The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft knowing that they would need some help along their offensive line. While they were rumored to be looking to make a move up the board to ensure they land one of the top players available at this position, the Lions stood pat at the No. 17 overall pick and selected Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller.
There’s no doubt this pick fills a key need for Detroit, but the selection of Miller felt like a bit of a reach in the eyes of fans. However, he’s set to be a Week 1 starter for the Lions now, and it sounds like his arrival is going to have a direct impact on All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell, as he’s set to change positions in 2026.
Lions Move Penei Sewell to Left Tackle After Drafting Blake Miller
After moving on from Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow this offseason, the Lions knew they needed help along their offensive line. That is where Miller comes into play, as he enjoyed a standout career with Clemson that saw him start 54 consecutive games for the Tigers from 2022 to 2025.
The problem, at least on the surface, is that Miller plays right tackle, which is a spot that is currently being held down by Sewell, who is one of the best linemen in the NFL, regardless of position. After initially beginning his career at left tackle, Sewell switched to right tackle and has promptly rattled off four-straight Pro Bowl selections and three-straight All-Pro First Team honors.
While he’s been better as a right tackle, Sewell can switch over to left tackle and play at a similarly high level when needed. With Miller in town, folks quickly began speculating that Sewell would be moved back to his native left tackle position, which is something general manager Brad Holmes confirmed after Day 1 of the action wrapped up.
“When you have a special talent like Penei, you don’t really feel handcuffed,” Holmes said when speaking to reporters. “Some guys, they don’t make that transition as easily as just going from left to right or right to left … It’s just a lot of freedom, the fact that we never felt like we were in a box trying to find a right tackle versus a left tackle. We just want to get the best tackle.”
Lions Hoping Blake Miller Can Make an Immediate Impact
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Blake Miller of the Clemson Tigers participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Sewell, not Miller, is going to be tasked with switching positions. If there’s anyone who figures to be able to make this sort of move, it’s Sewell. Beyond that, tasking a rookie with an immediate position change is never a good idea. Miller’s wealth of starting experience should help him hit the ground running, even if his selection was viewed as somewhat of a reach.
Guys like Monroe Freeling, Max Iheanachor, and Caleb Lomu, all of whom were generally considered better prospects than Miller, were still on the board when Detroit was on the clock, and it’s fair to wonder if the team would have been better off bringing one of those guys to town. The front office landed on Miller when all was said and done, and if all goes according to plan, he will be the Lions’ starting right tackle come Week 1.
Lions Confirm Penei Sewell Move After Picking Blake Miller in NFL Draft