5 Detroit Lions who are certified building blocks for the future

Sewell opted out of his last season at Oregon in 2020 due to COVID-19, which presented its own challenge as he entered the NFL last year. Then he learned a new position during OTAs and training camp (right tackle), with Taylor Decker holding down the fort at left tackle for the Lions. Then, when Decker was sidelined by a finger injury heading into Week 1, Sewell moved to Jared Goff’s blindside and was thrown right into the fire against 49ers’ defensive end Nick Bosa.

Sewell eventually moved back to right tackle when Decker returned to action after missing eight games. Particularly as a run blocker but overall as well, per Pro Football Focus grade if not otherwise, Sewell was regarded as one of the best right tackles in the league.

Sewell has focused on getting stronger this offseason, and his own review of his rookie season was a little harsh all things consider. But he won’t even turn 22 until the early part of the coming season (Oct. 9).

Decker has three years left on his contract, with 2025 tacked on as a void year. So at some point in the future Sewell may become the Lions’ left tackle. But even if he stays on the right side, he’s not going anywhere for a long, long time.