According to Ian Rapoport, in preparation for the possibility that a team with an entrenched left tackle drafts him, Penei Sewell is training at right tackle.
Versatility is key: #Oregon LT Penei Sewell, the Draft’s consensus top OT, has been training at right tackle as well as left tackle (which he played in college). Sewell is preparing for the possibility that someone with an entrenched LT drafts him & puts him at RT for a year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2021
Given all the rumors circulating about Kyle Pitts, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and multiple trade down scenarios, I can’t talk enough about Penei Sewell and what he could be for the Falcons. As the tweet eludes to, the former Oregon Duck is doing everything in his power to maximize his effectiveness for whichever team drafts him. This could be in preparation for Atlanta, Cincinnati, or Miami.
First, Miami doesn’t have a perennial left tackle, but with a lefty quarterback’s blind side coming from the right, right tackle is the more valuable position. If he can kick right over to the other side of the line, the Dolphins would likely be much more willing to draft him.
Jonah Williams joined the Bengals as the 11th player picked in the 2019 NFL draft. Missing his entire rookie season because of a shoulder injury, 2020 was his first real taste of NFL football. He seemed to be the man to stop the revolving door that has been Cincinnati’s left tackle position since Andrew Whitworth left four years ago. He still missed six games last year, including the final four with a knee injury. Not only could Sewell start opposite Williams, but he could also act as a swing tackle able to replace him when injuries occur.
This leaves the Falcons, who have one of the most consistent left tackles in football, Jake Matthews. The former Texas A&M Aggie isn’t going anywhere in the foreseeable future, which leaves Sewell playing left guard or right tackle. Kaleb McGary is an average right tackle, but he has steadily improved since being drafted in the first round a couple of years ago. Atlanta’s offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford is one of the best in the business and a well-respected developer of offensive linemen, most recently at Lousiville with Mekhi Becton.
I’d feel safe in saying that McGary will take another step in the right direction, becoming a better-than-average right tackle in this league. Sewell can play guard right now and make an All-Pro team or two before Jake Matthews’ tenure ends, where he could potentially do the same thing at left tackle. I think if he’s athletic enough to switch between left and right tackle, then he’s athletic enough to play a few years inside before kicking out when Matthews’ Falcons career ends.
You must log in to post a comment.