Penei Sewell had an incredible 2024 season with the Detroit Lions. The young offensive tackle was one of the most impactful offensive players in the league, but didn’t necessarily get the praise he deserved for such a performance since he doesn’t pass, catch, or run with the ball.
However, he is certainly one of the most exciting and impactful young players in the NFL, and he was named as the best player 25 and younger in the league headed into the new year.
That’s a major accomplishment considering who else could qualify for the top spot, like Puka Nacua, Jayden Daniels, and even fellow Lions players like Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, and Kerby Joseph.
Sewell is leading the way for Detroit’s young core, and that’s an excellent way to set yourself up for success if you’re the Lions’ offense. Having a protector like him making sure Jared Goff is able to comfortably operate in the pocket unlocks everything else for Detroit’s offense – that’s what makes him receiving these flowers from PFF even more fitting.
PFF analyst names Sewell best player 25 and under in NFL
Jonathon Macri of PFF named Sewell as the top player in the league who is 25 or younger because of both his reliability at the position as well as his top-rated run blocking for Detroit in 2024.
“Sewell’s run-blocking ability is his best asset, as he owns a 95.2 PFF run-blocking grade for his career — the second-best mark among all offensive linemen since entering the league in 2021. Most impressive about Sewell’s top PFF overall grade is that he has played more snaps (4,773) than any other qualifying player for this list, keeping him as the top player under 25 for one more year,” wrote Macri.
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Other Lions players listed by Macri include Montgomery, LaPorta, Gibbs, Branch, and Joseph. That’s a whopping six Lions named amongst the top 25 on this list, exemplifying their youth being a strength. While they have some amazing veterans rostered around these younger players, like Goff, D.J. Reed, and Taylor Decker, it’s important to see the development of these six players as they look to build upon their excellent regular seasons and into longer postseasons.
Sewell has been given a three year grade of 92.8 from PFF, and had an 89.6 grade on offense from the analytics site in 2024. He will continue to be one of the Lions’ best players on offense, regardless of any (much deserved) votes for Offensive Player of the Year.
