Penei Sewell was the first draft pick of the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell era for the Detroit Lions, and over four seasons he has established himself as one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL (and the best right tackle). He has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of the last three years, with a First Team All-Pro selection in each of the last two.
In ESPN's preseason ranking of the league's offensive tackles last year, as insider Jeremy Fowler surveys executives, coaches and scouts from around the league each year, Sewell came in at No. 2. As Fowler noted then, it was only a matter of time before No. 1 Trent Williams was dethroned by a younger player.
"By this time next year, a star tackle out of Detroit or Tampa Bay might be wearing the crown."
That star tackle out of Detroit is obviously Sewell, and Fowler also referenced Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs as a candidate to displace Williams.
Penei Sewell has to wait his turn to take rightful place in position ranking
ESPN is now out with their offensive tackle rankings heading into the 2025 season. Sewell came in at No. 2 again, this time behind Wirfs.
"Sewell lost a narrow race with Wirfs for the top spot. Both kept pace with top-five votes, but Wirfs produced more first-place nods."
An AFC scout gave Wirfs the edge over Sewell for an expected, if a bit antiquated, reason.
"It's splitting hairs, really," an AFC scout said. "Both are great. I give the slight edge to [Wirfs] for playing the left side."
By some measures, including PFF pass blocking grade (75.4), 2024 was not quite up to Sewell's standard (as he would surely tell you). But he played every snap of every game for the third straight season, and his overall impact is impossible to miss.
"His 2024 metrics -- 91.2 pass block win rate and 71.7 run block win rate -- are not stellar, the latter ranking last among players who garnered at least one vote. But you don't have to watch Sewell play for long to know how he impacts a game.
"He's definitely one of the most complete players and most physical at the position," an NFC executive said. "I just feel there are a few others that are more dominant in both phases." Sewell showed discipline in 2024 with three penalties committed in 17 games played."
Lions left tackle Taylor Decker again received an "honorable mention" in ESPN's ranking, as he did in 2024, with the expected evaluation from an NFL personnel director.
"He has always been underrated to me. Big, smart, very steady, good in the run game and can handle power. Nothing flashy, but a very consistent player."
The Lions undeniably have one of the top offensive tackle tandems in the NFL. Once Sewell gets to No. 1 among his peers in rankings like ESPN's, and the time is coming, he's probably not going to cede the spot to anyone for awhile.
