With the release of Taylor Decker ahead of 2026 free agency, the Detroit Lions have set themselves up for a huge need at left tackle. Protecting Jared Goff's blind side is a big ask, especially of a rookie headed into the new year. That's seemingly been the plan, though, given the Lions' lack of spending at the position on anyone premium.
The other option for Detroit is also swinging Penei Sewell, their All-Pro right tackle, over to the left side of the line. Sewell played left tackle in college and had some decent snaps at the position early in his time with the Lions, but he stuck at right tackle because of Decker.
While there are a lot of starting-caliber tackles in this year's draft that the Lions can look to to fill in for Decker in 2026 and beyond, moving Sewell over makes things a whole lot easier in their quest for an additional starting tackle through the draft - many of this year's top prospects at the position are traditionally right tackles.
It seems like head coach Dan Campbell feels the same, with the skipper telling reporters ahead of the NFL's owners meeting that he'd like to make that change on the line, if possible.
Campbell ready to switch Sewell to left tackle ahead of 2026 season
Making this sort of change will have its warts, since changing from one side of the line isn't as simple of an ask is it might sound. Sewell would have to get used to essentially mirroring the moves he'd been utilizing on the right side of the line over on the left, which is set to be challenging even for the perennial Protector of the Year candidate.
But, let's take a look at this year's top tackle prospects. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein's list includes:
1. Francis Mauigoa (RT)
2. Kadyn Proctor (LT)
3. Spencer Fano (RT)
4. Monroe Freeling (RT)
5. Caleb Lomu (LT)
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Other names of note include Blake Miller (a right tackle) and Max Iheanachor (you guessed it: a right tackle). Detroit would be remiss not to consider the depth at right tackle atop this class compared to its depth at left tackle, especially with question marks around Proctor's ability to remain at tackle in the NFL.
Selecting any one of these right tackles at 17th overall, but especially someone like Freeling, Fano, or Miller, would fit Detroit's timeline a ton better than taking a bit of a risk and snagging Proctor at this spot. With Sewell's skills, Detroit has a lot of flexibility in the upcoming draft despite Decker's shocking release. And, it's obvious that Campbell feels the same.