CLEVELAND (ABC 4 Sports) – Despite opting out of the 2020 season, former Desert Hills High School star Penei Sewell was still the first offensive lineman taken in the NFL draft on Thursday.
Sewell, who was with his family in St. George, was taken with the 7th overall pick by the Detroit Lions.
Sewell has been talked about as a franchise-type player, and he brings talent to the table, and an attitude of a winner.
“It’s my mindset, if I had to pick one thing, it’s my mindset,” said Sewell. “I’m coming each and every day, ready to run through the wall, ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish my goals and the team goals.”
In his two-year career at Oregon, Sewell only allowed one sack in 1,376 snaps. He was the first Oregon player in history to win the Outland trophy, which is awarded to the best interior offensive lineman in college football.
Sewell is just 20 years old. And even though he was the best offensive lineman in the draft, he feels like he has potential to be even better.
“To be honest, I haven’t even started yet, that’s how I feel, Sewell said. “I feel like there’s a lot to be done and the sky is the limit and I’m ready to tap into that potential and I’m ready to go to work to fulfill that dream.”
Sewell also joined LaMichael James (2010) and Marcus Mariota (2014) as the only Oregon players to be unanimous first-team All-Americans.
In his 2019 sophomore season, he finished as the top-graded offensive lineman in the nation.
The Lions already have a veteran offensive line, and Sewell says that can only help him in his quest to be the best.
“It’s a blessing to be a young dude to come in to such a veteran group with so many years, its just easier for me to approach the game, said Sewell. “I can go to them and ask for advice and soak up as much knowledge as possible, so being a sponge around those guys will help me out tremendously.”
