Detroit Lions Prospect Profile: Luke Kandra, IOL, Cincinnati

Overview

Luke Kandra, a standout interior offensive lineman (IOL) from the University of Cincinnati, is a name that has been making the rounds in the 2025 NFL Draft discussions. Standing 6’5” and weighing in at 320 pounds, Kandra brings both size and a formidable skill set that could make him a key player in the NFL for years to come. Known for his physicality, intelligence, and versatility, Kandra’s journey to the NFL has been defined by his impressive consistency at the collegiate level.

As the Detroit Lions look to strengthen their offensive line, which has been a priority under head coach Dan Campbell, Kandra could be a fitting addition to their front five. With an emphasis on toughness, discipline, and building through the trenches, Kandra is the type of player the Lions could target in the 2025 draft.

This profile will delve into Kandra’s background, skills, strengths, and areas of improvement, and assess his fit with the Detroit Lions.

Background

Luke Kandra’s football career began in high school, where he quickly gained attention as a dominant offensive lineman. Coming out of St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Kandra earned multiple accolades, including All-State honors. His high school success made him a sought-after recruit, and Kandra ultimately committed to the University of Cincinnati, where he would go on to carve out a notable career.

At Cincinnati, Kandra’s trajectory mirrored the program’s success as the Bearcats rose to national prominence in the Group of Five. Over the course of his collegiate career, Kandra became a staple of the offensive line, earning starting roles and maintaining a high level of play. His blend of size, athleticism, and technique made him a valuable asset for the Cincinnati offense, as he excelled in both the run and pass game.

College Career

Kandra started every game for the Bearcats since his sophomore season, showcasing his durability and consistency. Over his career, Kandra has demonstrated the ability to handle various assignments, from protecting the quarterback to creating lanes for the running backs. He has developed into one of the premier IOL prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, thanks to his ability to adapt to different offensive systems and his high football IQ.

His experience playing in a pro-style offense at Cincinnati, combined with his ability to move efficiently, has prepared him well for the rigors of the NFL. His time under head coach Luke Fickell and offensive line coach Mike Cummings helped him refine his skills, particularly in terms of hand placement, leverage, and pass protection.

Strengths

1. Physicality and Power: Kandra’s most striking trait is his sheer power. At 320 pounds, he has the frame to overpower defenders, and he uses this to his advantage in both the run and pass game. Kandra is particularly adept at moving defenders off the ball, which makes him an asset in zone blocking schemes and power running plays. His ability to control the line of scrimmage is one of the key components of his game.
2. Versatility: While Kandra is primarily an interior offensive lineman, he has shown that he can effectively play all three spots on the interior — guard and center. This versatility could make him a highly sought-after prospect, especially for teams like the Lions that value players who can contribute in multiple roles. His ability to slide between positions could allow him to quickly adapt to whatever role he’s asked to fill at the next level.
3. Footwork and Movement: Despite his size, Kandra has impressive agility for a player of his stature. His footwork is fluid, allowing him to change direction quickly and mirror pass rushers with ease. His quick feet also help him pull and get out in space for screens or outside runs, showcasing his mobility in a variety of blocking schemes.
4. High Football IQ: Kandra is known for his understanding of the game, particularly in pass protection. His awareness of defensive schemes and his ability to recognize stunts, twists, and blitzes make him a valuable asset on the offensive line. He doesn’t just rely on brute strength but uses his intelligence to stay ahead of the defenders, which is critical in high-level football.
5. Durability: Throughout his career, Kandra has demonstrated remarkable durability, starting in nearly every game he’s played. His ability to stay healthy and avoid significant injuries is a valuable asset, particularly as the Lions need reliable linemen who can contribute consistently over the course of a 17-game season.

Weaknesses

1. Hand Placement and Punching Technique: While Kandra’s power is evident, there are moments when his hand placement could be more refined. His punch is not always as precise as it could be, which allows defenders to disengage and get the upper hand on him. Improving his technique in this area would allow him to better control defenders, particularly those with speed or finesse moves.
2. Lateral Quickness: While Kandra’s footwork is generally strong, his lateral quickness can be a concern when facing quicker, more athletic defenders. When faced with pass rushers who have a variety of moves, Kandra occasionally struggles to reset his positioning, which can lead to pressure on the quarterback. Improving his ability to shift side-to-side with more ease will be crucial in the NFL.
3. Consistency in Pass Protection: Kandra’s pass protection is generally solid, but there are times when he can be inconsistent in keeping his base. When he gets out of position or loses his balance, it can lead to pressures or even sacks. Developing a more consistent approach to staying grounded will be important, especially when he’s tasked with blocking elite NFL pass rushers.
4. Recovery from Setbacks: On occasion, Kandra can struggle to recover when beaten initially by a defender. When he’s knocked off balance or caught in an awkward position, he can sometimes fail to regain control of the block. Refining his recovery skills will be essential to his success in the NFL, where defensive linemen are quick to capitalize on any mistake.

Fit with the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have prioritized building a dominant offensive line under head coach Dan Campbell. Their offensive line has been one of the team’s strongest units, with players like Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell anchoring the front. However, depth and versatility are still key areas of improvement, and Kandra would fit perfectly into the Lions’ system for several reasons.

1. Run Game Emphasis: The Lions have made it clear that they want to be a physical, run-first team, with a focus on establishing the ground game. Kandra’s power and ability to move defenders in the run game would make him an excellent fit in Detroit’s offensive line rotation. His strength and ability to drive defenders off the ball would complement the Lions’ running backs, such as Jahmyr Gibbs or David Montgomery, in their zone-blocking schemes.
2. Versatility in the Interior: As mentioned, Kandra’s ability to play all three interior offensive line positions is a big advantage. With the Lions already possessing solid starters in Ragnow at center and Sewell at tackle, Kandra could provide much-needed depth at guard or center. His flexibility would allow him to step in as a reliable backup or starter if needed, ensuring that the offensive line remains solid in case of injury.
3. Developing Chemistry: The Lions have built a young, cohesive offensive line group, and Kandra’s experience could allow him to step into this unit and quickly develop chemistry with the other linemen. His high football IQ and ability to pick up on nuances in blocking schemes would mesh well with the Lions’ focus on smart, physical play.
4. Toughness and Mentality: Kandra embodies the tough, hard-nosed mentality that Campbell values in his players. With the Lions’ offensive line being the heart of the team’s identity, Kandra’s gritty, no-nonsense approach would be a great fit for the culture the Lions are building.