2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 5th overall
Pick Analysis. Penei Sewell. 5. player. 56. Scouting Report. OT. Oregon
The top priority for the Cincinnati Bengals has to be addressing their offensive line. The team gave up 48 sacks last year which was the sixth-most in the NFL. The poor offensive line also led to 2020 first overall pick Joe Burrow suffering a season-ending injury.
A player who could definitely help the team in pass protection is Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Sewell is one of the higher-rated offensive tackles to come out of college recently and has even been compared to former Bengale great Anthony Muñoz by Mel Kiper Jr.
What makes Sewell such a promising prospect is his outstanding athletic ability. He has both the mobility to easily get to the second level as a run blocker, and the quick feet to stay with the fast edge rushers he will see in the NFL. While he still needs some work on technique there is no doubt he can be the franchise left tackle the team is looking for.
If Sewell is off the board and the Bengals still want to address the offensive line with this pick they might consider Rashawn Slater. Or if the team thinks this is too high for Slater they could also grab Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.