PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Ducks fans have seen Penei Sewell play for the final time in an Oregon uniform. With the uncertainty around the upcoming season over the COVID-19 pandemic, Sewell decided to opt out of his junior season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Sewell will go down as one of the greatest offensive lineman in Oregon history. He allowed one sack during his time at Oregon and finished sophomore campaign as the top-graded offensive lineman in Pro Football Focus history.
He's won just about every award you can as an offensive lineman, including the Outland Trophy, AP Pac-12 Co-Offensive Player of the Year and Unanimous first-team All-America.
Sewell made the announcement to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft on Twitter.
"There are no words to adequately express how blessed I feel for having played football for the pay two seasons at the best school in the country, the University of Oregon," Sewell wrote. "The love and support I've received has been overwhelming, and I could not be more grateful. But ever since I was little, I have dreamt of playing professional football. Accordingly, after long thought, prayer and many conversations with my family, I have decided to opt out of the 2020-2021 college football season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft."
NFL experts predict Sewell will be the first offensive lineman picked in the draft, and could be picked in the top 10. Sewell's brother, Noah, signed with the Ducks earlier this year and is expected to compete for a starting role at linebacker.