Cincinnati Bengals on a crash course for OT Penei Sewell

Who is this Cincinnati Bengals target?

Penei Sewell is the left tackle for the Oregon Ducks, or was until he opted out of the 2020 college football season and declared for the draft. He is widely considered one of the premer blockers in the 2021 draft class and is viewed by many as a top five player in the class.

Sewell, who is 6-foot-6 325 pounds, was a four star recruit coming out of high school. He started for the Ducks as a freshman and quickly became one of the most impressive tackles in the country. That continued his sophomore year where he took his game one step further and finished the season without allowing a single sack and also won the John Outland trophy, given to the best interior lineman.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network thinks Sewell has the chance to be the NFL’s next great tackle:

"“Sewell has ideal size, quickness and power for the position. In the passing game, he’s quick out of his stance and does a nice job of staying square against his opponent. He’s a knee-bender and rarely lunges or loses his balance. He has extremely strong hands to lock on and steer edge rushers. He’s very aware versus games/stunts and if he’s free, he looks for work.”"

Sewell decided to opt out of the 2020 college football season but it doesn’t seem to affect his draft stock in any way. Just 20 years old, Sewell has much room for improvement, despite the advancement he is for his age. He looks to be an instant improvement for whatever team drafts him.

For a Bengals team that currently has sixth round rookie Hakeem Adeniji at left tackle and Bobby Hart at right tackle, the offensive line remains the team’s biggest need going forward.