension. Look for the Lions to take a tackle prospect no earlier than Day 3 of the draft.
Some prospects to keep your eye on would be Charlie Heck from North Carolina, Alex Taylor from South Carolina, and Auburn tackles Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho. Wanogho and Taylor played on the South team at the Senior Bowl and the Lions got a first-hand look at Heck coaching the North squad.
Even though some of these players will need some coaching to reach their potential at the NFL, they won’t be expected to jump into the fire and will be able to learn from the veterans and be more than capable swing tackles for the Lions.