Signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi in free agency is a good start to address the problem. In a strong offensive tackle class, it wouldn't be a surprise if they used this pick (or their second-rounder) on a tackle. Darrisaw is a three-year starter that had his best season as a junior and is especially dominant as a run blocker.
Given the flashes of brilliance shown by Justin Herbert, the Chargers would be foolish not to take advantage of this year's stellar offensive line class, with Slater's versatility and character likely to earn high marks by the front office.
The Chargers need an offensive tackle and Slater is by far the best option. It's coincidence he's available in this mock because I could have slotted him several spots higher a couple of times. His tape against Chase Young from 2019 is as good as it gets.
Drafting Darrisaw would complete the rebuilding of the Chargers' offensive line in front of second-year quarterback Justin Herbert. They added Matt Feiler at guard and Corey Linsley at center in free agency.
The Chargers don't need another wide receiver to be an explosive offense -- they already are with Justin Herbert at quarterback. But the idea of dropping Waddle's special athleticism into that scheme (with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams) would be tough to pass up.
The Chargers have upgraded the OL interior, but left tackle looms as a big void entering the draft. New head coach Brandon Staley seemed to suggest in a recent news conference that length and pass blocking are two big traits he likes in his left tackles, which leads us to Darrisaw.
He's a three-year starter at left tackle who has allowed a mere three sacks (zero in 2020) over more than 1,100 pass-blocking snaps. Oh, and he has 34-inch arms and great mass for the run game, too. Justin Herbert's protection gets better.
Protecting Justin Herbert has been the theme of the Chargers' offseason, with general manager Tom Telesco spending in free agency on center Corey Linsley and tackle/guard Matt Feiler. So let's continue that theme with Slater, who played both tackle spots in college but could move to guard in the NFL. This could be a steal for L.A. Slater is likely to become Northwestern's first Round 1 pick since Luis Castillo, who also was drafted by the Chargers (No. 28 in 2005).
The Chargers made two big O-line signings in free agency -- C Corey Linsley and OG Matt Feiler -- but I don't think they're necessarily done there. The goal is to protect Justin Herbert at all costs. Darrisaw is a fast-rising prospect who can play across the offensive front.
Since stepping onto Clemson's campus as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2018 recruiting cycle, Lawrence has been the presumptive top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite all of the losing in Duval County over the past 10-15 years, this marks the first time in franchise history that the Jags own the rights to the top pick in the draft.
While nobody is a perfect prospect, Lawrence checks all of the boxes with elite arm talent, mobility and leadership. The Urban Meyer era begins with the best QB prospect since Andrew Luckand a treasure trove of draft capital -- nine picks in the first five rounds (top 170).
Before his back surgery, Farley was in the mix to be the draft's CB1 and a top-10 pick. Back injuries are always tricky, but Farley is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Given the rebuild going on in Duval County, the Jaguars can be patient with Farley as they are in no position to contend this year. Farley has an ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds), athleticism (sub-4.4 forty) and ball skills (six INTs in two seasons).
Literally heads and shoulders above the rest of an exceptional quarterback class, Lawrence has all of the traits to transform Jacksonville into a contender. Perhaps best of all, he is an ideal fit in Urban Meyer's scheme.
Considering they finished 1-16 last season, the Jaguars are surprisingly talented with just two positions of major concern -- QB and TE -- following a spending spree in free agency. Urban Meyer might appreciate the impact Freiermuth made in the Big Ten more than most, and the drop-off in talent at tight end is significant enough to warrant what some would perceive as a slight reach.
With 10 picks, including the first one of the second round, I can absolutely see the Jags trading up a few spots and getting their (second) guy of the draft. Meyer wants to establish the line of scrimmage, so I can see him adding to the defensive line here where there's value in the late-first in taking a defensive tackle like Barmore, who absolutely turned it on in the College Football Playoff.
Lawrence being selected first overall was inevitable. He's one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter the NFL in years. He'll be the centerpiece for new coach Urban Meyer's rebuilding effort.
Moehrig is the best safety in the draft and would upgrade the position for Jacksonville. Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore is another candidate here, as the team mulls a change to a 3-4 defense.
In most years, there is a level of intrigue up until draft day regarding the No. 1 pick. This isn't most years -- Lawrence is the pick.
25. Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
Wide receiver isn't a screaming need for the Jaguars, but new coach Urban Meyer covets speed. Moore (and his 4.35 40-yard dash and 6.67 3-cone) checks that box. If Lawrence and Moore reach their full potential, Jacksonville will be talking about this first-round haul for a long time.
