NFL analyst company PFF doesn't consider Lions' Penei Sewell as the top tackle in the league.
The Detroit Lions, pursuing another successful season in the NFC North, are counting on their offensive line to deliver, with rookie standout Penei Sewell leading the charge. Sewell, hailed as a top-tier tackle by many, finds himself outside the top five offensive tackles in Pro Football Focus' rankings, a decision that has sparked some debate among fans.
Thealf paying attention to Sewell's run-blocking skills – regarded as the best in the league – Pro Football Focus has pointed out his pass protection, which could be improved. Arguing that he would have ranked higher on the list had his pass-blocking been stronger in 2024, Sewell presented a modest 75.4 pass-blocking grade, allowing pressure on 4.7% of pass plays, a figure that placed him 29th among offensive tackles.
Zoltán Buday of Pro Football Focus penned an explanation for Sewell's position, acknowledging the potential pushback from fans. "Arguably the best run-blocking offensive tackle in the league, Sewell would have ranked higher on this list had he performed better as a pass blocker in 2024," Buday wrote, explaining that while Sewell's run-blocking grade of 95.7 over the last two seasons has served as a leading factor, his pass-blocking performance leaves room for improvement.
Determined to refine his skills for the upcoming 2025 campaign, Sewell has set his sights on becoming "bigger and stronger" during the offseason. Working with the Lions' strength staff, Sewell seeks to maintain his speed and agility while enhancing his strength for improved overall performance. Taken as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell's improvement each season has solidified his status as a top star at his position. Yet, Pro Football Focus' rankings of his pass protection have suggested that there is still room for growth, particularly as the Lions prepare to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the upcoming 2025 season.
The Lions, fresh off a 15-2 season and division title, will aim to build on last year's success. Though they were eliminated by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, the Lions' eyes remain fixed on larger goals, with Sewell's continued development likely to play a crucial role in achieving them.
- The NFL Draft, a significant event in American football, saw the Detroit Lions select Penei Sewell, who has become a key player in their pursuit of an NFC North championship.
- Penei Sewell, despite being hailed as a top-tier tackle, finds himself under scrutiny due to his pass-blocking grade by Pro Football Focus, which places him 29th among offensive tackles.
- In an analysis by Zoltán Buday of Pro Football Focus, Sewell's run-blocking skills are praised, but his pass-blocking performance in 2024 is noted as an area for improvement.
- With the NFL season 2025 approaching, Penei Sewell is focusing on refining his pass protection skills, aiming to become "bigger and stronger" while maintaining his speed and agility, potentially impacting the Lions' success in their clash against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
