2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans trade Deshaun Watson to Panthers, land Justin Fields
Cincinnati Bengals. Penei Sewell. 5. player. 56. . OT
With the run on quarterbacks to start and then the Falcons needing a wideout, the Cincinnati Bengals can thank their lucky stars as Penei Sewell falls into their lap. The Oregon product is the clear-cut top offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class, blessed with nice athleticism, unreal length and a great mentality for the position. He’s a stud that the Bengals need in a major way.
Injuries are a fluke thing to some degree but, having said that, it was hard not to see it coming with Joe Burrow this past season. He was consistently facing heavy pressure because the offensive line was an outright disaster. Adding Sewell as a bookend is a massive start in fixing that, which could allow Cincinnati to take a big step forward as Burrow returns from his torn ACL.
player. 54. . WR. Philadelphia Eagles. Jaylen Waddle. 6
Considering that the Eagles took Jalen Reagor in the first round last year, my initial belief with this team was that they would address the secondary or at least some part of the defense in 2021. But with Nick Sirianni being hired as the next head coach, it’s clear they’re trying to figure out the offense. To do that, the Eagles need more weapons and Jaylen Waddle is too great to pass up.
Most people have DeVonta Smith on-par or ahead of Waddle but the upside of the latter might be greater. Waddle is an unbelievable home-run threat with top-tier speed, terrific vision and some underrated nuance in his route-running. He’s coming off an ankle injury suffered this past season but the high end of what he could be is one of the biggest playmakers in the NFL.