There's no doubt Penei Sewell is already one of the best right tackles in the NFL, but one analyst has gone to a higher level in praise of the young Lions' star.
Entering his third NFL season, Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell added the first of what are sure to be many Pro Bowl selections to his resume last year. He is broadly already regarded as one of the best at his position in the league.
Sewell now practically qualifies as a grizzled veteran on this Lions' team, and recently he openly talked about stepping into a more noticeable leadership role as last season went on.
"Actually, one of my teammates came up to me and was like, 'You've got to talk.' It was actually Jared (Goff). I just kind of stepped into that role and let my heart speak and ran from there." ""Penei Sewell
Analyst puts very big praise on Penei Sewell
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com recently ranked who he sees as the top-10 non-quarterback franchise building blocks in the league. He used those he'd love to build around over the next five years as a time window, and players who are currently 26 years old or younger heading into the 2023 season to narrow the ranking.
Sewell lands at No. 10 on the list, but Brooks was not shy with his praise.
"Though he's not a household name, this Lions standout is the gold standard at right tackle. Measuring 6-5, 331 pounds with dancing bear-like agility, Sewell is an athletic people-mover with the balance and body control to dominate opponents on the edges. Whether paving the way for runners as a lead blocker on pin-and-pull plays or stalemating pass rushers on the edge, the third-year pro is a blue-chip player with the dominant skills and nasty temperament that coaches and scouts demand in a franchise tackle. As the league continues to evolve into an offensive showcase, the presence of a dynamic edge blocker is critical to the team-building process -- and to the offense on the rise in Detroit."
Sewell does indeed have a "nasty temperament" you might not expect him to have (see confrontation with Aaron Donald during his rookie season). He is also clearly a great athlete, with the clear evidence there his clutch reception against the Vikings last season.
Sewell, who will turn 23 during the upcoming season, is obviously a long-term building block for the Lions. But it's nice Brooks has highlighted him as that within a league-wide scope.