Who is Detroit Lions' most important non-QB ahead of 2024 NFL season?

It isn't easy to stand out on the Detroit Lions' offensive line, which is the best unit in the NFL going into the 2024 campaign. However, star right tackle Penei Sewell has managed to do just that.

Forget just right tackle, Sewell is arguably the best tackle in the NFL, period, and has two Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro nod since 2022 to prove it. Detroit has since rewarded Sewell with a massive four-year, $112 million contract extension.

Looking ahead to this coming season, Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer is calling Sewell the team's most important non-quarterback. Here's what we wrote:

Sewell is the most dominant offensive tackle in the league not named Trent Williams. Sewell is only 23 and just signed a four-year, $112 million deal to prove his worth to the team.

Sewell is a good pick, no doubt, but a conversation can be had about players on the defensive side of the ball, considering that is the area where the Lions need to see improvement the most in 2024.

With how important it is to have a good pass-rush, we can mention Aidan Hutchinson as another player who is extremely important. Also, the Lions desperately need better cornerback play after finishing with the sixth-worst pass defense in the league in 2023, thus we can talk about Carlton Davis and Terrion Arnold.

None of that is to minimize how valuable Sewell is to this team, but getting better in the aforementioned areas on defense could be what puts Detroit over the top to a Super Bowl in 2024.