The Cincinnati Bengals might be one of the most predictable teams in the 2021 NFL draft given the need to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is the latest to offer a mock draft that has the team playing it safe and taking Oregon tackle Penei Sewell at No. 5:
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Penei Sewell, OT, OregonThis is all about protecting quarterback Joe Burrow, who will spend the offseason recovering from the torn left ACL and MCL he suffered in November. Burrow started 10 games, but it was clear that he wasn’t comfortable behind a mediocre offensive line. The Bengals can take a step toward improvement by picking Sewell, an opt-out who was the 2019 Outland Trophy winner. He’s the clear top offensive tackle in this class. Sewell could stay at left tackle while 2019 first-rounder Jonah Williams either moves to the right side or guard. I have compared Sewell to Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, and Cincinnati should be thrilled to get another foundational player.
Most mocks have the Bengals going with the high-upside tackle from Oregon. Kiper, notably, throws out an Anthony Munoz comparison for him here.
Even if the Bengals spend big on the offensive line in free agency, Sewell would still make some sense. Jonah Williams still needs to stay healthy and develop and now center Trey Hopkins is dealing with a serious injury.
Other, rarer mocks have had the Bengals taking a tight end or even a wide receiver.
But if Sewell is truly worth talking about in the same breath as Munoz, the pick at No. 5 should be obvious.
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