He skipped the NFL scouting combine medical recheck in Indianapolis for his surgically repaired shoulder to get married. Solid excuse. It also tells us that Lawrence knows for sure he's going first overall.
When the Jaguars lost out on Tyson Alualu, it left a void up front. It's clear they want to add size and athleticism. The redshirt sophomore isn't ready for prime time yet but has disruptive traits and the highest ceiling of what looks like a lean year for DTs.
With a depleted roster and in the beginning stages of a rebuild, new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have a chance to start fresh, take one of my highest-graded quarterbacks ever and build around him. The Jaguars have three more picks in the top 45 -- at Nos. 25, 33 and 45 -- to plug other holes, and they need to hit on those. Lawrence is a no-brainer as the top signal-caller in this class.
I'll stick with Moehrig to the Jaguars here as a free safety complement to free-agent signing Rayshawn Jenkins. I thought about a pass-catcher, but the Jaguars could find an impact player in Round 2 (they pick at Nos. 33 and 45). Offensive line could be another position to target, but they shouldn't reach. Moehrig, who had 19 pass breakups over the last two seasons and won the Thorpe Award as the country's best defensive back in 2020, isn't likely to be on the board in Round 2. He's my top-ranked safety.
This one has been the books since the Jets beat the Rams in Los Angeles last December. I don't think Urban Meyer leaves the FOX Sports studios if Trevor Lawrence isn't available for Jacksonville at No. 1.
Urban Meyer knows how critical the pass rush is to building a champion. The Jags finished last season with the second-fewest sacks (18) in the NFL. Oweh is a one-year starter, but ran an absurd 4.36 40-yard dash at his pro day, can pressure the QB and can be an immediate contributor to a defense that can use one.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Cleveland Browns from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Award, the versatile Tulsa defender (6-4, 260) can rush the passer or drop in coverage. Collins had four sacks and four interceptions, two of which were returned for scores, in eight games this past season.
The Browns appear to have replaced last season's leading tackler B.J. Goodson with former Indianapolis starter Anthony Walker, but the fact Walker was signed to just a one-year deal suggests the club could still be looking for an upgrade. Davis is an athletic marvel just scratching the surface of his potential and might offer the immediate impact Cleveland needs to take the next step.
His size could force him into the slot, but Samuel was a PBU machine at Florida State with 33 in his career. The Browns seem stacked at corner, but Troy Hill's contract is really a one-year deal with an out next season, and they'll be taking care of their EDGE need with the impending signing of Jadeveon Clowney.
They needed an edge rusher, but the spot opposite Myles Garrett now appears to be filled, following the reported signing of Jadeveon Clowney. Owusu-Koramoah is one of the top linebackers in this class.
Although he had only one interception in college, Newsome has 25 passes defended in 21 starts and it was a challenge searching for big plays allowed on his tape. It doesn't hurt that he tested like an elite athlete with a 4.38 40-yard dash and 6.90 3-cone drill at 6-foot and 192 pounds.
We've placed edge rushers here in recent mocks, but a corner also could be a great fit. The highly confident and athletic Newsome could vie for a starting role in Cleveland right away if he can beat out Greedy Williams. The Browns know they need to curb the number of big plays they allow in the pass game, and this would be one savvy way to address that.
Davis is another defender who is rising since the season ended. He's really only a one-year starter -- he started one game in 2019 -- but he was tremendous last season with 96 tackles, three interceptions and a sack. Davis was all over the field making plays. He could play any of the linebacker spots for the Cleveland 4-3 defense. The Browns could also target an edge rusher with this pick, even if they do sign Jadeveon Clowney.
Rousseau didn't have the lights-out pro day everyone wanted to see, but he still has the lights-out potential. He's put on a ton of weight since he got to Miami and is just scratching the surface. A 2020 opt-out who is a hard evaluation with just one full year of college football, Rousseau's upside remains enticing, especially in the back end of Round 1.
The subject of offseason trade rumors, Stephon Gilmore is heading into the final year of his current deal and his age-31 season. Could the Patriots find a long-term replacement from his alma mater?
The son of former Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee excels in press-man coverage due to his size, physical playing style and competitive demeanor. He helped his case with a strong performance at South Carolina's Pro Day -- 4.39 forty, 41.5" vertical and 11'1" broad jump.
