All Lions: Why Top O-Line Prospect Emulates Penei Sewell

Why Troy Fautanu admires Penei Sewell.

The Detroit Lions boast one of the strongest offensive line units, as the organization has wisely invested in top talent up front. 

General manager Brad Holmes' first ever pick for the team was Penei Sewell, who has developed into a franchise cornerstone at right tackle. 

Sewell has been so good that many top prospects have taken notice and tried to emulate his performance. Among them is Washington's Troy Fautanu, who is projected as one of the top offensive linemen in the class. 

Speaking at the NFL Combine Saturday, Fautanu said Sewell is one of the players who he is trying to emulate as he enters the professional ranks. 

“We watch a lot of film at U-Dub. Personally, I like to Rashawn Slater from the Chargers,” Fautanu said, via MLive. “I just think that me and him are kind of built the same, with me and him being like similar size. I watch him just because it always feels like he’s always in control in everything he does. He’s never outside of his body. Another guy is Penei Sewell. Man. That dude’s just got that dog in him. And I feel like that’s something I got. And it’s something I can bring to any team.”

Fautanu played tackle in college but isn't shying away from a potential move to the guard position at the professional level. 

“I feel like I’m the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft class," Fautanu said. "And I feel like that adds value to any organization, for sure.”

Here are other storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions on March 2. 

• MLive analyzed the struggles of Missouri cornerback and popular Lions' Draft target Ennis Rakestraw Jr. during his on-field reps Friday. 
• Gamecock Digest examined the impact that former Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey will have in his new position as South Carolina's wide receivers coach.
• The Detroit News evaluated kicking prospects in the NFL Draft as the Lions search for competition for incumbent Michael Badgley.
• Pro Football Focus lead Draft analyst Trevor Sikkema shared his thoughts on the Lions' Draft strategy with team reporter Dannie Rogers.