Lions roster preview: Penei Sewell is ready to take things to a new level

Already a two-time All-Pro, can Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell elevate his game even further?

We are getting closer to Detroit Lions football everyday, and as time marches forward this Summer, so does our roster preview series.

Next up, we have one of the cornerstones of the franchise, First-Team All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell. Entering year five of what has already been a historic start to his career, Sewell has established himself as one of the most revered offensive linemen in the NFL, and a key leader in Detroit’s locker room.

“We’ve had guys that have been working here before the offseason program started, like Sewell’s one of those guys, which is awesome,” said coach Dan Campbell of his star tackle. “One of our captains, our leaders.”

Previous previews: QB Jared Goff , RB Sione Vaki , RB Jahmyr Gibbs , WR Jameson Williams , WR Kalif Raymond, TE Sam LaPorta , OL Colby Sorsdal , OT Giovanni Manu , G Graham Glasgow , EDGE Aidan Hutchinson , DT Brodric Martin , DL Pat O’Connor , LB Malcolm Rodriguez , LB Grant Stuard , CB Ennis Rakestraw , CB Terrion Arnold, DB Brian Branch , K Jake Bates

Penei Sewell

Expectations heading into 2024

After his first All-Pro selection in 2023, expectations were understandably really high for Sewell. So much so that I wasn’t alone in the lofty Offensive Player of the Year chatter prior to the 2024 season. And while that discussion may not have been very realistic, the Lions were legitimate contenders after falling just short of a Super Bowl appearance, and Sewell, along with the rest of the offensive line, is at the center of it all.

It isn’t often that modern day offenses are constructed around an offensive lineman, but then again, few possess the skill set that Sewell does. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 335 pounds, the athleticism the native Samoan displays on a down-to-down basis is truly special. And while a lot of the media attention goes to players like running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, or wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams—it all starts up front for Detroit.

And with the way the 2023 season ended, and how laser-focused Sewell appeared to be in those moments following the heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game , it’s easy to understand why so many had Detroit tabbed as a title contender ahead of the regular season.

Actual role in 2024

18 games (18 starts) — 1,144 offensive snaps
Stats per PFF: 1 sack allowed (also sacked once), 5 QB hits, 28 total pressures, 6 penalties
PFF overall grade: 87.5 (4th out of 140 offensive tackles)
PFF offensive grade: 89.6 (3rd out of 140)
PFF pass blocking grade: 75.4 (34th out of 140)
PFF run blocking grade: 91.5 (2nd out of 140)

Simply put, Sewell was one of the best players in the NFL in 2024, earning his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection while the Lions secured the number one overall seed in the NFC. On more than one occasion, it appeared as if the Detroit coaching staff made it a point to heavily feature Sewell in the gameplan, knowing he would have a major advantage over whoever was lined up in front of him. Entire offensive series were dedicated to running the ball behind #58, and for good reason.

Gap scheme, zone, you name it, the Lions have run it well for some time now. The result was a record-setting year for the Lions’ running game in 2024, and plenty of highlight-worthy blocks from Sewell in the process.

Whether it was getting out in front of a ball-carrier in space as a puller, or shutting down an opposing pass rusher on third down—the fourth-year tackle was dialed in early.

For someone who entered the league with immense expectations coming out of the University of Oregon, I think it is safe to say Sewell has lived up to everything and more through his first four years in the NFL. And as dominant as he has been, he is still of the mindset that he can improve in all facets of his game.

“A lot more comfortable, to be honest,” said Sewell when asked about growing more comfortable in the building. “Each year I have under my belt, that confidence just gets increased; that comfortability gets increased. I think now that leadership role starts to, I guess, take another step. Not only what my words carry, but my actions. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Outlook for 2025

With the departure of both All-Pro center Frank Ragnow and right guard Kevin Zeitler during the offseason, Sewell will likely be counted on even more in a leadership capacity. The Lions’ offensive line needed an injection of youth at some point in the near future, and if veteran interior offensive lineman Graham Glasgow doesn’t win a starting job in August, Detroit could be rolling out three new (and young) starters in Week 1 of the 2025 season.

And while starting left tackle Taylor Decker is an excellent leader in his own right at this point in his career, the offensive line (and team) look to Sewell to set the tone on gamedays. Luckily for the Lions, Sewell doesn’t take this responsibility lightly, and has devoted this offseason to taking his game to another level. If he can turn his already All-Pro level of consistency as a pass-protector up a notch, there should be little argument as to who the best offensive tackle in the game is. Especially given the fact that Sewell will begin the 2025 season at just 24 years old.

“Personally, I wanted to get strong, definitely at the point of attack, both run game and pass game,” said Sewell of his offseason activities. “Yeah, I just wanted to be more sturdy, while maintaining my conditioning because we get to run more than others at the position. That’s the main thing going it, I just wanted to get bigger and stronger, while maintaining my speed and conditioning.”

A more experienced, bigger, and stronger Penei Sewell that is somehow just as fast and freaky-athletic? Scary times for NFL defenses.