For all of the buzz about Jones and the 49ers, his game is much better suited to the up-tempo passing attack New England playcaller Josh McDaniels prefers. With Cam Newton retained (but only a one-year deal) and Jarrett Stidham showing little thus far (two TDs and four INTs since being drafted 113th overall in 2019), the Patriots could use help at the position.
Trade details: Patriots give up first-rounder (No. 15) and second-rounder (No. 46), plus 2022 first- and third-round picks and a 2023 first-rounder. Patriots have been aggressive all offseason so why stop now? Lance has the brains to match the arm, and Bill Belichick liked what he saw from how Josh McDaniels opened up the playbook last year for a more physically capable quarterback. The Pats can start Cam Newton and develop Lance at his own pace. A big jump for the most dominant team of the 21st century requires a high price to pay.
Smith won the Heisman Trophy in college, but there are some concerns about his size in the NFL, as he weighs only 170 pounds. It's possible teammate Jaylen Waddle goes ahead of him.
With his athletic versatility at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, Collins is a very Patriots-like prospect and a great match in New England's scheme. His value as a cover man, blitzer and run-and-chase pursuit player has Bill Belichick written all over it.
Imagine them having their choice of DeVonta Smith or Waddle? Even after upgrading the WRs room this offseason, there's ample room for Waddle's explosive, game-changing ability -- both as a receiver and returner. This also could make up for the retirement of Julian Edelman.
As for QB, I'm starting to change my tune from what I wrote amid the Patriots' free-agent flurry, that a draft day trade up for a premier passer made sense. It would take the almost perfect scenario for Belichick to pull the trigger on that maneuver. Perhaps they're waiting for the 49ers (Jimmy Garoppolo) and Raiders (Marcus Mariota) to make one of their veterans available to create a competition with Cam Newton.
This makes five quarterbacks in the top 10, with Bill Belichick & Co. making the move up for Fields, my second-ranked quarterback. All the moves the Patriots made in free agency showed me that they believe they can get right back into competing for the AFC East title, but I don't think Cam Newton is the quarterback to get them there. He had too many accuracy issues last season. He's not the long-term answer. Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but he can be a star if he becomes more consistent. And I trust that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will get him there.
This would be a trade that rocks the NFL, but I don't think it's too crazy. The Patriots don't envision having a pick as high as they currently do (15th) anytime soon, and this is their year to make a big move if they're ever going to get their blue-chip QB to develop. Fields was a highly recruited player who performed on the biggest of stages. This year's first- and second-rounder (No. 46) plus next year's first and third could be enough for New England to get Atlanta to move back 11 spots.
What will the Panthers do if one of the top five quarterback prospects (Trey Lance in this scenario) are still on the board when they are on the clock? At a minimum, the front office will at least consider double-dipping despite giving up three picks including a second-rounder in 2022 for Sam Darnold.
[Interesting note: Darnold is eight months younger than Joe Burrow.]
The Panthers used their franchise tag on right tackle Taylor Moton and Russell Okung, last year's starting left tackle, is currently a 32-year-old free agent. Slater's critics may point to his lack of ideal size or length, but if you watch Slater's tape against (former) Ohio State (and current WFT) edge rusher Chase Young, it's easy to project his ability to hold his own outside against NFL-caliber edge rushers. In addition, he has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line.
Widely regarded as a blue-chip talent, Pitts should not be available this late in the draft. However, the exceptional talent at quarterback and the fact Miami and Detroit already boast two of the league's better young tight ends in Mike Gesicki and T.J. Hockenson, respectively, could cause Pitts to fall right into Carolina's lap.
The urge to reunite Chase with OC Joe Brady is too strong to ignore for Carolina in this mock. It's not a need for Carolina (that's OL, DL and CB) but Matt Rhule has promised they'll take the best player available. Panthers ultimately couldn't turn down the best wide receiver in the draft, especially after losing Curtis Samuel and having Robby Anderson in the final year of his deal.
Unless the Panthers re-sign Russell Okung, they need a left tackle. Slater does not have the long arms NFL teams covet in offensive tackles, but he's perhaps the best technician among blockers in this class.
Don't rule out Fields here -- there are several around the league who believe the Panthers are ready to throw multiple darts at the quarterback position. But if the Panthers are invested in giving Sam Darnold the chance to be "the guy," then upgrading the offensive line would be wise. Slater would immediately become the top left tackle on Carolina's roster.
They went with an all-defense draft in 2020, but new GM Scott Fitterer shouldn't be too concerned with that in 2021, even though trading for QB Sam Darnold could lead to them wanting to give him some blocking help.
Corner also remains a glaring need, though, and Surtain fits the mold of the long, athletic cover man defensive coordinator Phil Snow seeks and the prototype that the Seattle Seahawks prioritized when Fitterer was a key member of their scouting department. Seattle almost exclusively drafted corners with arm lengths 32 inches or longer, and Surtain crosses that bar -- and he can play, too.
My appreciation for Sam Darnold's potential is well-documented at this point, so I don't see Carolina taking a quarterback here after trading for the former Jets starter. Go and get him some help instead, either along the offensive line or at receiver. Smith is a stellar route runner who just gets open. Put him alongside DJ Moore and Robby Anderson and this is a top-10 offense. Why couldn't Carolina compete for a wild-card spot in 2021?
Now that the QB position has been addressed -- for the time being -- the Panthers can look to add the best player on their board. Sewell is a prime talent and would be a tremendous value at eighth overall.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Detroit Lions Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Detroit Lions from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
With Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and others signing elsewhere, Quintez Cephus (35/349/2) is the team's top returning receiver. Even though the team signed Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman to one-year deals, wide receiver arguably remains the team's biggest need heading into the draft.
If Chase, who opted out of 2020, were available for last year's draft, he would have been the WR1. The 2019 Biletnikoff Award recipient dominated SEC competition as a true sophomore to the tune of 84 receptions for 1,780 yards (21.2 Y/R) and 20 touchdowns. Not only did he lead the country in yardage and touchdowns, no receiver had more 15-yard receptions (46) or 25-yard receptions (25) than Chase in 2019.
New quarterback Jared Goff will need playmakers to live up to the trade of the stronger-armed Matthew Stafford, and the Lions' receiving corps lacks proven difference-makers with just one 1,000-yard season among the group -- and that was from the 6-4, 205 pound Tyrell Williams back in 2016 for the then-San Diego Chargers. Waddle possesses the elusiveness and speed to immediately become Goff's favorite target.
I badly wanted to trade down again in this mock with new GM Brad Holmes, considering his track record with the Rams. Ultimately, though, Jared Goff needs someone to throw to other than Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman at wideout.
This is where it gets tricky. The Lions might prefer to take a wide receiver or the top defensive player in the draft, but they will be tempted to take Fields even though they have Jared Goff. Without question, they will get trade requests from teams interested in a QB, and could consider moving down.
If the first six picks play out like this, the Lions' selection likely comes down to Fields, the top offensive lineman on their board, or the Alabama receiver they prefer. As Detroit begins a rebuild, the chance to start in the trenches with a 20-year old stud tackle makes sense.
Last time around, I had Penn State LB Micah Parsons here, a player they'll have a high regard for. But with Sewell on the board, I am not sure the Lions would pass on him. Would they move Taylor Decker to right tackle? Not initially. Sewell could be the right tackle and slide over to the left side in a few years if needed.
The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner led the country that season with 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdown catches, and he'd instantly be the Lions' top receiver on a depth chart that includes new signings Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman. He's great at making contested catches and can break tackles and run after the catch. He's a legit No. 1 wideout, which is sorely needed in Detroit.
If Detroit trades out of No. 7, scoops up some additional picks and still gets Smith, I'd see that as a Day 1 home run. The Alabama product has elite ball skills, won in big spots and is a gamer in every sense of the word. The Lions bid farewell to their top two wideouts in free agency, and Golden Tate a year before that. Insert the Heisman winner.
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our New York Giants Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New York Giants from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Giants:
The Giants finished with a very respectable 40 sacks last season (tied with Indianapolis for 10th in the NFL) but this number is deceiving as 11.5 of them came from Leonard Williams, with no one else contributing more than four. The power-packed Paye "only" registered 11.5 sacks himself over four years at Michigan, but he has the explosive traits and work ethic to suggest bigger things in the future.
You'll hear Giants GM Dave Gettleman is more open to trading back nowadays, but he still hasn't done it and I'm not sure he will. The Giants failed in their pursuit of Leonard Floyd after going crazy everywhere else in free agency, and they lock up the best edge rusher in this year's class.
The Giants will be looking for an edge rusher or a wide receiver, but Parsons, the best linebacker in this draft, would be tough to pass up. Linebacker has been an issue for the Giants for a while.
