The Detroit Lions added some solid protection for quarterback Mathew Stafford in the opening round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
With the No.16 pick of the first round, the Lions—in their first draft under new general manager Bob Quinn—took offensive tackle Taylor Decker from Ohio State.
Decker, 21, is the first Buckeye offensive linemen to be drafted in the first round since Orlando Pace in 1997. At 6’ 7” and 310 pounds, the All-American and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year will likely start immediately at right tackle and should help to improve the Lions running attack, which was last in the NFL last season.
“We are excited to get him,” said Lions head coach Jim Caldwell on the WJR Lions Draft special Thursday night. “He’s special.”
Decker was a three-year starter at Ohio State playing in 54 games at both left and right tackle. At the time of this article the Vandalia, Ohio native was one of five Ohio State players taken in the first round and also the fourth offensive linemen to be selected.
– Michael Stets
