Panthers Draft: 4 early first-round candidates in 2021
By Dean Jones
Panthers Draft: Penei Sewell – OT (Oregon)
The Carolina Panthers draft process in 2021 might see them opt to take an elite offensive tackle with one of their first picks.
The franchise recently traded for veteran Russell Okung in exchange for Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner. But he is heading into the final season of his current deal and it remains to be seen whether or not his stay in Carolina will be a long-term outcome.
Penei Sewell has all the making of a franchise left tackle and had a sensational sophomore season at Oregon. He boasts exceptional footwork and plays nasty in the run game.
Sewell’s standard of play was so good he received a second place vote in the Heisman Trophy ballot. With another season of college experience under his belt, the prospect is going to be a plug-and-play starter in the NFL with a possible All-Pro ceiling.
It appears that only injury will prevent Sewell from being a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Whether the Panthers draft position could eventually pick up someone with the skill set of the lineman will depend on their fortunes next season.
If they do end up struggling, then Sewell could easily be the Panthers blindside blocker for the next decade. If he lives up to expectations.