If the Giants want Daniel Jones to succeed, continuing to upgrade the offensive line with this pick will be attractive. There is no such thing as a "safe" prospect in the NFL Draft, but Vera-Tucker is viewed by many around the league as having low bust potential and a high floor. Personally, I would go Jaylen Waddle here, which is another realistic possibility.
Parsons fits a need for another playmaker on Patrick Graham's emerging defense. That unit ranked in the top 10 in yards per play and points allowed but was in the middle of the pack in turnovers. Parsons (19 career TFLs, 6.5 sacks, six forced fumbles) is a big-play threat.
The Giants also would have intel on Parsons that other teams don't: DL coach Sean Spencer, who was very close with Parsons at Penn State and could help vouch for his character, if needed.
This is an important season for quarterback Daniel Jones. Can he take a Josh Allen-esque leap in Year 3? To do so, he has to get better pass-catchers around him. That started with the Giants adding top wideout Kenny Golladay in free agency, and Waddle would give them the draft's best deep threat, a speedy playmaker who will also make an impact in the return game. I thought about edge rusher here as well.
The Giants have been aggressive and proactive in free agency, but they still have holes to fill. As much as giving Daniel Jones another weapon is a priority, Parsons fits what they need on defense and could be an immediate standout in both pass and run defense.
Before the Chiefs released starting (but injured) tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, it would have been reasonable to slot a tackle here given how much pressure they allowed in the Super Bowl. With both tackles no longer on the roster, it's become even more of a pressing need for 2021 and beyond. While he lacks ideal length and strength, Cosmi was a three-year starter at Texas with experience at both right tackle (2018) and left tackle (2019, 2020) and possesses outstanding athleticism.
The Chiefs surprised many with the release of longtime starting tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, but there is young talent already on the roster. This year's draft offers plenty more, including Jenkins, among the nastiest blockers in this class and a four-year starter with experience on both sides.
Zero sacks in 171 pass-rush snaps last season scares me on Oweh, but it's really hard to turn away from his remarkable pro day. You don't want to get too caught up in the athletic testing but … my goodness. Perhaps Steve Spagnuolo can unlock his potential and unleash him on the AFC West.
The Chiefs are redoing their entire offensive line. They've added Joe Thuney, Kyle Long and Austin Blythe to fortify the interior, but haven't done much at tackle, so drafting one in the first round would make sense.
The Chiefs have made necessary additions on the interior this offseason, but offensive tackle is a position that the organization must address through the draft. Leatherwood is a guard for some and a tackle for others. Regardless, he is a battle-tested blocker ready to start from day one.
The Chiefs could use another big, fast receiver, believe it or not, and Marshall fits the bill. There are some pitfalls in his evaluation (medical concerns, opting out midseason), but Marshall makes sense -- yet another LSU pick late in Round 1.
And this also would have a feel-good element to it, too. Marshall's great uncle, Joe Delaney, was the Chiefs' second-rounder in 1981 and a beloved star in the making prior to his drowning in 1983 while trying to save some children.
It has to be offensive tackle or edge rusher for the Chiefs here, right? The Super Bowl loss showed off some major weaknesses, even if this roster is still one of the league's best. Oweh is an interesting case because his coaches raved about his athletic traits, and he just ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at 257 pounds. That's unbelievable. Sacks aren't everything, but he didn't have any last season, and Oweh could be the first FBS defensive lineman since Dominique Easley (2014) to be selected in the first two rounds after not recording a sack in his final collegiate season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Scouts rave about his upside, but I still would have liked more production.
LSU has been so loaded with talent the past few years that Marshall's name has almost gone under the radar in NFL draft circles. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder scored 23 touchdowns in 19 games over the past two seasons.
Since five offensive linemen are already off the board, the value on my big board doesn't align well with the Colts' need to draft a replacement for retired left tackle Anthony Castonzo. The best available offensive tackle is Jalen Mayfield (my 35th-ranked prospect), so it may make sense to target a different need here and then tackle in Round 2 as it's a deep position group.
Xavier Rhodes rebounded in a major way with the Colts last season and he's back on a one-year deal for his age-31 season. While he has missed multiple games every year at Northwestern, Newsome is scheme-diverse with excellent speed (sub-4.4 forty) and fluidity.
Nearly half of the Colts' respectable 40 sacks a year ago were generated by Justin Houston (currently a free agent) and Denico Autry (signed by Tennessee). Ojulari, who led Georgia in sacks each of the past two seasons and won't turn 21 until June, offers a package of size, burst and bend. He would be a fantastic value at this point in the draft.
