2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Penei Sewell (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) Penei Sewell /

NFL Draft 2021: Detroit Lions pick Penei Sewell, compares to Orlando Pace

If it wasn’t for the proliferation of elite-level quarterbacks at the top of this draft, offensive tackle Penei Sewell would’ve had the number one pick on lock.

That, of course, simply wasn’t the case as a number of QBs were taken before him. Still, with Sewell reminding us of former number one overall pick and current Hall of Famer Orlando Pace, everyone will regret their decision.

Like several athletes, Sewell opted to bypass the COVID-19 infected season and prepare himself for the NFL Draft instead. Even with a full year spent on the sidelines, Sewell did more than enough to solidify his position as a top prospect.

Get this, in 678 pass block snaps, Sewell allowed only one sack. During his day, Pace was much of the same. He kept Kurt Warner upright and helped orchestrate one of the greatest offensive teams in the history of football.

It isn’t just that they play the same aggressive brand of football but their measurables are just about the same as well. During his prime, Pace stood at six foot seven and weighed 325 pounds. Sewell currently stands at six foot six and 330 pounds. There’s a reason why the Detroit Lions took him with the seventh overall pick. Expect him to have the same sort of impact as his Hall of Fame counterpart.

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