Penei Sewell Named NFL's Top Offensive Tackle

An ESPN poll of NFL executives, coaches and scouts ranked Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell as the league's best offensive tackle heading into the 2026 season, moving up from second place last year. Sewell was placed ahead of veterans such as Trent Williams, Tristan Wirfs, Jordan Mailata and Laremy Tunsil. An anonymous NFL executive praised him, saying, "He has the most 'f--k you' attitude plays in the league. Always brings the juice." The Lions plan to shift Sewell from right tackle to left tackle after the departure of Taylor Decker, tasking him with protecting quarterback Jared Goff's blind side. Sewell has started all 83 regular‑season games he has played, missed only two games in five seasons, earned Pro Bowl honors each of the past four years, three First‑Team All‑Pro selections and finished 11th in NFL Offensive Player of the Year voting in 2024.