Lions Coach Dan Campbell Discusses Penei Sewell's Position Switch

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is looking to revamp his roster following last season's playoff absence. The team lost key players from the squad that advanced to the NFC Championship Game in 2023, including significant cap cut Taylor Decker, a left tackle who had been a mainstay with 140 starts and a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. By parting ways with Decker, the Lions saved $11.6 million, but now face the challenge of restructuring their offensive line.

On Friday, Campbell detailed how All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is transitioning from right tackle to left tackle during organized team activities (OTAs). He expressed confidence that Sewell's shift will be smooth by the time the regular season kicks off, although he acknowledged that there are aspects of the left side Sewell will need to adapt to.

“Good. He’s over there, he’s been really since — he’s been working it even being back home before we started offseason, once I gave him the word,” Campbell stated, according to NFL Media. “So, it’ll be like riding a bike for him. Will it be things he’ll have to learn? Yeah, of course there will be. But I mean, he has played left. That’s muscle memory.”

Sewell, who was selected seventh overall in the 2021 draft, has been named to the Pro Bowl four times and earned first-team All-Pro status three times while playing right tackle. Now, he will be responsible for safeguarding quarterback Jared Goff’s blindside.

To fill Sewell's former position, the Lions selected Blake Miller from Clemson with the 17th overall pick. Miller was recognized as an All-ACC right tackle three times during his college career. The effectiveness of Sewell at left tackle remains to be seen, but moving their top offensive lineman to a critical position makes strategic sense for the Lions after Decker's departure. If Miller performs at a first-round level, the Lions' offensive line could be in a solid position this coming fall.