On Sunday, in a move that should surprise no one, Penei Sewell announced that he would opt out of the 2020-2021 College Football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. In our recently released Top 100 2021 NFL Draft prospects, we have Penei Sewell as the second best prospect overall. Below, we’ll take a look at his decision to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, what this means for the University of Oregon, and what we can expect for Sewell in the NFL.
Penei Sewell declares for the 2021 NFL Draft
For Sewell, the decision to opt out of the 2020 season makes total sense. Earlier this month, the Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott announced a partnership with Quidel Corporation to allow for daily testing of it’s student-athletes. Despite this, Scott doesn’t believe that the conference could play this fall, citing that many schools are still pending government approval to resume training programs.
As impressive as Penei Sewell has been at the University of Oregon, I still have some concerns.
Penei Sewell missed half of his freshman season in 2018 due to injury. Sewell looked like pro-ready left tackle last season, but I would like to see an additional season of game film. Nonetheless, the NFL Combine will be key for him.
The University of Oregon has a hole at left tackle now
With Penei Sewell heading to the NFL, the Oregon Ducks have a massive hole at left tackle. Head coach Mario Cristobal has an inexperienced offensive line this season. Offensive tackles Steven Jones and Jonah Tauanu’u have yet to play full seasons. With the program having to rebuild after losing quarterback Justin Herbert to the NFL, an offensive line with playing experience is pivotal.
Where does Penei Sewell fit in the NFL?
In my opinion, Penei Sewell has the potential to be one of the best first round offensive linemen since Lane Johnson in 2013. He’s a pro-ready prospect that can start at left tackle for any team immediately. While there is still quite a bit of time to go in the 2021 NFL Draft process, Penei Sewell looks to be one of the best prospects available.
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