NFL offensive linemen are finally getting the recognition they deserve this season as the league will now have an award called “Protector of the Year”, which will be awarded to the top blocker in the league. Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins and former Rams and Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth combined to help create the award.

Among those that will be in the mix for the inaugural award: Lions right tackle Penei Sewell. In fact, Nick Shook of NFL.com ranked his top ten picks for the award. Sewell was at the very top of the list.

No matter who you ask, most everyone will agree Sewell is the favorite to take home the first Protector of the Year award. Billed as a generational talent coming out of Oregon, Sewell has lived up to expectations so far, completing the switch to right tackle and making such a difference for Detroit’s high-powered offense last season that he garnered some fringe consideration for Offensive Player of the Year. With an award now in place to properly recognize linemen, Sewell will bring a sterling reputation to the race and should own a place near the front of the pack in 2025. The only way he doesn’t land among the top finalists is if Detroit’s offense regresses under new offensive coordinator John Morton.

Sewell has already made his mark as one of the best tackles in the NFL and if the Lions keep up their high-powered offense, Sewell will easily be in the mix, if not have the inside track, to being the first Protector of the Year.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell named NFL’s Protector of the Year favorite