One of the Lions' big offseason moves was Penei Sewell's transition from right to left tackle.
Ahead of Detroit's massive Sunday matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked earlier this week how he feels the transition has gone for Sewell five games into the season.
"I still feel an ascending player. I feel like in some regards he looks even more smooth than he did at right (tackle), and I never thought he'd look out of place at right or didn't look smooth. It almost feels like he's found even another little gear here. His ability to get out of his stance and anchor and punch and run off the football.
"It's a credit to him, he's banked a lot of reps, and, honestly, he can go anywhere. You can put him at left,
you can put him at right, and that's why we move him a little bit. He's playing high-level football right now at left tackle," Campbell said of Sewell.
Coach Campbell on Penei Sewell's transition over to left tackle pic.twitter.com/Swsk34AEWJ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 19, 2026
A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, the 26-year-old enters Week 7 as the NFL's highest-graded offensive tackle, per Pro Football Focus. Sewell's overall offensive grade from PFF is currently 90.9, which is well clear from 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams' 86.3 overall offensive grade, who is the next-closest graded tackle.
Sewell has surrendered one sack and seven pressures through his first five starts.
Protecting Jared Goff has been central to Detroit's offensive success this season. Goff has thrown 12 touchdown passes without an interception. The Lions' offense is averaging 32.8 points and 393.8 yards per game. Those offensive numbers rank tied-first and fourth in the NFL, respectively.
Sewell's dominance and dexterity has helped stabilize a refashioned line. Sewell's transition influences how Detroit protects Goff, specifically against the NFC's premier edge rushers.
The Lions enter their Oct. 25 matchup against the Packers at 3-2, making offensive line stability critical as Detroit prepares for its first divisional test in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions see 'ascending' Penei Sewell amid left tackle transition
