WATCH: Penei Sewell vs Aidan Hutchinson in early training camp battle

The last two first-round picks for the Detroit Lions went head-to-head during training camp on Monday. Former Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell seemed to keep former Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson – the last two Detroit Lions first round picks – in check during the minimal-contact drill.

Penei Sewell vs Aidan Hutchinson 🍿

(🎥 @Lions)
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— PFF (@PFF) August 1, 2022

Sewell was drafted No. 7 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, though was expected to go even higher. Many expected to see him in Cincinnati blocking for Joe Burrow and the Bengals, but they passed for the playmaking rookie record-breaker Ja’Marr Chase and Sewell fell right in the laps of the Lions on draft night.

As a rookie last season, Sewell played 1,039 snaps, per PFF – only 19 other offensive lineman played more during the 2021 NFL season. While he was called for 11 penalties (third highest in the league), while allowing five sacks with an overall blocking grade of 77. While his rookie year was a fantastic foundation for what the Lions expect to be a decade or longer career filled with All-Pro honors – as long as he can clean those penalties up.

Hutchinson, on the other hand, was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft where he was selected behind former Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker. Hutchinson was the longtime consensus choice to be the first overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but instead Walker remains in Michigan in what he has called a perfect fit.

He played in a whopping 43 career games at Michigan, was a Consensus All-American in 2021 and a two-time All-Big Ten honoree. Hutchinson, a two-time captain, is the program record-holder for sacks in a single season, notching 14 for the Wolverines in 2021 – not to mention 62 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. His play earned him runner-up honors in the Heisman Trophy race.

It may only be his first training camp since becoming a Lion, but the Detroit coaching staff are quickly seeing the truth about his dominant abilities.

“Obviously, we’re very excited to have him, but I think he’s a better athlete than I thought he was,” Lions defensive line coach Todd Wash said Monday. “[Head coach Dan Campbell] and I and even [general manager Brad Holmes], we’ve talked about it. I said he’s a better athlete than I thought he was off tape. There’s kind of a unique way he can lean and bend that we didn’t necessarily always see on tape, but out here you really see it, and versus good competition. So we’re excited about where he’s at.”

The Lions’ regular-season begins Sept. 11 at Ford Field against the Philadelphia Eagles.