Penei Sewell: The Best Lineman in Football
Outland Trophy. #7 pick. All-Pro. The standard for offensive line play.
Penei Sewell won the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman as a sophomore in 2019. He was so dominant that when he opted out of the entire 2020 COVID season, he was still drafted #7 overall. He is now a Pro Bowler, All-Pro, and widely considered the best offensive lineman in the NFL. Oregon has produced great players at every position. Sewell might be the best of all of them.
#7
Draft Pick
2021, Detroit Lions
Outland
Trophy Winner
2019 (as a sophomore)
All-Pro
NFL Honors
Pro Bowler, All-Pro
3
Seasons at Oregon
2018-2020 (opted out 2020)
The Outland Trophy Season
In 2019, Sewell was a sophomore. He won the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's best interior lineman. He was a unanimous All-American. He was the anchor of an offensive line that helped Oregon win the Pac-12 Championship and the Rose Bowl. He was 19 years old and already the best lineman in college football. The award had never been given to a sophomore before.
The Opt-Out
When COVID shortened the 2020 season, Sewell opted out entirely to prepare for the NFL Draft. It was the right decision for his career. He did not play a single snap that season and was still the #7 overall pick. That tells you how far ahead of every other lineman in the country he was. The gap between Sewell and the next best OL prospect was not close.
NFL Dominance
Drafted by the Detroit Lions, Sewell became a Pro Bowler and All-Pro. He is part of a Lions offensive line that is considered the best in football. He protects Jared Goff's blind side and opens running lanes that make the Lions' ground game elite. When Oregon recruits visit Eugene, Sewell's name comes up. He is the proof that the program develops NFL-ready linemen.
The Sewell Family
Penei's younger brother Noah Sewell was a linebacker at Oregon (2021-2022) and was drafted by the Chicago Bears. The Sewell family represents one of the most talented football families to come through Eugene. Both brothers played on the same field, both made it to the NFL.
Career Highlights
Record
First Duck to Win the Outland Trophy
Won the 2019 Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman, beating finalists Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin) and Derrick Brown (Auburn). First Oregon player and first of Polynesian ancestry to win the award.
Stat
Zero Sacks Allowed in 926 Snaps
In 2019, Sewell did not allow a single sack over 926 snaps at left tackle. Only 7 pressures in 466 pass-blocking snaps. Eight games without allowing a single pressure, hurry, or hit on the quarterback.
Fact
Born in American Samoa
Born in Malaeimi, American Samoa. Father Gabriel moved the family to Utah chasing NFL dreams. Brother Noah plays LB for the Bears. Cousin of Rams WR Puka Nacua and Chiefs OT Kingsley Suamataia. A Polynesian football dynasty.
Record
First True Freshman OL Starter in 21 Years
Started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2018, the first Oregon true freshman OL starter since 1997. Found out he was starting the day before the game. Oregon went 6-1 in his starts.
Game
Dominated #5 Utah in 2019 Pac-12 Championship
Paved the way for 239 rushing yards (154 in the second half) and 3 touchdowns against the nation's #1 rush defense in Oregon's 37-15 title game rout.
Record
Unanimous All-American
Named unanimous first-team All-American in 2019. Joined LaMichael James (2010) and Marcus Mariota (2014) as the only Oregon players to achieve that honor.
Fact
Opted Out, Still Went #7
Did not play a single snap during the 2020 COVID season. Was still drafted 7th overall by the Lions. The gap between Sewell and the next OL prospect was that wide.
NFL
$112 Million Extension, Best OL in Football
Four Pro Bowls (2022-2025). Three First-Team All-Pro selections (2023-2025). Signed a $112M extension with Detroit in 2024. Widely rated as the best offensive lineman in the NFL.
Sources: Sports Reference, GoDucks.com, NFL.com
Is Penei Sewell the greatest Oregon football player ever?
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