The Detroit Lions are asking Penei Sewell to make one of the most challenging position changes in football heading into the 2026 season.
After spending the past several years establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier right tackles, Sewell is transitioning to the left side of the offensive line. It’s a move that has generated plenty of discussion, including from former Lions center Frank Ragnow.
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Speaking recently about the switch, Ragnow acknowledged just how difficult the adjustment can be.
“It’s extremely difficult, especially when you know he had been playing right for a while,” Ragnow said. “There’s so much muscle memory, there’s so much balance and weight, this position that you have to kind of, I guess, reteach yourself, but it’s Penei Sewell. So I’m not too worried about it.”
Ragnow’s comments carry weight considering his years spent alongside Sewell in Detroit’s offensive line room. Few players understand the technical demands of offensive line play better than the former Pro Bowl center.
The challenge for Sewell isn’t about talent. It’s about retraining years of instincts and muscle memory. Footwork, hand placement, balance, and body positioning all change when moving from one side of the line to the other.
Fortunately for the Lions, Sewell isn’t your average offensive lineman.
The three-time All-Pro has consistently proven capable of handling whatever Detroit asks of him, and he has already embraced the challenge of learning the new position during OTAs.
If Ragnow has any concerns about the transition, he certainly didn’t sound like it.
After all, when you’re talking about Penei Sewell, betting against him has rarely been a wise decision.