Penei Sewell has emerged as one of the NFL’s top offensive tackles and, without a doubt, the greatest right tackle in just three seasons. With two Pro Bowl selections, a nomination to the First Team All-Pro last season, and now a large contract to guarantee his place as a key member of the Detroit Lions for many years to come. In October, he turns 24.
Sewell is climbing the preseason offensive tackle rankings, going from No. 10 in Pro Football Focus’ rankings in 2024 to No. 3 this year. ESPN goes a little deeper to determine their rankings, surveying executives, scouts and coaches around the league. Sewell was sixth in their offensive tackle rankings last year, and on Sunday the four-letter network revealed their rankings at the position (subscription required).Sewell was ranked second, behind Trent Williams, the left tackle for the 49ers.
Here are some evaluations of Sewell that ESPN was given access to.
An AFC official described him as a “dominant run blocker and arguably the best anchor in pass protection.” “Some outside linebackers excel at blocking passes but struggle in the run game. He excels in both stages. extremely reliable. plays at a slight disadvantage.”
“A dog, physically elite, improved every year,” an NFL coordinator exclaimed.”
Penei Sewell biding his time to be named the top offensive lineman in the NFL
According to ESPN and Pro Football Focus’s rankings this year, Williams was the best offensive lineman available. He is still the best in every aspect going into his 36th season, but in each of his four 49ers seasons, he has missed at least two games. With over 1,000 snaps in each of his three seasons, Sewell has only missed one game.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote that one voter in this year’s offensive tackle rankings voted someone besides Williams No. 1 out of “boredom”. Sewell’s highest ranking was No. 2, so that first-place vote didn’t go to him.
When Williams could be unseatable as the starting offensive tackle, Fowler did extend an invitation.
“By this time next year, a star tackle out of Detroit or Tampa Bay might be wearing the crown.”
Left tackle for the Buccaneers The aforementioned odd, non-Williams, No. 1 vote seems to have gone to Tristan Wirfs, though Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas also garnered one.
Taylor Decker, a left tackle for the Lions, received some recognition from a coordinator and was included as an honorable mention in the rankings.
“Good size, brings an element of toughness, good run blocker, solid in protection.”
Sewell will hold the top spot in offensive tackle rankings like this one for a while to come, and he won’t be giving it up. Simply said, it wasn’t this year.
