Mel Kiper: Penei Sewell's future could depend on who Lions draft
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said he does not see a scenario where Miami's Francis Mauigoa or Utah's Spencer Fano fall to the Detroit Lions in Round 1.
As the Detroit Lions sort through their options on their new-look offensive line, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said the team should be open to playing Penei Sewell at either tackle spot depending on who they add up front in next month's NFL Draft. "You obviously don’t fix what isn’t broken, right?
" Kiper said in a conference call Thursday, March 19. "I think he’s a great player, but again, you have to adjust to what you have. " The Lions return three starting linemen in Sewell – a three-time All-Pro right tackle – and guards Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany, but released longtime starters Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow in cost-cutting moves this offseason.
TOP DAWG? Georgia LT Monroe Freeling offers upside for Lions in 2026 NFL Draft They added center Cade Mays and tackle Larry Borom in free agency and acquired guard Juice Scruggs in a trade, but could move Sewell from right to left tackle to replace Decker. Kiper had the draft's best left tackle prospect, Georgia's Monroe Freeling, going to the Cleveland Browns at No.
6 overall in his mock draft and said he does not see a situation where the draft's other top linemen, Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano, remain until the Lions' first-round pick at No. 17. Mauigoa projects as a right tackle in the NFL.