Penei Sewell has already established himself as one of the best offensive linemen in football. However, it looks like the superstar right tackle is prioritizing a leadership role at Detroit Lions training camp.
Sewell has taken a few young Lions offensive linemen under his wing at camp, including rookies Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier.
"I've been in the playbook and trying to help the young guys elevate their game," Sewell said after Saturday's practice via Tim Twentyman of Lions.com. "That's really the most important thing for myself right now is making sure those young guys, the first group especially, is ready to go.
"You constantly tell them that you're a shoulder to lean on. Constantly tell them, 'I'm here if you have any questions.' Even if I see something I try not to wait for him to ask. I take it upon myself to step forward and voice my perspective on what I would do differently."
Twentyman added in his camp notes that Sewell is locked on this new leadership role.
"That leadership role is something Sewell takes very seriously. He had some veterans take him under their wing when he first stepped into the league and he's now doing the same for Detroit's youngsters upfront like Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. The rookie Ratledge has been lining up next to Sewell at right guard the last two days in padded practices," Twentyman wrote.
With the departure of Kevin Zeitler in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, the Lions will need Ratledge or Frazier to step up as the starting right guard.
It sounds like Ratledge is the starting currently, and is learning a lot from Sewell's mentorship. The 2021 No.7 overall pick has been a first-team All-Pro selection in two consecutive seasons, but his leadership may be his most valuable attribute in 2025.
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