If you go by some of the qualities the Detroit Lions have outlined for the players they want, Penei Sewell certainly checks the boxes on toughness and passion.
The Lions picked the Oregon offensive lineman No. 7 overall Thursday in the NFL draft and the 6-foot-6, 330-pounder already sounds like a disciple of general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.
“I’m bringing that mindset of I’m joining that culture,” Sewell said Thursday night, “and I’m joining the team with that same mindset and ready to run through anybody. And I’m going to come in each and every day putting on the pads and get under somebody’s chin and make them feel uncomfortable.”
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That’s a little higher of a target than the kneecaps Campbell has talked about biting, but it speaks to a likeminded ferocity that helped make Sewell the nation’s top offensive lineman in 2019, when he won the Outland Trophy. He opted out of the 2020 season.
As for passion, Sewell said he has plenty of that as well. He grew up on the small island of American Samoa and learned the game from his dad, Gabriel, a coach. Sewell started carrying bags and set up cones for his dad before the family moved to Utah, where Sewell attended high school.
Sewell said his connection to football extends far beyond his love of the sport.
“It’s a way of life for me, it’s not just a game,” he said. “Again, it’s something that I’ve always remembered. If I told you if I had a first memory of anything, it’s the game of football. I fell in love with it the moment that happened. And again I’m willing to do anything it takes to keep playing the game of football.”
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Sewell grew up a Lions fan because he enjoyed playing as the team in “Madden,” especially when the team had wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Jahvid Best on the roster. Otherwise, he doesn’t have much of a connection to Detroit, other than Lions tackle Tyrell Crosby, a friend and former Ducks offensive lineman.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of uncertainty in the draft process and one concern with Sewell has been his age. Only 20, he has just two seasons of college experience. But Sewell said he feels his age only speaks to the notion that he could have limitless potential.
“Man, to be honest I haven’t even started yet,” he said. “That’s how I feel. I feel like there’s a lot to prove and a lot to be done. Yeah, the sky’s the limit and I’m ready to tap into that potential and I’m ready to go to work to fulfill that dream.”
Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com and follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.