NFL.com ranks Ja’Marr Chase, Rashawn Slater higher than Penei Sewell

Bengals fans have been wanting Penei Sewell to come over to Cincinnati since Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in November.

But Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com thinks the Bengals can go other ways in the NFL draft this spring.

He just released his top 50 draft prospects, and Sewell is at number 10.

Jeremiah put Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence first, which is no surprise. He’s been the consensus first overall pick in this draft since his freshman year.

At number two is a player is one that the Bengals might have their eye on. Ja’Marr Chase, the wide receiver who won the National Championship with Joe Burrow and LSU, is at #2. The Bengals’ might have their eye on him, but he might be gone before the Bengals can get him with their fifth overall pick.

The third prospect on the list is Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. His ability to catch the ball make him possibly one of the best tight end prospects to ever enter the draft.

At number six is another interesting prospect for the Bengals. Rashawn Slater, tackle from Northwestern, has gone to the Bengals in several mock drafts already. Many NFL draft analysts seem to Slater him over Sewell.

The seventh and eight prospects could also draw interest from the Bengals. Both are receivers from Alabama, Devonta Smith and Jalen Waddle, respectively. Smith is a good all-around pass-catcher who was the first wide receiver in almost 30 years. Waddle is a quick receiver who would give the Bengals the speed that is missing from their current wide receiver corps.

Then, at number ten, is Sewell, the tackle out of Oregon. Sewell opted out of the 2020 season, so perhaps his stock is damaged by his lack of playing time this past season. But if the Bengals want to go offensive line, they will have to decide between him and Slater.

If the Bengals do want Sewell, there are plenty of quarterback-needy teams that might trade up to the Bengals number five spot. The Bengals might be willing to move back and get Sewell at around tenth overall.

Or, they might have a higher grade on Chase, Pitts, or a different receiver.