Panthers 2021 Draft: Why Penei Sewell is the dream pick at No. 8
By Dean Jones
How would Sewell fit on the Carolina Panthers?
In truth, if the Carolina Panthers cannot get any of the top quarterback prospects, then this is the dream pick. Penei Sewell has the scope to be a generational talent who has the sort of character that would fit in extremely well with what head coach Matt Rhule is trying to build.
This is also an area of need for the Panthers. Four of this season’s starting offensive linemen are out of contract and center Matt Paradis might become a salary-cap casualty given the savings involved with the veteran’s release.
Extending stud right tackle Taylor Moton should be the team’s top priority this offseason. If they managed to get Sewell on top of that, it would give the Panthers two exceptional bookend edge protectors that could transform the fortunes of whoever the decision-makers go with under center.
Had the Panthers been blessed with more selections, then trading up for Sewell would be highly recommended. Given their current situation, they’ll just have to hope that the player falls into their laps much like defensive tackle Derrick Brown did when he became the No. 7 overall selection in 2020.
Much will depend on the New York Jets and what they plan to do with the second pick. Another possible option in the top-five is the Cincinnati Bengals, who need to protect Joe Burrow better to get the most out of his unbelievable talent.
Should both those teams pass on Sewell, then it might just come with Carolina getting a shot at someone who could be the franchise left tackle they’ve been looking for. And they should not pass up on such an opportunity.