The Chargers’ loss to the Dolphins dropped them to 2-7 on the season.
But, there is a positive after suffering defeat. The loss moved Los Angeles up the NFL draft order from sixth to fifth, putting them closer to landing a premiere blindside blocker for quarterback Justin Herbert, one of which he’s very familiar with.
Penei Sewell, the 2019 Outland Trophy winner, is unarguably the best offensive lineman from the 2021 draft class. Sewell served as Oregon’s left tackle the past two seasons, where he was the engineer of keeping Herbert clean in the pocket and creating space for him to win with his legs.
It’s literally impossible not to notice Penei Sewell while watching Justin Herbert. We’ll be talking about him a lot for the 2021 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/hbB2S5m7CV
— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) October 25, 2019
Sewell, the 6-foot-5 and 325 pounder, is an elite pass protector, who uses his long arms, wide base and imposing grip to keep pass rushers at bay. He’s also a forceful run blocker, who wipes out defenders at all levels of the field with his intense and nasty mentality.
L.A. will be in the market for offensive line help this upcoming offseason, but especially at the left tackle position, where Sewell would serve as immediate and long-term help.
The Chargers might have to be picking No. 3 overall to nearly solidify their chances of landing Sewell, but given how the team has been playing, it wouldn’t be that surprising to see them picking in that spot come next April.