Penei Sewell Named to NFL First Team All-Pro for Second Consecutive Year
In a highly competitive league like the NFL, consistency and excellence over multiple seasons is a significant achievement. For Penei Sewell, the Detroit Lions’ standout right tackle, this consistency has paid off in the most prestigious of ways—being named to the NFL First Team All-Pro for the second consecutive year. This recognition not only highlights Sewell’s individual talent but also underscores his integral role in the resurgence of the Detroit Lions as a competitive force in the NFL.
The Rise of Penei Sewell
Penei Sewell’s journey to becoming one of the league’s premier offensive linemen began long before his All-Pro honors. Born in Malaeimi, American Samoa, Sewell moved to the United States at a young age and quickly became known for his athleticism and size. His physical attributes—standing 6’5” and weighing over 330 pounds—immediately stood out, but it was his work ethic, technical ability, and football IQ that truly set him apart. Sewell attended Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, where he quickly made a name for himself on the football field.
From there, he went on to play college football at the University of Oregon, where his dominance on the offensive line was apparent from the start. Sewell was a consensus All-American in 2019 and won several accolades, including the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him a highly sought-after prospect, and in 2021, Sewell was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the seventh overall pick.
Despite being a rookie in 2021, Sewell quickly showcased that he was ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Playing right tackle instead of his usual left tackle position (a transition many expected to slow his progress), Sewell didn’t just hold his own; he thrived. His ability to protect quarterback Jared Goff’s blind side and open up running lanes for the Lions’ backfield was exceptional. It was clear that Sewell’s trajectory was headed upward, and his nomination to the NFL All-Rookie Team only confirmed his potential.
A Year-by-Year Analysis: Sewell’s Growth
While Sewell’s 2021 season was impressive, it was in 2022 and 2023 that he truly began to cement himself as one of the top players in the NFL. His selection to the NFL First Team All-Pro following the 2022 season was a clear indicator that he had arrived. But as with all great players, Sewell did not rest on his laurels. He continued to work tirelessly to refine his craft and maintain the elite level of play that had made him so special.
In 2023, Sewell further solidified his place in the upper echelon of offensive linemen. The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, were experiencing a period of growth and success, and Sewell was at the heart of their offensive resurgence. His ability to protect the quarterback, particularly on passing plays, was invaluable to a Lions offense that was emerging as one of the more dynamic units in the NFL.
Sewell’s run-blocking also improved significantly over the years. The Lions’ running back committee, led by players like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, found great success running behind Sewell’s blocks. His ability to move defenders off the ball, create running lanes, and pull with precision in screen and outside-zone schemes made him an indispensable part of the offensive line.
What Makes Penei Sewell an All-Pro?
The term “All-Pro” is often reserved for the league’s most outstanding players at each position, and for Sewell to earn this honor twice in a row, it’s essential to understand what makes him so special. While offensive linemen don’t always receive the same level of recognition as skill-position players, Sewell’s contributions have been hard to ignore. Several key attributes contribute to his consistent dominance.
1. Technique and Fundamentals
At the core of Sewell’s success is his impeccable technique. From his hand placement to his footwork, Sewell is a technician in every sense of the word. His hands are quick and strong, allowing him to lock onto defenders and keep them at bay. His footwork allows him to maintain balance, stay in front of pass rushers, and adjust to any changes in their movement. In pass protection, Sewell’s quickness off the snap is a crucial factor in neutralizing opposing defensive ends.
In the running game, Sewell’s fundamentals are equally impressive. His ability to maintain leverage and drive defenders off the line of scrimmage has been a game-changer for the Lions’ offensive attack. Whether he’s blocking in a zone scheme or engaging in power runs, Sewell’s consistency in terms of technique is top-notch.
2. Athleticism
While offensive linemen are often judged primarily on their size and strength, Sewell’s athleticism has been a defining trait. Sewell’s agility for a man his size is remarkable. His lateral quickness and ability to mirror pass rushers are attributes that few can replicate. His ability to pull on screens and execute reach blocks on the move is an invaluable asset to the Lions’ offense.
3. Football IQ
Sewell’s football IQ sets him apart from many of his peers. Offensive linemen need to understand not just their responsibilities but the tendencies of opposing defenders, defensive line stunts, and the timing of the quarterback’s dropbacks. Sewell’s ability to anticipate these movements and make adjustments on the fly is something that has elevated his play to an elite level.
4. Physicality
Sewell is a player who plays with an edge. His strength and physicality allow him to dominate opponents in the trenches. He’s not just blocking defenders; he’s physically imposing his will on them. Whether in the running game or as a pass protector, Sewell’s strength is evident as he frequently wins battles against some of the most talented pass rushers in the league. His ability to engage with power while also showcasing the finesse necessary to avoid penalties or holding calls is a rare combination in today’s NFL.
The Impact on the Detroit Lions
Penei Sewell’s performance goes beyond just individual accolades. His ability to dominate in the trenches has had a direct impact on the success of the Detroit Lions’ offense. The Lions, who have often been considered an underdog in the NFC, have shown significant improvement in recent years, especially with their offensive unit.
Sewell’s stellar play at right tackle has helped the Lions establish a balanced offensive attack. Jared Goff has benefited from Sewell’s protection, and the running game has flourished as a result of his relentless blocking. The team’s offensive line, with Sewell at its core, has quickly become one of the league’s best. The Lions’ offensive success is tied directly to Sewell’s ability to both protect the quarterback and open up space for their running backs.
Sewell’s leadership on and off the field has been another key factor in the Lions’ improved performance. As one of the cornerstones of the Lions’ rebuild, his work ethic and commitment to his craft have set a standard for the rest of the team. He’s earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents alike, and his focus on continuous improvement has created a culture of excellence within the organization.
Looking Ahead
With Penei Sewell now having earned First Team All-Pro honors for two consecutive seasons, the question remains: what’s next? At just 24 years old, Sewell is still early in his career, and his potential seems limitless. As the Detroit Lions continue to build their team around young, dynamic players like Sewell, the future looks incredibly bright.
For Sewell, this recognition is just the beginning. While he has already established himself as one of the best right tackles in the game, he has shown no signs of slowing down. If he continues his trajectory of improvement, it’s not out of the question that Sewell could one day be considered among the best offensive linemen in NFL history.
