Penei Sewell has become a cornerstone of the Detroit Lions, anchoring the right side of their offensive line with All-Pro consistency. But for the second year in a row, ESPN’s annual offensive tackle rankings have him just shy of the top spot—coming in at No. 2 behind Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs.
The ranking, based on a survey of NFL execs, scouts, and coaches, puts Sewell in elite company but still looking up. Last year it was 49ers’ Trent Williams who edged him out. This year, it’s Wirfs, who reportedly earned more first-place votes—partly because he plays left tackle, a position traditionally viewed as more valuable.
“It’s splitting hairs,” one AFC scout said. “Both are great. I give the slight edge to [Wirfs] for playing the left side.”
While some of Sewell’s 2024 numbers—like his PFF run block grade—weren’t eye-popping, his reliability and physical dominance speak volumes. He played every snap for the third straight season and committed just three penalties across 17 games.
An NFC executive praised him as “one of the most complete and most physical players at the position.”
Taylor Decker, Detroit’s left tackle, also earned an “honorable mention” again, reinforcing how solid the Lions are on both edges of their line. One personnel director called him “underrated… steady, smart, and strong in the run game.”
The Lions’ offensive tackle duo remains among the best in football—and once Sewell grabs that No. 1 spot in the rankings, it’s hard to imagine him letting go.
Still Second? Penei Sewell Snubbed Again in Top OT Rankings
