Penei Sewell can write an acceptance speech for OL award after latest rankings

Once the NFL announced they had created an award for one of the most overlooked positional groups in the league - the offensive lines keep quarterbacks and running backs protected - one name popped into to many fans' heads when considering who could be a shoo in for the trophy.

Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell.

NFL.com's Nick Shook feels the same.

No matter who you ask, most everyone will agree Sewell is the favorite to take home the first Protector of the Year award. Billed as a generational talent coming out of Oregon, Sewell has lived up to expectations so far, completing the switch to right tackle and making such a difference for Detroit's high-powered offense last season that he garnered some fringe consideration for Offensive Player of the Year. With an award now in place to properly recognize linemen, Sewell will bring a sterling reputation to the race and should own a place near the front of the pack in 2025. The only way he doesn't land among the top finalists is if Detroit's offense regresses under new offensive coordinator John Morton.

Sewell should be a lock for Protector of the Year award

Sewell was so good last season that he should have been considered for some votes for Offensive Player of The Year, but that accolade is usually reserved for the playmakers of the league. Understandable, but it was obvious that offensive linemen needed their own honor considering the hard work they do to keep offenses humming. Sewell is one of those linemen.

The 24 year old was the 2nd-best graded tackle in the league for running blocking in 2024 per PFF, and was graded 4th overall amongst tackles by the site, as well. Sewell has been a key part as to why the Lions' backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have been able to thrive in so much space, and why Jared Goff has been able to slowly but surely climb up the MVP ladder over the last several seasons.

Sewell has gotten recognition for his work on the line through two All-Pro first team appearances and three Pro Bowl appearances. However, getting an individual award in specific recognition for his work as the best lineman in the NFL would go a long way.

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As Shook notes, the only way that Sewell could lose out on the trophy is if the Lions' offense does take a step back under Morton. Based on conversations with players during training camp this year, though, it doesn't seem like something that's likely to happen.

Jameson Williams and Goff have been telling reporters that Morton hasn't changed much except to keep unlocking the speed that Williams holds in addition to wanting to hone in on a deep ball for Goff. That's a recipe for success for that duo which already saw Williams grab 1,000+ receiving yards in 2024.

Sewell also has back Gibbs and Montgomery in the backfield, two running backs who do not waste any space afforded to them by the Lions' offensive line. With all of these factors at play, it'd take a huge year from the San Francisco 49ers' and Philadelphia Eagles' offenses to upset Sewell for this trophy, as San Francisco's Trent Williams and Philadelphia's Lane Johnson are on Sewell's tail in Shook's ranking.

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