Desert Hills High offensive tackle Penei Sewell selected by Detroit Lions with No. 7 pick of 2021 NFL draft

FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell (58) looks on as Oregon plays Auburn in an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas. Sewell is the first Desert Hills High alum to be taken in the NFL draft. | Ron Jenkins, Associated Press

The star lineman is now a pro, after excelling at Oregon.

Penei Sewell, described as a “dancing bear on the edge with ballerina-like feet and quickness,” knows his NFL destination.

The former Oregon and Desert Hills High offensive tackle was selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft’s first round on Thursday. He becomes the first Deseret Hills High player to make the pros.

“Left tackle Taylor Decker is coming off a great season and Detroit has other pressing needs, so general manager Brad Holmes could have gone in another direction,” ESPN’s Steve Muench said in analyzing the pick. “However, the Lions ranked 10th in sacks allowed and 30th in rushing offense last season, and Sewell is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Taking that kind of talent here and figuring out the lineup later makes sense.”

The 6-foot-5, 331-pounder made a big impact in just two seasons at Oregon before opting out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the Outland Trophy winner in 2019, awarded to the nation’s best college football interior lineman, and in two seasons for the Ducks, Sewell gave up just one sack on 1,376 sacks.

“Penei Sewell is a talented offensive tackle prospect with a rare combination of size, strength, agility and skill,” NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks said in evaluating Sewell’s game. “He is a dancing bear on the edge with ballerina-like feet and quickness. The 6-foot-5, 331-pounder is a natural mover with the balance and body control to climb to the second level in the running game or lead in space on screens.”

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/3aNADgg