ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JUNE 03: Penei Sewell #58 runs through the afternoon drills during the practice session on June 03, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Detroit Lions first-round pick Penei Sewell has to get used to right tackle, but things aren’t going his way at the moment.
Sewell need to have his head on a swivel at the professional level. Regardless of all the talent he showed at the University of Oregon, Detroit is a different animal entirely.
The seventh-overall selection faced off against the Buffalo Bills on Friday night. Early on, Sewell had a tough time holding his own, and new Lions quarterback Jared Goff paid the price.
Detroit Lions expect better from first-round pick Penei Sewell
Gregory Rousseau, a fellow rookie for the Bills, is the player that beat Sewell on the edge. Sewell’s legs didn’t kick in until it was too late, and he was overpowered by the young defensive lineman.
Sewell’s struggles have been well-documented in training camp. He even commented on them himself this week.
“Enjoy every learning curve, because it’s gonna be battles,” Sewell said. “I’m in the league now. I’m here with the big boys, so I just gotta know that everything happens for a reason.”
Eventually, Sewell will get it. He’s too talented not to, but you can understand why some Lions fans might be a little hesitant.