Earlier this week, we pondered where Amon-Ra St. Brown ranks among all-time Detroit Lions receivers. Now it’s time to talk about his 2021 NFL Draft classmate—and the first pick in the Brad Holmes era—Penei Sewell.
In just four years, Sewell has established himself as one of the best Lions on the roster—and a solid argument could be made for the top spot on the 2025 squad. It’s hard to quantify the value of an elite offensive tackle, but three Pro Bowls and a two All-Pro awards are a pretty big indication to how good Sewell has been compared to others playing his position.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Where does Penei Sewell rank among all-time Lions offensive tackles?
My answer: There is certainly an overwhelming feeling that he’ll finish at the top spot. After all, he’s already accomplished so much, and he isn’t even 25 years old yet.
But has he already laid claim to No. 1 in Lions history?
There certainly isn’t anyone in recent history that can match Sewell’s accomplishments. Guys like Taylor Decker and Jeff Backus have been dependable and long-lasting, but they don’t have the accolades Sewell has already earned.
Going back just a smidge further, Lomas Brown may have the best case over the last 60 years in challenging Sewell. Brown was named to seven Pro Bowls, but he only has a single All Pro to his name. I think Brown’s longevity may give him the nod over Sewell at this point, but you could certainly make an argument for either.
But if we go all the way back to the Lions’ championships era in the 1950s, there is a man whose accomplishments far outnumber Brown’s and Sewell’s.
Lou Creekmur is not only a three-time NFL Champion as a 10-year legend with the Lions, but he was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All Pro. He’s a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was among the first class inducted into the franchise’s Pride of the Lions.
It’s obviously impossible to compare the actual play of both Creekmur and Sewell, given the lack of film from the 1950s and the drastic shifts in the game over 70 years. But in terms of accomplishments, Sewell still has a long ways to go to catch one of the most accomplished Lions to ever play the game.
Where do you think Sewell ranks in Lions offensive tackle history?
Leave a Reply