The Lions have three more months to decide who will start at left tackle, but the team has no hesitancy about the possibility of having a rookie — first-round pick Taylor Decker — at the premium position.
“If he’s the best left tackle, then I’d be happy with it,” general manager Bob Quinn said Monday about having a rookie protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blind side.
The Lions haven’t had a rookie start at left tackle since 2001 when Jeff Backus, the 18th overall pick, filled that spot immediately. Decker was the 16th overall pick this year.
Many teams like to be patient with young offensive linemen.