Detroit Lions’ Penei Sewell Ranks Among NFL’s Best Offensive Linemen After 2024 Campaign
As the 2024 NFL season comes to a close, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell has solidified his place among the league’s elite offensive linemen. Following a stellar season, Sewell’s rise from a promising rookie to one of the best at his position has been a key part of the Lions’ offensive success. His continued growth and performance have earned him widespread recognition and positioned him as a cornerstone piece for the future of Detroit’s offensive line.
Penei Sewell’s Quick Ascension
When the Lions selected Penei Sewell with the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, expectations were high. A generational talent at Oregon, Sewell was touted as one of the most polished offensive tackle prospects in years. His combination of size, strength, athleticism, and technique immediately made him a potential franchise left tackle for the Lions.
In his rookie season, Sewell was thrust into a pivotal role at right tackle due to the Lions’ existing left tackle, Taylor Decker, being sidelined. Despite the positional shift, Sewell showed remarkable adaptability and poise, immediately becoming one of the best young tackles in the NFL. His ability to handle speed rushers, protect his quarterback, and open up running lanes was evident from day one.
However, it was in 2024 that Sewell truly emerged as one of the NFL’s top-tier offensive linemen. He not only continued to improve his play but elevated his game in ways that caught the attention of coaches, players, and analysts across the league.
2024 Season Highlights: A Dominant Force
The 2024 season for Sewell was nothing short of impressive. As part of an offensive line that has been one of the most consistent units in the league, Sewell’s individual performance stood out in key areas.
Pass Protection: Sewell’s pass protection was nothing short of elite in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Sewell allowed just one sack over the course of the entire season, a testament to his immaculate technique and ability to neutralize even the most talented pass rushers. His ability to maintain a strong, balanced stance and read defenders’ moves has made him one of the most difficult tackles to beat in pass protection.
Sewell has a natural knack for engaging defenders early in their rush, locking them up and dictating the pace of the play. His footwork is incredibly smooth for a player his size, allowing him to slide quickly and adjust to counter moves, keeping pressure away from quarterback Jared Goff. With Sewell anchoring the right side, the Lions’ passing attack thrived, giving Goff the time and confidence needed to excel in the pocket.
Run Blocking: Sewell’s impact as a run blocker is equally impressive. Detroit’s offensive philosophy under head coach Dan Campbell has focused on a strong, physical ground game, and Sewell is a key reason the Lions’ offensive line has become one of the best in the NFL. Whether it’s leading the way for running back Jahmyr Gibbs or opening up lanes for play-action plays, Sewell’s ability to control defenders at the point of attack is exceptional.
One of Sewell’s defining traits as a run blocker is his physicality. At 6’5″ and 335 pounds, Sewell uses his strength to dominate defenders at the line of scrimmage. He has shown the ability to move defenders off the ball, clearing pathways for Detroit’s running backs to gain big chunks of yardage. In 2024, Sewell was particularly effective in the short-yardage and goal-line situations, helping the Lions convert crucial third- and fourth-down situations. His ability to push defenders back has turned Detroit’s ground game into a dominant force in the NFC.
Versatility: Another factor that has raised Sewell’s stock in 2024 is his versatility. While he has predominantly played right tackle, Sewell has shown that he’s more than capable of stepping in at left tackle if necessary. This adaptability makes him an even more valuable asset to the Lions’ offensive line. His ability to shift seamlessly between positions—while maintaining a high level of play—has made him a valuable commodity, especially in the event of injury or a shifting lineup.
Recognition and Accolades
By the end of the 2024 season, Sewell’s dominance didn’t go unnoticed. Several major media outlets and analysts recognized him as one of the league’s top offensive linemen. The Associated Press named Sewell to the 2024 All-Pro First Team, cementing his place as one of the NFL’s best tackles. The honor was particularly meaningful as it’s a reflection of the tremendous leap Sewell has made since entering the league.
Sewell’s recognition extended beyond individual accolades, as his play has significantly contributed to the Lions’ success as a team. Detroit’s offense was one of the highest-scoring units in the NFC in 2024, and Sewell’s play in both the pass and run games has been integral to that success. His dominance on the field has earned him respect from both teammates and opponents alike.
The Impact on the Lions’ Offense
The Lions’ offensive line has long been considered one of the best in the league, and Sewell is undoubtedly the anchor of that unit. In 2024, Detroit’s offensive line ranked in the top five for both pass protection and run blocking, and Sewell’s play has been a key part of that.
Having a player like Sewell on the right side of the offensive line allows the Lions to operate their offense with confidence. It gives Goff a stable and reliable pocket, while also providing the ground game with the physical edge it needs to dominate. In a division that features strong defensive lines, particularly with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, Sewell’s play provides the Lions with a distinct advantage.
Additionally, Sewell’s ability to dominate defenders in both pass protection and run blocking has had a ripple effect on the entire team. His play allows offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to dial up a variety of schemes and plays, knowing that Sewell will consistently execute his assignment. Whether the play is a deep drop-back pass or a designed run to the outside, Sewell’s impact is felt every time the ball is snapped.
A Cornerstone for the Lions’ Future
Looking ahead, Penei Sewell is not only a key player for the Lions in the present, but he is also a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. At just 23 years old, Sewell is entering the prime years of his career, and his trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. He’s already one of the best tackles in the NFL, and as he continues to refine his technique and grow as a player, his potential is through the roof.
The Lions’ front office has invested heavily in their offensive line over the past few seasons, and Sewell’s development is a testament to that commitment. The addition of players like Sewell and his fellow linemen has transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the most well-rounded and dangerous in the NFL. With Sewell leading the charge, Detroit’s offensive line will continue to be a key asset as the team looks to contend for championships in the coming years.
Penei Sewell’s performance in the 2024 season has solidified his place as one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen. His dominance in both pass protection and run blocking, combined with his versatility and physicality, make him a cornerstone piece of the Detroit Lions’ offense. As the team continues to build a championship-caliber squad, Sewell’s role in protecting Jared Goff and opening up lanes for the running game cannot be overstated.
Looking ahead, Sewell is not just an elite talent but a player who will be a key figure in the Lions’ success for years to come. With his incredible skill set and relentless work ethic, Penei Sewell’s rise to the top of the NFL’s offensive linemen ranks is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career in Detroit.