Scouts Critical of Oregon Tackle Penei Sewell Ahead of 2021 NFL Draft

"There is a floor with him that’s concerning.”

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are considering three players with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

They could take Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase or Oregon tackle Penei Sewell. 

Atlanta may take Pitts with the fourth overall selection. It may not matter because the Bengals could have both Chase and Sewell higher on their board. 

Cincinnati is in desperate need of offensive line help. Adding Sewell would help their biggest weakness, but is he a better prospect than Chase? 

The LSU star would instantly improve the Bengals' downfield passing attack, which was awful last season. Chase would give Cincinnati a high-end trio of wide receivers.

Should the Bengals ignore the temptation and take Sewell? Some NFL scouts have their doubts about the 20-year-old lineman. 

“I believe there will be a lot of disappointment (at tackle),” an experienced NFL decision-maker told Bob McGinn of The Athletic. “I don’t buy that he’s a great one. Your options aren’t great this year. The upside with him is better than the upside with the rest. There is a floor with him that’s concerning.”

For more on the Bengals, including free agency and NFL Draft coverage subscribe to our YouTube Channel!!!

Sewell and Chase both opted out of the 2021 college football season, but there seems to be more questions about the Oregon product.

“A bit overrated. He is a naturally thick, big-framed tackle. His workout was actually better than he played," an unnamed scout said. "I didn’t think he was super explosive. He covered people up with his size, and he would gouge somebody just because he was bigger than them. And name one pass rusher he actually played against in the Pac-12 who’s on a draft board?”

Sewell had a quality pro day and there's no denying that he had a lot of potential, but is he worth passing on an elite wide receiver prospect like Chase? 

“Every time I circle back and watch him (Sewell), I just don’t see it,” another scout said. “He’s not that gifted with his feet. He doesn’t really play that physical or strong. He can get in the way, but he’s not a really good finisher, and his balance isn’t that great. His technique is off. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.”

The Bengals should take the highest player on their board when they're on the clock. It'll likely be Chase or Sewell.

It's worth noting that every word you hear from a scout should be taken with a grain of salt this time of year, but there appears to be plenty of NFL personnel concerned with the risk that comes with taking Sewell with a top selection. 

We'll get our answer after the 2021 NFL Draft begins on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.

Read McGinn's entire article here.

For the latest on free agency and the NFL Draft, bookmark AllBengals and check out some of our other articles below.

-----

You May Also Like:

Dave Lapham Makes His Prediction for No. 5

Sewell or Chase? Here's the Latest on the Great Debate

OL Breakdown: A look at the Offensive Linemen That Could Be Available in Round 2

Analyzing the Bengals' Four Biggest Needs Before the Draft

Former Bengals Receiver Questions Zac Taylor

Watch: Tee Higgins Looks Explosive in Offseason Workouts

Bengals Bolster Offense in 7-Round Mock Draft

Medical Issues Causing Terrace Marshall to Fall Down Draft Boards

Here's the Latest on Joe Burrow's Recovery

Joe Burrow Comments on Gruesome Scar

The Bengals' New Jersey Numbers Are Here!

Look: Bengals Win Total For 2021 Season Released

Bengals Players React to New Uniforms: "My Mind Was Blown"

Watch: Bengals Explain Key Details About New Uniforms

Joe Burrow Chimes in on Bengals' New Uniforms

Ja'Marr Chase Earns Big Time Praise From Former O-Lineman

Ugly Stat Shows How Much Zac Taylor and the Bengals Have Struggled

The Bengals Should Go After Former Pro Bowl Defensive Tackle

Bengals' Potential Target Impresses Ahead of 2021 NFL Draft

Ja'Marr Chase Discusses Potential Reunion With Joe Burrow

How Sewell, Chase and Pitts Stack Up in Latest Prospect Rankings

How Duke Tobin Compares to Other NFL General Managers

Analyst Names Two "Ideal" Draft Picks For Bengals

Bengals Show Interest in Division II Speedster

Does Maurice Hurst Make Sense for the Bengals?

A Decade Later, Bengals Find Themselves in a Familiar Draft Window

Watch: Ja'Marr Chase Training Like a Cyborg to Prepare for Life in the NFL

Bengals Bolster Offense in SI Team Publisher Mock Draft

Insider Believes Bengals Have Made Decision Between Sewell and Chase

NFL MVP Odds: Joe Burrow in the Mix

Key Stat Shows How Important Receivers Are in Bengals' Offense

Bengals analyst on Sewell vs Chase: “Will they get substance or will they get shine?”

Joe Burrow is "Locked in" During Recovery

NFL Evaluator Has Big Time Praise for Ja'Marr Chase

The Ja'Marr Chase Story Every Bengals Fan Should Read

Dave Lapham Weighs in on Sewell vs Chase

Is a Number Change Coming for Tee Higgins?

Anthony Muñoz Chimes in on Bengals' Fifth Pick, Thinks Burrow Will Be Happy

How Does Penei Sewell Compare to 2020 Offensive Line Draft Class?

Former NFL General Manager Believes Bengals Have Easy Decision With No. 5 Pick

Duke Tobin Sheds Light on O-Line and Wide Receiver Depth in 2021 NFL Draft

Bengals Legend Has Eyes on BIG Lineman to Protect Joe Burrow

NFL Teams Expect Bengals to Pick Penei Sewell

Watch: Penei Sewell Goes Through Four Stage Workout

Longtime Bengals Assistant Endorses Ja'Marr Chase

Analysts Simplify Ja'Marr Chase Vs Penei Sewell Debate

Scouts Rave About Ja'Marr Chase Following Pro Day Workout

Another Big Board Has Sizable Gap Between Penei Sewell and Ja'Marr Chase

This is a Great Film Breakdown of Penei Sewell

NFL Draft Big Board: Big Gap Between Sewell and Chase

This is a great film breakdown of Penei Sewell

Penei Sewell vs Ja'Marr Chase: Team May Have Tipped Their Hand

One NFL Team Believes Bengals Will Take Ja'Marr Chase at No. 5

Should Bengals Consult Joe Burrow About Fifth Pick in NFL Draft?

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on AllBengals all the time!

Subscribe to the AllBengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow AllBengals on Facebook