2021 NFL Mock Draft: Washington Football Team goes offense in Round 1
Penei Sewell. 5. player. 56. . Offensive Tackle. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals built up their offense around Joe Burrow save for one area: The offensive line. The decision not to invest in that area more cost them dearly.
In the midst of a strong rookie season, Burrow was under relentless pressure against the Washington Football Team. On one play, Burrow got hit while he was throwing the ball and came up hurt. He had suffered a knee injury and more specifically, a torn ACL.
His season was over.
Washington Commanders
Burrow should have a chance to return in 2021, but it’s unclear at what point that may happen. When he does, the Bengals need to have an upgraded offensive line to keep him clean. Otherwise, Burrow will continue to get knocked around. That means left tackle Jonah Williams has to stay healthy and right tackle Bobby Hart needs to be replaced.
Sewell is the perfect fit for the Bengals. He can come in and be their top blindside blocker right away. Sewell was superb for two seasons at Oregon as a polished pass blocker and mammoth run blocker before opting out this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, he is a ready-made tackle that should only improve the more he plays at the NFL level.
For Cincinnati, Sewell could start at left tackle with Williams kicking inside to guard or replacing Hart on the right side. If the Bengals are comfortable with Williams, Sewell could just replace Hart right away. Either way, it would provide the team with a massive upgrade.
The Bengals could consider other offensive line options like Alijah Vera-Tucker and Rashawn Slater here as well, but Sewell’s ceiling seems the highest of the bunch. No matter what happens, the team has to focus on adding talent to their offensive line. They have to protect Burrow at all costs.