Oh, another offensive tackle…
For Lions' fans, that can have two different meanings.
As in, they have been there, and they have done that. Like everything else the Lions have tried, it hasn't worked.
Jeff Backus, Riley Reiff and Taylor Decker were first-round picks…and pretty good players.
But the Lions' selection of Oregon's 6-foot-6, 330-pound Penei Sewell seventh overall Thursday is different.
He is a rare combination of size, agility and utter nastiness. He could've easily gone in the first three picks. Sewell creates holes at the line, and then gets to the second level. Despite his massive size, he has exceptionally nimble feet and speed.
Also, Sewell completes a building block for an otherwise hollow roster.
The closest thing first-year general manager Brad Holmes inherited to a strength was the offensive line. Center Frank Ragnow is an outstanding player. He played at an All-Pro level last season. Decker, who is already signed for the long-term, had his best season. Guard Jonah Jackson, a third-round selection in 2020, had a promising rookie season. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is a good blocker.
There should be significant blocking for new quarterback Jared Goff and speedy running back D'Andre Swift.
There is plenty of depth in this draft to address wide receiver later, and focus on defense.
It is not as if the Lions drafted for a position of need, but rather with sound purpose. They got the best player on the board, who happens to complete the first piece of a rebuilding puzzle.
As such, Sewell was the perfectly logical and sensible pick.
