One of the major goals of the Detroit Lions this 2026 draft was to strengthen their offensive line. The team believes that they have been somewhat successful by selecting Blake Miller from Clemson with the 17th overall pick. 

Miller was a model of consistency in college, starting 54 games in a row at right tackle. Because of his experience, he is expected to start as the team's right tackle starting week 1. 

However, this seems to have caused some position change. NFL insider Adam Schefter gave an update about this on his X account.

“New Lions OT Blake Miller started over 50 games at Clemson at RT, so this should likely cement Penei Sewell’s move to LT in Detroit.“ 

The Lions signed Larry Borom and drafted Miller to take care of the offense, which kind of solidified that Penei Sewell will likely move to left tackle.

However, the shift isn’t solely because of Miller. HC Dan Campbell already had mentioned before the draft that he wanted Sewell on the left. Campbell is sure that Sewell will be ready and “only needs a couple of days to work his left-handed stance a little bit.”

GM Brad Holmes Confirms Move for Penei Sewell

The Detroit Lions are shaking things up on their offensive line for the 2026 season. While Sewell has spent most of his professional career on the right side, GM Brad Holmes is also confident he can handle the change.

“When you have a special talent like Penei, you don’t really feel handcuffed,” said Holmes after concluding Day 1 of the draft. “Some guys, they don’t make that transition as easily as just going from left to right or right to left… It’s just a lot of freedom, the fact that we never felt like we were in a box trying to find a right tackle versus a left tackle. We just want to get the best tackle.”

Sewell hasn't played left tackle full-time since his college days at Oregon. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he has played 4,619 snaps at right tackle compared to just 647 snaps at left tackle. 

Statistically, Sewell has been more efficient on the right side so far. But this season, the team is willing to test the waters as they believe Sewell will continue to showcase his best regardless of the position he plays.

Do you think Sewell will be a good LT?

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi