Oregon football: Potential landing spots for Penei Sewell in 2021 NFL Draft

What an effective, yet hilarious way to replace Laremy Tunsil in the long run

If the Miami Dolphins want to keep making the Houston Texans look bad, this is one way for them to do it this spring. Because former head coach/de facto general manager Bill O’Brien gave up the farm for former Dolphins offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, it cost Houston what became the No. 3 overall pick in 2021. Look for Miami to draft someone potentially better than Tunsil in Sewell.

Assuming no trades happen above them with the first two picks, the Jaguars will go with Trevor Lawrence No. 1 and the Jets will go with either Justin Fields or Zach Wilson at No. 2. Yes, Miami could move back and gather more assets with the third pick they own by way of the Texans’ incompetence, it might serve them to draft a potential superstar at offensive tackle in Sewell.

Going in this direction would signify that Miami plans to build around Tua Tagovailoa as their franchise quarterback. Yes, he could be used as trade bait to rip Deshaun Watson away from the Texans, but trading for Watson and drafting Sewell are mutually exclusive entities for the Dolphins. Sewell will be a better pro than Jake Long, the guy Miami took No. 1 overall back in 2008.

Penei Sewell is just what Joe Burrow needs

The ideal landing spot for Sewell in the 2021 NFL Draft has to be the Cincinnati Bengals. Though it may not be entirely up to them, this bottom-feeding AFC North franchise has no choice at No. 5. If Sewell is still on the clock when the Bengals are picking, they have to take him. If they do not and get Joe Burrow a wide receiver or something, we may need to consider contracting this franchise.

Taking Burrow No. 1 overall last year was a move even the Bengals could not screw up. But as it turns out, they did sort of screw it up. They did not invest enough in the offensive line and Burrow his rookie season out of LSU cut short due to a torn ACL. It may not be sexy, but the Bengals have to take Sewell at No. 5.

With that in mind, yes, it is worth it for the Bengals to trade up to No. 2, No. 3 or No. 4 to draft the next Anthony Muñoz in Sewell with their first-round pick. Even if he does not live up to those lofty expectations, not a soul in the world will be critical of the Bengals for addressing their biggest need inside of the top five of the draft. Picking him in the top five gives them a chance to succeed.

Overall, Sewell is one of the best pure talents to enter the last handful of drafts. It does not matter that he sat out a season. He won the Outland Trophy as a teenager and was a unanimous First-Team All-American before he could legally drink a beer. Sewell is only 20-years-old. Whoever ends up taking him may end up with a franchise cornerstone for the next decade.

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