2021 NFL Draft profile: Penei Sewell could lock down Dolphins offensive line

We continue our look at some of the potential targets for the Miami Dolphins in this week’s 2021 NFL Draft this afternoon. Miami has set themselves up to be able to do just about anything in the first round this year, using their two picks to shore up a team looking to make a playoff push. Could one of those picks give Miami an offensive lineman ready to immediately lock down the blindside of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa?

From now through Thursday, we will bring you a series of posts about potential Dolphins draft prospects, taking a look at the player’s measurables, what analysts are saying about the player, and how he could fit in with the Dolphins.

We now take a look at Oregon tackle Penei Sewell:

College Career

Career: 21 games

• Freshman (2018, Oregon): 7 games
• Sophomore (2019, Oregon): 14 games; Outland Trophy (Nation’s best interior offensive or defensive lineman) winner
• Junior (2020, Oregon): Opt out

Measurements

From Oregon pro day:

Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 331 lbs
Arm Length: 33-1/4”
Hand size: 10-3/8”

Spider Chart (via MockDraftable.com)

Combine-style testing

From Oregon pro day:

Bench Press: 30 rep
Vertical: 28”
Broad jump: 9’ 1”
40-yard dash: 5.09 sec
20-yard shuttle: 2.97 sec
3-cone drill: 7.76 sec

What the are saying

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com - Rare-breed tackle with good size and the elite foot quickness to make the most challenging move blocks the game has to offer. He’s an explosive athlete who is better at moving forward than backward at this point, and his tape shows an ability to single-handedly spring touchdown runs (both long and short) with “wow” blocks. He possesses average balance and core strength, but he has trouble protecting his edges when rushers get into his frame. Improvements in technique and strength should be expected, though. While block-finishing needs to be upgraded, his initial snap quickness gives him the ability to take early leads in positioning as both a run and pass blocker. Sewell could take a giant step forward in both departments if he can control the action with better hand dominance. His flashes are exceptional, and his ceiling is substantial. However, questions about play strength and maturity due to his age/inexperience create a little more uncertainty than we usually see with high-end tackle prospects..

Laurie Fitzpatrick, DraftWire/USA Today - Sewell will likely get picked in the top 10, and should be an instant starter in the NFL. His rare athletic ability, play speed, technique, football IQ, strength, and wide base give him extremely high potential at the next level. He’s best suited for a power-run offense that can allow him to make consistent pulls to block downhill.

Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network - From the onset of his career, Penei Sewell was projected as a potential early draft pick at the all-important left tackle position. Sewell possesses the footwork, agility, and movement skills to hold down the position at the next level. He also projects well in a zone-blocking scheme. He must improve his strength at the point and develop a nasty attitude, but Sewell comes with tons of upside.

Athlon Sports - He’s the most complete offensive tackle prospect to come into the league in a decade. Sewell has the physical traits, instincts and football IQ to play at a high level immediately, and he has a chance to be a perennial All-Pro candidate.

Dolphins fit

Sewell would be a fit on just about every NFL team. Reports that he is working on his technique as a right tackle in case he is selected by a team with an already established left tackle should increase his value for the Dolphins, who have a left handed quarterback and need a dominant player to play right tackle. Miami could consider Sewell early in the first round, but it does not seem a likely pick for the team. The Dolphins’ 2020 NFL Draft results included offensive tackle Austin Jackson selected in the first round, offensive tackle Robert Hunt picked in the second round, and guard Solomon Kindley added in the fourth round. The Dolphins have Jackson at left tackle, Kindley at right guard, and Hunt at right tackle right now, along with Ereck Flowers at left guard and Matt Skura at center. Adding Sewell could allow Miami to move Hunt to a guard spot, but the Dolphins’ need for offensive playmakers likely outweighs the need for a first-round offensive tackle. Look for the team to consider centers and guards on day two, but it does not seem like Sewell is among the top targets on Miami’s draft board.