Penei Sewell was the first draft pick of the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell era in Detroit. Viewed as a building block for a rebuilding franchise, Sewell has been everything the Lions hoped for and more. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2021, the former Oregon Duck has become one of the best players, not just tackles, in the NFL. Sewell has been named AP First-Team All-Pro for three straight seasons and selected to the Pro Bowl in four straight. Sewell is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. Yet, his talents could be an even bigger asset to the Lions. As Detroit’s RT, Sewell has been outstanding, but a position switch would make him even more valuable. The time has come. The Detroit Lions must move Penei Sewell to left tackle.
Left Tackle Is The Most Premium Position On O-Line
Protecting your quarterback’s blindside is one of the most important responsibilities of any NFL position. For most teams, that is the job of their left tackle. With a QB like Jared Goff, who isn’t exactly known for his mobility, the Lions must put their premier tackle at the most premium position. Detroit doesn’t have any other tackle who comes close to Sewell’s talent. Right now, free agent signing Larry Borom is the next most accomplished tackle on the roster. Of course, the Lions are expected to take an OT with their first-round pick during the draft. It would be unfair to expect a rookie to play up to Sewell’s standard. Simply put, the Detroit Lions will be better with Sewell at left tackle.
No Longer Blocked By Taylor Decker
The only reason Sewell has been Detroit’s RT is that Taylor Decker was already entrenched at LT. Decker was a very good LT for the Lions for a decade. However, Decker is no longer a Lion. Nobody is blocking Sewell from playing the position that best utilizes his ability. Decker had a great career in Detroit. Every Lions fan should be thankful for what he accomplished during his 10 years in Detroit.
As good as Decker was, Sewell projects as a massive upgrade. The 6’5, 335-pounder is impressively athletic and agile. A man that large should not be able to do the things that Sewell does on a football field. Whether wiping out defenders on pull blocks, clearing the way for screen passes, or making the occasional, game-clinching reception, everything Sewell does is impressive. A player of his caliber belongs at left tackle.
Moving Sewell Gives Lions More Draft Options
It’s no secret that the Lions desperately need to find a tackle early in this year’s draft. If Sewell stays on the right side, the Lions must draft a replacement for Decker. That is much easier said than done. Detroit isn’t drafting high enough to take one of the top-tier tackle prospects.
Francis Mauigoa is expected to be off the board long before the Lions pick. The same goes for Monroe Freeling, who is flying up draft boards.Kadyn Proctor is my top choice for the Lions at 17, but it’s not a guarantee that he will still be available.
However, if Sewell switches sides, the Lions open up several more options. Spencer Fano, from Utah, projects as a strong RT in the NFL. Clemson tackle Blake Miller also appears likely to stay on the right side. Fano’s college teammate Caleb Lomu is a good bet to switch from LT at Utah to RT at the next level. Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor would be a great fit as Detroit’s new RT, and could even be a target for a Lions team looking to trade down to acquire more picks. Genning Dunker, whom I mocked to the Lions frequently earlier in the draft process, could again become an option in the second round. Dunker, a right tackle at Iowa, will most likely move inside to guard in the NFL. If the Lions move Sewell, they could look to strengthen their interior line during the draft.
Simply put, right tackle would be an easier spot to fill with a rookie than left tackle.
It’s A Move Everybody Wants
When asked about the possibility of moving Sewell to LT, Dan Campbell expressed his desire for the switch. Sewell himself evoked confidence in the possibility. Detroit Lions fans, by an overwhelming margin, want to see it happen.
There isn’t an argument to be made for keeping Sewell at right tackle. The Detroit Lions must make Penei Sewell their new left tackle.