DETROIT — The Detroit Lions offensive line just lost its longest-tenured anchor, and now the draft’s most famous “hair” thinks it is time for a massive tactical shift. With Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow gone in a sudden offseason salary purge, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. argues that Penei Sewell shouldn’t be locked into his usual spot on the right side when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off next month.
The Blindside Question
Detroit shocked the league earlier this month by cutting ties with Decker, a move that cleared significant cap space but left a massive void at left tackle. Sewell has dominated the right side of the line for years, racking up three All-Pro selections while punishing pass rushers. However, the vacancy on the left puts GM Brad Holmes in a corner. Do the Lions hunt for a rookie blindside protector, or do they move their best asset to the most expensive real estate on the field?
Kiper joined a conference call on Thursday to weigh in on the puzzle. While the Lions still boast Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany at the guard spots, the edges look thin. The draft guru suggested that the Lions’ draft board should dictate Sewell’s future home on the line rather than tradition.
“You obviously don’t fix what isn’t broken, right? I think he’s a great player, but again, you have to adjust to what you have. If the best player available at 22 is a right tackle, you move Penei. He’s that good.”
— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Senior Draft Analyst
Draft Strategy and the 2026 Outlook
The Lions enter this draft in an unusual spot. For years, the offensive line was the one area of the roster that required zero maintenance. Now, it is the primary focus. Moving Sewell to the left isn’t just about filling a hole; it’s about protecting the franchise’s massive investment in the backfield. If Detroit views a prospect like Ohio State’s latest tackle prodigy as a “right-side only” player, the Sewell-to-LT move becomes an immediate reality.
The atmosphere around Allen Park is tense. Fans remember the lean years before this current window of contention opened, and seeing Decker walk out the door felt like a risk. The Lions must nail this draft to keep their championship window propped open. If Sewell flips sides, expect a learning curve—but don’t expect him to lose his mean streak. He has the footwork to handle the transition, and the scouts know it.
