Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch (32) breaks a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

The Detroit Lions have done a masterful job of building through the NFL Draft.

As the 2025 season nears, offensive tackle Penai Sewell was named the top player under the age of 25 across the entire league, by Pro Football Focus.

“Sewell led this list last year,” Jonathon Macri writes for PFF. “And after another dominant season as one of the three highest-graded players at his position, his spot at the top remains solidified. Sewell’s run-blocking ability is his best asset, as he owns a 95.2 PFF run-blocking grade for his career — the second-best mark among all offensive linemen since entering the league in 2021.

“Most impressive about Sewell’s top PFF overall grade is that he has played more snaps (4,773) than any other qualifying player for this list, keeping him as the top player under 25 for one more year.”

Sewell has been a model of consistency for the Lions, and an anchor along an offensive line that has helped propel Jared Goff to becoming one of the most efficient quarterbacks over the past three seasons, league-wide.

Last season, Sewell allowed just one sack and five quarterback hits, as a pivotal cog in the Lions’ explosive offensive machine.

Detroit Lions’ Young Core Garners High Praise

One of the biggest reasons the Lions have won two consecutive NFC North championships and made an NFC Championship Game appearance during that span is how well general manager Brad Holmes has built Detroit via the draft.

Sewell is far from the only Lion on Pro Football Focus’ list of the top players under the age of 25.

In fact, safety Kerby Joseph, tight end sam LaPorta, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and safety Brian Branch all made the cut.

While the NFC North sent three teams to the postseason in 2024 and figures to be even more competitive in 2025, the Lions’ young core are a big reason Detroit remains among the realm of legitimate Super Bowl contenders this upcoming season.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs against San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) during the first half at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.

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