Pride of Detroit
As much as we don’t like to admit it, at times, we as fans can take greatness for granted. Especially if someone has been doing it for an extended period of time. Take Detroit Lions left tackle Penei Sewell for example.
Dating back to when he was the first selection made by Lions general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell in the 2021 NFL Draft, it was clear that the leadership in Detroit knew they had someone special in the then 20-year old Samoan. And from the time he first stepped on the field as a rookie, we’ve come to appreciate the way Sewell approaches the game.
Fast-forward to the present day and it’s easy to see why. Sewell is not only a perennial All-Pro, but he is also the unquestioned leader in the Lions’ locker room, and one of the pillars that the entire franchise has been built on. Right here, we will be reviewing Sewell’s 2025 performance, as well as looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 season.
If you are looking for the first edition of this series, you can find Jeremy’s preview of Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Penei Sewell
Expectations heading into 2025
Despite there still being veterans along the offensive line such as left tackle Taylor Decker, and center Graham Glasgow, it was evident that this was Sewell’s team heading into the 2025 season. That is what happens when you make your second consecutive First Team All-Pro as a 24 year-old, which is what Sewell accomplished in only his fourth year as a pro in 2024.
For one more season, Sewell would be the Lions’ entrenched starter at right tackle, with Decker protecting quarterback Jared Goff’s blindside. And once again, he would be a featured player in what many figured to be an explosive Detroit offense.
Actual Role in 2025
16 games (16 starts)
PFF offense grade: 95.1 (1st of 94 qualifying offensive tackles)
PFF pass blocking grade: 80.3 (9th)
PFF run blocking grade: 96.7 (1st)
Unfortunately for the Lions, Sewell’s continued dominance wasn’t enough to cover up for the inconsistencies that plagued the offensive line for the majority of the 2025 regular season. On an individual level, it was more of the same from the former Oregon Duck. When it comes to making an impact in the run-blocking department, Sewell is simply in his own stratosphere as a player. Physically, he can do things that few linemen in the league can fathom. From the way he can operate in space, to his near superhuman-level of strength at the point of attack. Combine that with the way he is wired between the ears, and you get someone who is going to end up wearing a gold jacket in the future.
“This year alone, it wasn’t my best ball. It was far from that,” said Sewell regarding his play in 2025. “It starts with me up front. I believe that I’m going to set the tone. I’m going to make plays that typically, o-linemen don’t...
