Penei Sewell just got slammed in a take so unserious it hurts to read

The NFL’s top offensive tackles were ranked this past week by ESPN, using a poll of more than 70 league executives, coaches, and scouts. Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell came in at No. 2 overall. Not second at right tackle—second at both tackle positions.

That’s not a surprise to anyone who’s been watching football. Sewell has been named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons and has only allowed one sack in that span. He’s been one of the most consistent players at any position in the league. There’s nothing fluky about his rise. He’s been a stud.

Apparently, not everyone sees it that way. Former Kansas City Chiefs tackle Mitchell Schwartz took to social media with a long and unnecessarily critical rant about Sewell, claiming he’s only getting this kind of recognition because of hype and marketing. He went as far as calling Sewell “average to above average” as a pass protector, and implied his accolades aren’t earned.

Being off-base is one thing... this is something else entirely

The whole thing feels petty, and it’s not really grounded in reality. Even if someone wants to argue for Eagles star Lane Johnson or another name ahead of Sewell, that’s fine. But nobody else is out here pretending the Lions’ right tackle is getting more credit than he deserves.

Sewell played every snap last season and committed just three penalties. He ranked second among all tackles in ESPN’s composite voting, was named 21st-best player in the league by Pete Prisco, and helped anchor the best offense in the NFC. The Lions ask him to do more than most linemen. That includes pulling, blocking in space, screen plays, and the occasional trick play. He literally does it all.

Schwartz keeps referencing a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade from last season as if that number alone tells the full story. But if grades and rankings are just subjective tools, and he admits that, then going out of his way to drag a player like Sewell doesn’t really make any sense. It feels more like a forgotten former player looking to get a brief moment in the spotlight.

There’s no real debate to be had. Sewell is a top-two tackle in the NFL, and the only reason it’s not unanimous is because of outdated ideas about right vs. left. Schwartz had a great playing career, but this take isn’t it.