Former Desert Hills High offensive tackle Penei Sewell has largely been seen as a top 10 pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL draft.
In ESPN’s Todd McShay’s latest mock draft — coming out less than a month before the draft’s opening night on April 29 — Sewell slides a bit, though it wouldn’t be all bad. Sewell drops to the 13th overall pick, going to the Los Angeles Chargers, where he would play with his college teammate, former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.
Sewell is the fourth non-skill position player off the board in McShay’s latest mock, and the first offensive lineman to be taken.
“Because he opted out in 2020, scouts are watching Sewell’s game tape from 2019 — when he was blocking for Justin Herbert at Oregon. Let’s reunite them,” McShay wrote. “It’s a bit of a shock to see my third-ranked prospect fall this far, but nine of the top 12 picks were QBs or offensive playmakers, causing a mini-slide.
“The Chargers aren’t complaining. Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler were solid signings in free agency, but this offensive line still needs work. And Sewell is the best lineman in the class.”
Sewell has been a popular pick to the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 5 in many mock drafts, but McShay had the Bengals taking LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with that pick.
What about Zach Wilson?
Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson is projected to go second overall to the New York Jets in McShay’s latest mock draft, the overwhelmingly popular pick for the Cougar signal caller at this point in the predraft process.
“Could a team move up to No. 2 and send the Jets a package similar to — if not exceeding — what the Dolphins got from the 49ers? It’s possible. But the Jets could very well move on from Sam Darnold and start fresh with Wilson at quarterback,” McShay wrote. “He fits so well with the modern NFL, showing the ability to make plays on the run, the arm strength to drive the ball vertically and the instincts to tuck and run for big gains when necessary.
“But similar to the Jags, the Jets have to get Wilson support. They brought in Corey Davis, Keelan Cole Sr. and Tevin Coleman over the past few weeks and have nine total picks to work with.”
Wilson is one of five quarterbacks taken in the first 11 picks in McShay’s mock.