A team never wants to go into the NFL Draft desperate to fill a hole because they need a contributor. Early on in free agency, the Detroit Lions have made a few moves in that regard, including coming to terms with tackle Larry Borom on a one-year deal. While Borom has mostly served as a depth option during his career, the Lions clearly see value in adding a versatile lineman with starting experience as they continue to build their roster for 2026.
But what exactly are the Lions getting in Borom? Why did the Bears allow a young, experienced offensive lineman to hit free agency, and what kind of role might he carve out in Detroit?
To get the inside perspective, we spoke with Kevin Nogle—Managing Editor of The Phinsider—who had a chance to cover Borom’s most recent season in the NFL and offered insight into what Lions fans can expect from their newest offensive tackle. Here’s what he had to say.
1. What were the expectations for Borom when he arrived in Miami last season? Do you feel like he met, exceeded, or failed to meet those expectations? When Borom filled in for the injured Austin Jackson at right tackle, what sort of pass rushers/pass-rush plans seemed to give the veteran tackle trouble?
Borom was seen as a depth signing for the Dolphins, giving them a swing tackle who could also be a reserve guard option on game day. He was signed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract and he was almost an afterthought in the chaos that is free agency.
He went on to appear in 16 games, starting 11 times, as the Dolphins dealt with injuries – particularly at right tackle where Austin Jackson was sidelined due to injury. The Dolphins shaded protections his way at times, but overall he was solid enough to be the starting right tackle for much of the year after having been expected to be a reserve player.
2. Looking at his PFF grades, he’s pretty consistently scored higher marks as a pass blocker than a run blocker–including his lone season in Miami. Do you agree with that assessment of his game?
I actually would have said he was a better run blocker – not a great one, but better – than as a pass blocker. I really think solid is the right word. He is not going to dominate anyone, but he should not be a complete liability either. He is going to make mistakes, and shading the protection toward him makes sense, but you could have a worse player than Borom.
3. In Detroit, Borom figures to be the team’s OT3, and potentially their sixth offensive linemen in jumbo packages. Do you recall him doing any of that during his time in Miami? Would you see his game translating well to that role?
That is probably a great role for him. He is a swing tackle who can be a guard if needed. If he is the sixth offensive lineman, he is not going to be solely responsible for one-on-one blocks. The Dolphins showed a little of a six offensive line front in the preseason, but it went away for a while before coming back later in the year – but Borom was already in the starting lineup by then. Daniel Brunskill took that role and excelled at it. I could see Borom having that kind of responsibility. If Dan Skipper’s offensive assistant duty description is to focus on developing Borom into a swing tackle/sixth lineman, I think you might see some success.
4. What stood out most about Borom’s intangibles—whether it was his leadership, work ethic, competitiveness, or another quality—that made him valuable to the Dolphins?
I think it is simply that he will do whatever is asked of him. You need him to play guard? Right tackle? Left tackle? Start? Come off the bench? Be an eligible lineman? He will do it all and he will give it his all. He may not be the best player on the field, but it is not for lack of trying.
5. Are there any particular moments from games or specific matchups from Borom’s albeit brief time in Miami that Lions fans should check out to get a sense of what he will bring to Detroit’s offensive line? What did those performances reveal about him as a player?
I think the best thing is, after he settled in as a starter, he was not noticed a lot. He gave up 15 pressures and two sacks this year, which on over 400 snaps was a good stat line, especially for the Dolphins’ offensive line. He is not someone I would want to rely on as a Week 1 starter, but he is going to give you everything he has if he is needed.
Nothing really sticks out in his time with the Dolphins—which for an offensive lineman is actually a good thing. There were definitely frustrating moments, but that was true for seemingly everyone on the roster last year.
Maybe the best way to explain Borom is just that he still feels like a raw talent. He was a fifth-round pick in 2021, so you would expect him to be hitting his prime, but, despite turning 27 this month, he still feels like there is growth and potential that needs to be rounded out. I know this was not a glowing review, nor was it supposed to sound like I do not think he can play. Borom is a good depth addition who should be the swing tackle on game day and make spot starts when needed.
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