Of course the Bengals are targeting Penei Sewell in the 2021 NFL draft
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In the coming days and weeks, Cincinnati Bengals fans are probably going to see a ton of suggestions and outright reports that the team is all-in on Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
Because of course they are.
The Bengals pick fifth and will largely only eye premium prospects. Saying the team is interested in Sewell, at this point, is like saying they were interested in Joe Burrow last year.
Look at this scouting report from NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah from last June:
“He reminds me of: Taylor Lewan coming out of Michigan. Both of them have ideal frames and play with a nasty temperament. Sewell plays with more power, while Lewan was a little more athletic adjusting in space. Lewan has proven to be one of the league’s best offensive tackles when he’s dialed in and focused, making the Pro Bowl in three of his six seasons. I see the same potential for Sewell.”
Of course, the Bengals could always go after a Ja’Marr Chase or Kyle Pitts at fifth or even consider a trade back. But for fans who have listened to coaches and the front office personnel over the years, they tend to value the big-upside maulers.
Sewell’s combination of surefire instant production and huge upside (he was hardly 20 in the clips that formed draft profiles and big boards so far) will be impossible for the Bengals to resist.
What this does? It shows how seriously the Bengals are taking building up the line in front of Burrow. What it doesn’t? Hint at what the team will do in free agency — knowing they’re taking Sewell if he falls likely won’t stop them from going after big free agents too.
And hey, while it’s painfully obvious to hear the Bengals are dialed in on a top-five guy at the biggest position of need, it’s at least nice fans shouldn’t have to hear any of that “what if Burrow doesn’t want to play for the Bengals?” stuff again.
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Recent cuts and trade candidates Bengals could pursue in free agency
