2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Miami Dolphins trade back again
By Dakota Cox
2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Cincinnati breathed a sigh of relief when the Miami Dolphins traded back. This guarantees another quarterback will go ahead of the Bengals and pushes other prospects down the board. They can either get the best tackle in the draft or a top-tier weapon at receiver.
These are both needs, but I think that they will take Penei Sewell. This is for a few reasons. First and foremost, Cincinnati’s biggest concern is the offensive line. They have to protect Joe Burrow at all costs. I realize that they have Alabama football’s Jonah Williams and that they signed a tackle in free agency, but that’s not enough. If Burrow keeps getting hurt, his rookie contract will be wasted.
Also, there is depth at the receiver position. I would rather have OT1 and a Day-2 receiver than the other way around.
Sewell isn’t the perfect prospect, but he has what it takes to be a franchise left tackle. You can then move Jonah Williams to right tackle or guard. Either way, Burrow is set for the next few years.
No one expects much from the Bengals next year. As long as Joe Burrow stays healthy and shows promise, expectations will be met. With that in mind, any move to bolster the offensive line will be a move in the right direction. Sewell will make an impact as a rookie, and having him fall to you is a massive win for the Bengals.