The Detroit Lions face an important question with All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell this offseason. The Lions could keep starting Sewell where he’s become a star. Or, the team could flip him to left tackle.
A switch could make it easier for the Lions to find an immediate starter in the NFL Draft. The 2026 class is a little thin on offensive tackles, but the Lions could target one early to develop on the right side.
Pro Football Network’s T.J. Randall sees that as the likeliest option for the Lions. Assuming Sewell switches to left tackle, Randall slotted Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor to Detroit at No. 17 overall.
“The recent reports regarding Penei Sewell’s move to left tackle open the window of opportunity for Iheanachor to slide in naturally on the right side, versus moving the likes of Iheanachor to the opposite side of the offensive line,” wrote Randall.
Iheanachor would give the Lions an extremely athletic right tackle. Randall wrote he became just the seventh offensive tackle over the past 23 years to weigh more than 320 pounds and run a sub-5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein raved about Iheanachor’s unique blend of size and athleticism.
“An ascending, traits-heavy tackle prospect, Iheanachor is a former high school hooper and late-comer to football,” wrote Zierlein. “He has good length and excellent lean mass.
“In a year light on high-end tackles, Iheanachor’s measurables, athleticism and upside could push him up the board.”
Will Penei Sewell Switch Positions?
The Lions released longtime left tackle Taylor Decker this offseason. Since his departure, insiders have speculated whether Sewell would flip to left tackle.
Sewell is one of the top offensive tackles in the NFL. He’s now clearly the best lineman on the Lions roster. It would make sense for him to play the most vital position along the line.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters at the NFL’s annual league meetings that a position switch for Sewell is what he’d prefer.
“We’re ready to do that, if need be. I don’t want to say that right now I’m going to commit to that, but that’s — I mean, we’re ready to do that. … It’s a little bit like riding a bike for him. He’ll be fine,” Campbell said, via The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy. “He’ll bank some reps and be able to do it. He gives us that flexibility.
“If you’re asking me, I’d like to move him. I would. I would like to move him to left.”
Sewell’s versatility to play left tackle would give Detroit flexibility in the draft as well. The Lions will have more potential tackle options if that rookie is expected to develop at right tackle instead of on the left side.
Could Lions Target Tackle Max Iheanachor?
Analysts have linked the Lions to a lot of tackles in mock drafts this offseason. But Iheanachor hasn’t necessarily been one of the more popular choices.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Iheanachor a top five offensive tackle in the 2026 class. But NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t see the Arizona State product as a slam dunk first-round pick, especially at No. 17.
Jeremiah rated Iheanachor the No. 35 prospect on his big board.
If the Lions made Iheanachor their first-round choice, they would be betting on the prospect continuing his fast development to reach his full potential.
“Iheanachor is a raw, talented right tackle,” Jeremiah wrote. “His tape isn’t perfect, but it’s full of clues hinting he could end up being one of the best offensive linemen in this year’s draft class.
“It might take a little time, but Iheanachor has the raw tools to develop into a high-level starter. He showed a lot of promise at the Senior Bowl.”
Lions Predicted to Get Very Athletic Lineman If Penei Sewell Makes Switch