Penei Sewell has, without doubt, been one of the best offensive linemen in the league over the past few seasons. However, ESPN analyst Mike Clay's decision not to rank him in the top five, let alone No.1, is at odds with fans who took offense to his ranking.

“Half of the analysis seems to agree with PBWR, which is interesting,” Clay wrote on July 11 in an X post. “A friendly reminder that the ratings on the chart are not my opinion - they’re a compilation of pass and rush win rates, PFF grade, draft capital, and playing time. Always open to suggestions on good, objective measures for OL evaluation. Bring it!”

ESPN’s July 11 survey with executives, coaches, and scouts had ranked Penei Sewell as the best offensive lineman in the league. However, Clay released his projected offensive line rankings for next season, in which he ranked Sewell as the 10th-best, drawing criticism from fans.

Now, he has challenged fans while also sticking with his ranking of the Lions star.

According to Clay, Sewell’s pass block win rate of 89.6%, being the lowest in his career and only good enough for the 17th-best offensive lineman in the league, was a reason. He then expressed that Lions fans were just complaining and asked for analytical proof. 

However, Sewell’s accolades would suggest something else. Since being drafted seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, he has been nothing short of amazing. Four Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections in consecutive years are commendable feats.

Meanwhile, Sewell was ranked in a list of top NFL players under 25.

Sewell ranked Top 3 amongst NFL players under 25

Since being drafted in 2021, Sewell has become a stalwart in the Lions’ offensive line under head coach Dan Campbell. Still only 25 years old, his accolades and performances have helped rank him as the third-best player under the age of 25 in the NFL, according to CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan.

Ranking behind Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Sullivan praised Sewell and named him the “gold standard” for offensive tackles in the NFL.

“Sewell has been a major X-factor in their success on the ground,” wrote Sullivan, referencing the Lions’ success in the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. “He’s also been superb in protecting Jared Godd (Goff), allowing just three sacks last season, according to TruMedia. His 19 pressures allowed tied a career low, and he was beaten on just 2.1% of his snaps, also a career best.”

Sewell also topped the chart of qualified offensive tackles in the league with a PFF grade of 95.1. He was also the best run blocker with a grade of 96.7 and eleventh in the league in pass-blocking grade with 80.3.

With him having to switch to the left side of the offensive line, it will be interesting to see if Sewell will continue to impress next season.

Do you agree with Sewell’s ranking or would you change it? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Akanksha Biradar