Colts GM Chris Ballard didn't let Darius Leonard's size get in the way of his football evaluation, and he won't let it happen here with the 6-foot-2, 249-pound Ojulari. He seemed to get better as the season went along and put together the best pass-rush season in the entire SEC in 2020. Hopefully for the Colts, this breaks a long streak of missing on edge rushers.
The Colts like to trade down and add draft choices. But they need a left tackle after Anthony Castonzo's retirement, and Mayfield has good athleticism for the position.
Phillips is a tough evaluation due to his medical history, but his talent is worthy of early first-round consideration. If the Colts' medical staff gives general manager Chris Ballard two thumbs up, Phillips could be a steal for a team in need of more juice rushing the passer.
GM Chris Ballard says he's a listen-to-the-board drafter, and Vera-Tucker is a top-20 prospect in some evaluators' minds. Can he play left tackle? All we saw of him in college was six games' worth at that spot in 2020, and he might lack ideal length at that position in the NFL. Could the Colts move Quenton Nelson to left tackle and play Vera-Tucker at left guard? Don't rule that out.
With my first-round offensive tackles all picked, Indianapolis should address its pass rush, even if it does bring back Justin Houston. Phillips might be the best pure pass-rusher in this class, but he needs to improve his all-around game. He also has some durability concerns -- he had multiple concussions at UCLA before he transferred to Miami -- which means his medical checks with teams are extremely important.
Horn gave up just eight catches on passes thrown in his direction last year, per Pro Football Focus. He has a professional build and competitive spirit. This defense's tone is set by Darius Leonard. Horn would match that fire on the back end.
The Bengals find themselves in an enviable position. Not only could they potentially trade back for a team looking to come up for Trey Lance, but they have their choice of non-QB prospects and any of three prospects (Penei Sewell, Ja'Marr Chase or Kyle Pitts) would make sense here. Fortunately for the Bengals, the talent in this year's offensive tackle and wide receiver classes means that they could address the other position at No. 38 with a Round 1-caliber prospect.
The Bengals have begun the process of upgrading their offensive line by signing Riley Reiff, but it's only a one-year deal for the 32-year-old tackle and that shouldn't preclude them from selecting an elite prospect like Sewell here. While Sewell opted out of the 2020 season, the 2019 first-team AP All-American was dominant in his true-sophomore campaign and won't turn 21 until October.
He is coming a year too late to save Joe Burrow from the gut-wrenching knee injury that ruined his impressive rookie season, but Bengals fans (and Burrow) can take solace that Sewell is a generational talent well worth a top-five selection.
Joe Burrow excelled at LSU because of incredible talent at skill positions but also because he had forever and a day to throw the ball. This year's class is incredibly deep at receiver, but you're not finding a blindside protector of anywhere close to Sewell's value later on. Getting Riley Reiff in free agency on a one-year deal absolutely should not preclude Cincinnati from continuing to protect Burrow.
The Bengals might prefer Sewell, who would help fix the blocking in front of second-year QB Joe Burrow, but if he's gone they can't pass up Pitts, one of the most talented and unique tight ends to enter the NFL in years.
If I were making the pick, the chance to upgrade the offensive line with Oregon's Penei Sewell would be the choice. But reuniting Chase with Joe Burrow is understandably enticing for Duke Tobin and Cincinnati's decision-makers. Which direction to go is a great problem for the Bengals to have at No. 5.
There's some buzz around the league that the Bengals feel they've done enough to upgrade their offensive line to bypass that spot (and Penei Sewell) at No. 5. That's … interesting.
Pitts has the higher ceiling as a prospect. He's an alien, basically. So Joe Burrow getting another premier weapon feels like a good thing. As long as the Bengals double back (at 38 or 69) and grab more OL beef.
This was the toughest call for me. It came down to Sewell and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who knows Joe Burrow well from their time together at LSU and would be an excellent fit next to Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Ultimately, the Bengals' offensive line was such a disaster that I don't think they can pass on Sewell, who should start immediately at one of the tackle spots opposite Jonah Williams. The good thing for Cincinnati is that tackle and wideout are two of the deepest positions in this class, and it should be able to find a starter at those positions at the top of Round 2.
The Bengals can't go wrong if things play out this way. Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater and Kyle Pitts all would be excellent selections for Cincinnati. But Chase racked up 84 catches, 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in a season with Joe Burrow at LSU. Let them thrive together for years to come in Cincy.
