Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell has an argument to be the best offensive lineman in football. Since entering the league in 2021, Sewell has been selected to three Pro Bowls and has been a first-team All-Pro selection in two consecutive seasons. He even received a few votes in the AP Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2024.
Sewell is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career and could win his first major award in 2025.
During the spring meetings, the NFL announced the introduction of an award that will recognize the best offensive lineman of the year, calling it Protector of the Year. The winner of the award will be decided by a panel of former standout NFL offensive linemen.
Sewell should be one of the favorites to be the first recipient of the award. However, The Draft Network's Justin Melo completely snubbed the Lions All-Pro lineman from his list of the top five candidates who could win Protector of the Year.
Melo believes San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams, Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson, Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, and Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins have higher chances to win the award than Sewell.
Obviously, leaving Sewell off the list was an egregious mistake by Melo. The Oregon standout has been a member of the first-team All-Pro group in two straight seasons for a reason, as there may not be an offensive tackle in football who means more to their respective franchise than Sewell.
We'll see who ends up taking home the Protector of the Year award in 2025, as there are plenty of offensive linemen worthy of the honor. However, if Sewell continues his elite play this season, he should be at the top of the list.
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