In just three seasons, Penei Sewell has become one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL and inarguably the best right tackle in the league. Two Pro Bowl selections, a First Team All-Pro nod last year and now a big contract to make sure he's a core piece for the Detroit Lions for years to come. He turns 24 in October.
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 came in at No. 2, behind 49ers' left tackle Trent Williams.
Here's what a couple evaluators said to ESPN about Sewell.
"Dominant run blocker and arguably the best anchor in pass protection," an AFC executive said. "Some OTs are great pass blockers but just average in the run game. He's elite in both phases. Very consistent. Plays with an edge."
"A dog, physically elite, improved every year," an NFL coordinator said."
Penei Sewell waiting his turn to be ranked as the NFL's best offensive tackle
Williams was the No. 1 offensive tackle in this year's rankings by ESPN and Pro Football Focus. Entering his age-36 season he remains elite in all phases, but he has missed at least two games in all four of his seasons as a 49er. Sewell has missed one game in his three seasons, with over 1,000 snaps in all three campaigns.
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.
Fowler did invite when Williams could be dethroned as the No. 1 offensive tackle.
"By this time next year, a star tackle out of Detroit or Tampa Bay might be wearing the crown."
Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs appears to be the one who received the aforementioned stray, non-Williams, No. 1 vote, though Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas got one too.
Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was among the honorable mentions in the rankings, with some praise from a coordinator.
"Good size, brings an element of toughness, good run blocker, solid in protection."
In due time, Sewell will be No. 1 in offensive tackle rankings like this and he won't be relinquishing the title for awhile after that. It just didn't happen this year.