Analyst: Penei Sewell 'Gold Standard' at Right Tackle

Penei Sewell is one of the building blocks on the Lions' young roster.

Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell is among the most respected offensive linemen, even though he is only entering his third season in the NFL. 

In a recent ranking of non-quarterback franchise building blocks, NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks explained why Detroit's right tackle is the "gold standard" at his position. 

As Brooks explained, "Though he's not a household name, this Lions standout is the gold standard at right tackle. Measuring 6-5, 331 pounds with dancing bear-like agility, Sewell is an athletic people-mover with the balance and body control to dominate opponents on the edges."

Last season, Sewell became empowered to take on more of a leadership role, speaking up in a locker room that was among the youngest in the league. 

"I think it definitely starts in the locker room," Sewell recently told reporters. "That’s where we all spend the most time with each other and kind of get away from football and actually learn about the human being across you that really you’re going to war with. I think it starts from there, and then everything after that just follows through."

As a result, the Lions were able to overcome a 1-6 start to eventually finish the 2022 season winning eight of their final 10 games. 

"Whether paving the way for runners as a lead blocker on pin-and-pull plays or stalemating pass rushers on the edge, the third-year pro is a blue-chip player with the dominant skills and nasty temperament that coaches and scouts demand in a franchise tackle," writes Brooks. "As the league continues to evolve into an offensive showcase, the presence of a dynamic edge blocker is critical to the team-building process -- and to the offense on the rise in Detroit."