NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 4th overall

The Atlanta Falcons are probably the most difficult team to predict in the top five of the 2021 NFL Draft. They could certainly attack their long-term need at quarterback with the No. 4 pick, but Matt Ryan is probably not ready to hang it up anytime soon. Trading down is certainly an option, but it is difficult to ignore a premium talent like Penei Sewell just staring you in the face.

Sewell is a fantastic offensive tackle prospect who could quickly grow into one of the premier players at his position at the next level. Sewell is a tremendous athlete who displays quick feet in pass protection and tremendous range in the open field. He reaches the second level with ease and is a legitimate weapon on the offensive line when he is asked to pull and get out in space in the screen game.

Sewell’s movement skills and raw athleticism consistently stand out as a strength, but do not sleep on his power up front. The Oregon product fires out with a powerful initial strike, plays with heavy hands and consistently shows high-level grip strength. His combination of power and athleticism up front is special and undoubtedly gives him massive upside at the next level.

The only real concern here is that offensive tackle is not a major need for the Atlanta Falcons. Their current starting duo of Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary is solid but sticking Sewell at left tackle and moving either Matthews or McGary inside would immediately make this unit a strength. The Falcons simply take the best player available at No. 4 overall in this NFL mock draft.