Oregon OT, top 2021 NFL Draft prospect Penei Sewell opts out of season
Top prospect Penei Sewell is declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.
As of right now, the Pac-12 will not be playing college football any time soon. We figured that we have seen the last of the top 2021 NFL Draft prospects in the conference on the college football field, but now we know that for sure with one of the best. On Monday, Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell announced that he will skip the 2020 college football season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
“Ever since I was little, I have dreamt of playing professional football,” Sewell wrote in a Twitter post. “Accordingly, after long thought, prayer and may conversations with my family, I have decided to opt out of the 2020-2021 college football season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.”
Sewell enters the 2021 NFL Draft as arguably the best non-quarterback prospect in the class. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields will likely be at the top of the class throughout the process, but Sewell is right there with them. He is the best offensive tackle prospect that we have seen in recent memory and a great bet to be a top-five selection next April.
Quarterback is far-and-away the most important position in football, but offensive tackle is not far behind. In the modern NFL, positions that specifically impact the passing game are of utmost importance, with offensive tackle being near the top of the list. In order to be legitimately competitive in the NFL, you simply must be able to protect your quarterback from impact NFL edge rushers.
Absolute star up front
The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Sewell was absolutely dominant through his two years in college. He was a full-time starting left tackle for the Ducks as a true freshman in 2018 and played at an extremely high level at the position. In 2019, Sewell took his game to the next level and quickly became the best offensive lineman in college football.
Last season, Sewell was a consensus first-team All-American selection and was awarded the Outland Trophy for the best lineman in college football on either side of the ball.
With an impressive combination of power and athleticism, Sewell’s game should easily translate to the next level. He moves his feet extremely well in pass protection and does a great job of remaining patient throughout the rep. He shows tremendous natural hand usage in the run game and as a pass protector, showing fantastic power and accuracy with his strikes on a consistent basis.
Next. Where does Sewell land in this recent 2021 NFL mock draft?. dark
Simply put, Sewell is a tremendous offensive tackle prospect who has a safe floor and massive ceiling at the next level. He is a rare prospect who needs to be considered among the top players in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Watching him dominate the college game for another year would have been fun, but Sewell has nothing left to prove. NFL teams should be tripping over themselves as they look to select this guy next April.