Lions nab Penei Sewell 7th overall in 2021 draft

The Detroit Lions selected offensive tackle Penei Sewell out of Oregon seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Sewell was widely regarded as the top offensive lineman available in this year's class. He was an All-American and Outland Trophy winner in 2019, his most recent collegiate campaign.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell wanted to prioritize the trenches this offseason, ultimately opting against picking a quarterback after acquiring Jared Goff from the Los Angeles Rams.

Detroit currently rosters Taylor Decker, Tyrell Crosby, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai at offensive tackle. Sewell could start immediately on the left or right side in 2021, giving the Lions' blocking unit some flexibility.

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Ideal position: Left tackle

Sewell has garnered a significant amount of hype since his freshman season in 2018, and there's good reason for it. Weighing around 330 pounds, he's not supposed to move the way he does - defenders who meet him in the second level are dead in the water. Sewell's play strength is absurd, and it shows up in his effortless run blocking and dominance against the bull rush. While the Oregon product comes with some minor concerns - we didn't get to see him in 2020 after he opted out and speed rushers caught him off balance at times - he's still only 20 years old. Sewell is one of the safer prospects in the 2021 class, and his upside is massive.

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