Penei Sewell
Penei Sewell – The Foundation of Detroit’s Resurgence
Once seen as one of the NFL’s most hopeless franchises, the Detroit Lions have undergone a dramatic transformation under head coach Dan Campbell. Central to that cultural and tactical shift is the team’s renewed focus on the trenches — and no name shines brighter on that front than Penei Sewell.
Drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Sewell was an unconventional pick for a right tackle, considering most top-10 linemen are groomed for the left side. Yet Detroit’s bold move paid off. In just four seasons, Sewell has earned three Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro honors, and most recently was ranked second among all NFL tackles in an ESPN poll of coaches, players, and executives.
He’s not just a talented player; he’s become a symbol of Detroit’s resurgence — tough, physical, and unrelentingly consistent.
Mitchell Schwartz Sparks Controversy
Despite Sewell’s accolades and rising stardom, a wave of skepticism surfaced this week from an unexpected source: former All-Pro tackle Mitchell Schwartz. In a now-viral Twitter post, Schwartz expressed doubts about Sewell’s status among the league’s elite, arguing that his public image may be outpacing his actual performance — particularly in pass protection.
“Whoever handles Sewell’s image is doing a stellar job,” Schwartz tweeted. “Run blocking is great, but if you’re only decent or slightly above average at protecting the quarterback, you shouldn’t be ranked among the very best at your position. I don’t dislike Sewell — he’s still my second-best right tackle — but the level of praise he’s getting is more than what he’s earned.”
Schwartz’s remarks triggered instant debate across the league, with some agreeing that the young tackle has room to grow, while others defended his impact and growth trajectory.
Looking at the Numbers
Sewell’s defenders point to his elite run-blocking and overall consistency. In 2024, he allowed just one sack — a statistic that would seem to support his top-tier status. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) offers a more nuanced take: they gave Sewell a 74.1 grade in pass protection, placing him 39th among tackles league-wide.
That number bolsters Schwartz’s argument: while Sewell may dominate in the run game, his pass-blocking might not yet be on par with the NFL’s very best.
Still, Sewell earned the second-highest run-blocking grade among all tackles — a vital metric for Detroit’s offense, which thrives on physicality and control in the trenches.
The Other Names Schwartz Believes Deserve More Credit
Schwartz didn’t stop at critiquing Sewell — he also pointed to a few offensive tackles he believes deserve more recognition for their all-around play, especially in protecting the quarterback.
His shortlist included:
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Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)
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Tristan Wirfs (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
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Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers)
All three are known for their dominance in both pass and run blocking, and Schwartz believes these veterans set a more complete standard for what “elite” should truly mean.
According to ESPN’s rankings, Wirfs currently holds the No. 1 spot, followed closely by Sewell, Johnson, and Williams — confirming just how tight the race is at the top.
Still a Star in His Own Right
Even with the criticism, few would dispute that Penei Sewell remains one of the NFL’s brightest young linemen. At just 24 years old, he’s already achieved more than many linemen do over an entire career. His presence on the Lions’ offensive line has been instrumental in protecting Jared Goff and opening massive lanes for the run game — helping fuel Detroit’s powerful and balanced offense.
To call him “overrated” may be a stretch. What’s undeniable is that Sewell is still evolving, and that his youth leaves plenty of room for growth. If anything, he’s only just getting started.
Final Thoughts: Overhyped or Just Misunderstood?
Mitchell Schwartz’s comments raise a valid discussion about how we evaluate offensive linemen — especially in a league that tends to favor flash over fundamentals. Should pass-blocking carry more weight? Are accolades sometimes too heavily influenced by narrative?
Regardless of which side you fall on, one truth stands: Penei Sewell is a foundational piece of one of the NFL’s most promising franchises. He may have his critics, but he also has a highlight reel — and a resume — that speaks volumes.
And if this is what “overrated” looks like, then the Lions are in very good hands.
