After the 2021 season, Noah Sewell was on the top of his game. He led the Ducks in nearly every defensive statistical category. Although that season ended poorly with losses to Utah in the Pac-12 title game and Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl, it wasn’t because Sewell wasn’t playing well.
But then a coaching change occurred, a new defensive system was installed and for some reason, Sewell suffered for it. His stats went down. Not only did they go down, but they were also cut in half and it wasn’t because of playing time.
Why that happened isn’t exactly clear, but it wasn’t a shock to see Sewell declare for the NFL draft. Now with the scouts getting an up-close look at him, the hype train surrounding Sewell might have left with him still on the platform.
According to USA Today’s Draft Wire writer Jeff Risdon, Sewell might be a bit overhyped. Here are the reasons given.
- Stiff lower body that really shows when Sewell is forced to change directions
- Frequently runs himself out of the play by overreacting to initial movement (see Colorado and Arizona games in ’22); more of a guesser than an instinct-driven run defender
- Falls off tackles instead of wrapping and sinking his weight; often aims too high as a tackler, especially when in pursuit
- Often a liability in coverage outside the tackle box and in man coverage; change-of-direction and body control at full speed are both below-average
Sewell was considered a can’t-miss prospect, especially after his tremendous freshman season, but now the once sure-fire first-round pick could pretty much go anywhere in the draft. With all players going in the draft, it all depends on which team takes the former Oregon linebacker and how they intend on using him.
We’ve all seen the dominating Sewell on the football field and it wouldn’t be a shocker to see him again at the next level. The genes are there to be sure.
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