Penei Sewell to the Panthers in 2021 NFL mock draft

The Carolina Panthers could be in line to take Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell, according to a recent 2021 NFL Mock Draft.

Despite the wholesale changes taking place with the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Their ambitions for 2020 are still relatively modest. This could see the franchise in line for another high-end NFL Draft pick next year.

While the two prominent candidates are currently Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State standout Justin Fields heading into the college season. One of the brightest offensive linemen in recent memory is also set to come out in 2021. He could be of high interest to the Carolina Panthers if Teddy Bridgewater performs well.

Left tackle Penei Sewell is a formidable presence that has all the tools needed for an exceptional blocker at the next level. He was an incredible force for the Ducks in 2019. And if he performs to the same level next time around, the player will be one of the first names called on draft day.

NFL Draft analyst Charlie Campbell is also a big fan of Sewell. And he had the Panthers selecting at No. 3 in his latest mock. Speaking on the prospect and Carolina, the Walter Football writer had this to say.

"“The best thing for the Carolina Panthers might be to bottom out in 2020 and land a top-two pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. That would allow them to get a quarterback of the future with Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. However, they have some serious firepower on their offense and a talented young front seven on defense. Thus, they may miss out on Lawrence and Fields. Carolina needs more long-term talent on its offensive line as Russell Okung is entering free agency after this season.”"

There is no doubt that Sewell possesses all the credentials that NFL scouts look for in a top-five pick. A lot of football has to be played between now and then. And it remains to be seen just what could become the prominent areas of need for the Panthers following the 2020 season.

Why Penei Sewell is a good fit for the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have made some substantial changes to their offensive line ahead of the new season. But whether that translates to any immediate success is another matter entirely.

On the surface, the changes appear to be a patchwork job until more funds become available in 2021. This would allow the Panthers to pick up a big-name free agent. And would also enter the possibility of them taking a player like Penei Sewell.

Russell Okung’s $13 million will come off the books next spring. And it is unlikely they will keep the player around. Although they traded perennial Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner for the veteran. The decision looks to be purely financial.

The likes of John Miller and Michael Schofield were brought in on short-term deals. And center Matt Paradis faces a critical season after going through considerable struggles in 2019.

They do have a tackle of real potential in Taylor Moton. But adding Sewell would give the Panthers two bookends that could allow Teddy Bridgewater significantly more time in the pocket that he is going to have this season.

If the Panthers are in a position to take Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. The temptation might be too much to refuse. But if Bridgewater performs to expectations, then getting him more protection to thrive is probably the best way to go.

Sewell is an imposing figure who protected Justin Herbert’s blindside tremendously in 2019. He has supreme length and athleticism, which really stood out during his junior season. This brought with it some individual accolades, with the tackle winning the Outland Trophy and he was also the Pac-12 co-offensive player of the year.

This followed on from an outstanding sophomore campaign for the Ducks, where Sewell did not give up a sack in 926 snaps. This sort of consistent production has been missing from the Panthers since Jordan Gross left the franchise. And if they do end up with a top-three draft pick next year, then the stud offensive lineman should be very high on their shortlist.