Oregon tackle and projected top-10 pick Penei Sewell opts out of season

Penei Sewell is declaring for the draft.

Justin Herbert might’ve led Oregon to a Rose Bowl victory last year, but he was only able to do so thanks to the contributions by players like elite offensive tackle Penei Sewell protecting his blind side and keeping him upright. The cancelation of the Pac-12 fall football season meant that many assumed that this was the end for Sewell’s time in college given his NFL Draft stock. While Sewell’s father claimed he was ready to play, Sewell has decided to go pro.

Sewell reversed course and claimed that his days in Eugene are over, as he will opt out of whatever football season the Pac-12 creates in favor of declaring for the NFL Draft.

Penei Sewell might be the best offensive tackle prospect in years

Even though Sewell is just 19 years old, he was without question the best offensive lineman in the country last year. Sewell was named a unanimous first-team All-American, and he was named the winner of the Morris Trophy, which honors the best Pac-12 lineman, and the Outland Trophy, which honors the best lineman in the nation.

Sewell might weigh 325 pounds, but has the agility and open-field maneuverability of someone 70 pounds lighter. Given his age, athleticism, and raw power that made him one of the best run blockers in the league, Sewell is considered by many to be the best tackle prospect the NFL has seen in several years. Some even think that the No. 1 player at any position in the country.

Even if your favorite team misses out on Trevor Lawrence, Sewell will be there for any top-five team in need of a boost on their offensive line. Despite his age, Sewell has the strength and mobility to be a stud on Day 1 in the NFL in any sort of scheme after being picked high in the 2021 Draft.