Cincinnati Bengals fans plead for Penei Sewell on Monday Night Football
By Cory Kinnan
Fans of the Cincinnati Bengals have their hearts set on Penei Sewell
As the 2020 season dwindles to a close, the Cincinnati Bengals had hoped for more. After landing franchise quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Bengals failed to upgrade their protection around him. This cost them big time as Burrow was hit in the knee, knocking him out the rest of the 2020 season and potentially the 2021 season as well.
Addressing the offensive line is a massive need for the Bengals, and even the fans know it. Jonah Williams, a first rounder from two years ago, and perhaps center Trey Hopkins are the only two players who look like future pieces along that unit. Williams, however, has experienced two season-ending injuries in both of the years of his career to this point.
Lucky for the Bengals, there is a massive prize to be won, and the likely first non-quarterback off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft. Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell is the unheralded OT1 in the 2021 NFL Draft class, and perhaps the best overall player in the class.
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Drae Harris of The Draft Network speaks to the game of Sewell in his scouting report:
"“Exceptionally young and will only get better as he grows and matures more into his body and frame. In the run game, Sewell is tenacious and comes off the ball hard as a drive blocker — showing great success in creating lanes for his back. Showcases as an excellent run lane anchor and is heavy at the point of attack to create immediate movement. In the passing game, he is competitive and showcases good length for the perimeter…”"
The Bengals have their sights set on him, and in fact, the fans have already begun pleading for the former Ducks’ offensive tackle.
Where the Cincinnati Bengals currently stand
According to Tankathon, the Bengals still hold the third pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, keeping them in the driver’s seat to land the ultra-talented Sewell. They do, however, have another winnable game on their schedule as they take on the struggling 4-10 Houston Texans next week. Should the Bengals find a way to win again, they would likely still feel quite safe in landing Sewell.
Directly behind the now 3-11 Bengals are the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins (who hold Houston’s pick). The Panthers and Falcons would likely find themselves in the market for a quarterback, still giving the Bengals the hope of landing their prized jewel in Sewell even with a win.
Let’s just say, Sewell knows exactly where he stands in regards to his future:
https://twitter.com/bengals_action/status/1341243205610856449?s=20
The Bengals then close the season against the Balitmore Ravens, and unlikely victory scenario, giving them a maximum of four wins. Potentially the best offensive tackle in over a decade in their sights, the entire city of Cincinnati is rooting for the Bengals to get Burrow the protection he needs in Sewell.