The Detroit Lions added a former Illinois free agent to strengthen the roster depth. But while the signing itself drew little attention, Lions fans quickly erupted after an NFL analyst made a surprising comparison involving Penei Sewell.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the Motor City team signed Melvin Priestly from the  Illinois Fighting Illini. In a recent take on the comparison of Sewell and Priestley, Detroit analyst Chris Noora of Sports Talk Detroit has sparked buzz with his stamp of approval.

“The Detroit Lions just found Penei Sewell's clone, and we got him as an undrafted free agent,” said Noora. “I don't know if you've seen this guy. Awesome. Love it.”

Speaking on the recent signing further, Noora compared him to Sewell. 

“Here's this guy, Melvin Priestley. He was a right tackle at Illinois…” Noora said. “...he's going to be guarder center, versatility, pass protection, strike first punch,” Chris Noora added. “Better athleticism than the numbers suggest. He's 6 3, 317.”

The Detroit Lions announced the 22-year-old offensive lineman on May 12, 2026. The 6ft tall prospect and weighs 305 lbs is known for his on-field gameplay and physical blocking style.

Per Sports Reference, he appeared in 26 games for Illinois. Meanwhile, Sewell has earned Pro Bowl nods for the past four years.

The fans went after Chris Noora for comparison. Priestly is just starting his NFL career, whereas Sewell has already established himself with the Lions.

Lions Fans Tear Into Detroit Expert Over Penei Sewell Comments

Comparisons involving Penei Sewell were always bound to spark strong reactions across the Detroit Lions fanbase. But this time, fans made their feelings loud and clear after Detroit analyst Chris Noora drew parallels between Sewell and Melvin Priestley.

“I think Penei Sewell's clone would have been drafted,” one fan immediately said.

The fan pointed toward Blake Miller’s draft status as proof that the comparison went too far. Another fan mocked the delivery behind the take itself.

“Dude, Chris may be u see the influence with that ‘oh that’s a uh, well that’s uh, yah that’s on the other side of the world and uh ya so uh anyways’ lol one pride brother!” the comment read.

Some fans called out the headline directly.

“Dude. I've been following you and Craig for months. This is the worst clickbait you've ever posted,” one fan wrote.

For many, calling him a Sewell clone was difficult to swallow.

“You call him Sewell's clone, but then say he's a true guard, then say he's clearly not as athletic as Penei,” the user pointed out. 

Meanwhile, other fans kept it short and direct.

“Please don’t insult Mr Sewell,” another fan commented.

For now, Melvin Priestley still has everything to prove in the NFL, while Penei Sewell’s reputation in Detroit has clearly reached a level where fans are not handing out comparisons lightly.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote