Dan Campbell's Penei Sewell Strategy Under Threat As NFL Exec Makes Comments
Dan Campbell and Penei Sewell/Images via Imago
Dan Campbell and Penei Sewell/Images via Imago
As reported by John Maakaron of the Detroit Lions on SI, NFL executives are concerned over Dan Campbell’s plan to shift Penei Sewell to left tackle following the departure of Taylor Decker.
With Sewell moving across the line, the Lions are expected to plug in Blake Miller at right tackle. But the strategy came under scrutiny after recent comments from NFL executives, per The Athletic.
“Sewell will be good wherever he plays, but I’m not sure Miller will end up being a tackle, depending what they ask of him,” one exec said, raising concerns about whether the reshuffled line can hold up. “I do not think they got a lot better…”
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Oakland Raiders Defensive End Maxx Crosby 98 rushes across the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders on November 3, 2019 at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Lions at Raiders PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon19110333
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Oakland Raiders Defensive End Maxx Crosby 98 rushes across the line during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders on November 3, 2019 at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire NFL: NOV 03 Lions at Raiders PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon19110333
Tackle Blake Miller, a 2026 draftee by the Lions, is expected to fill the void made by the move of Sewell. During his collegiate career, he played as a right tackle for Clemson.
As per Sports Reference, Miller rarely missed a snap, playing for 3,778 offensive snaps over 54 career games (all starts) from 2022-25 and earned a PFF grade of 78.5.
Similarly, for Sewell (PFF 95.2 in 998 offensive snaps), he has been one of the league’s top right tackles; now, the pressure shifts on Miller to keep up the production.
During an interaction in Phoenix, head coach Dan Campbell revealed that he is considering shifting Sewell to the left tackle position to secure the blindside of quarterback Jared Goff.
"If you're asking me, I'd like to move him," Campbell said at the 2026 Annual League Meetings, as per ESPN. "We are ready to do that, if need be. I don't want to say right now I'm going to commit to that, but we are ready to do that."
Detroit’s Blindside Protection Now Rests With Penei Sewell
From the last ten seasons, former Lions star Taylor Decker has been covering the blindside of Jared Goff. Now, with his departure, the expectations are locked in on Penei Sewell.
Back in his collegiate career, he played at left tackle for the Oregon Ducks. But the Detroit Lions have deployed him at right tackle.
Switching tackle positions requires new muscle memory for footwork and hand placement. Sewell must adapt quickly to protecting the blindside from the left side.
Per Sports Illustrated, Christian Booher and Vito Chirco had full faith in Sewell. According to them, the team should move Sewell to the left tackle position, where he can generate the required production for the Lions while covering the blindside of Jared Goff.
What are your thoughts on Campbell's strategy? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker
Edited by
Rudra Dubey