Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell missed out on playing alongside his brother Penei Sewell in college. When Noah joined the Ducks roster in 2020, Penei sat out due to the COVID-19 pandemic and opted to prepare for the draft. Three seasons later, Noah could finally play alongside his brother on the Detroit Lions. The Lions desperately need to upgrade their defense, and Noah Sewell fits their need for linebacker depth.
“If I would get to play with my brother, it would truly be a blessing,” Sewell said during his media availability at the scouting combine. Sewell added that he loves watching his brother play. “He really brings the passion to that game. You see it every snap, every play. He brings a lot. I am just trying to match that.
Today, March 2, Sewell performs alongside the other linebacker prospects at the combine. Standing at 6-2 and weighing in at 253 pounds, he is on the heavier side for modern NFL linebackers.
“I am on the heavier side of the scale, but I like to stay away from those typical linebackers,” he said. “I like to be unique with my weight.”
The Detroit Lions are certain to have an eye on Sewell during the combine. Whether the team feels the large linebacker fits their scheme is yet to be determined.
What would the Detroit Lions get out of Noah Sewell?
Pro Football Focus grades Sewell as a fourth-round pick. The 20-year-old linebacker is noted as the most powerful in the class. PFF considers Sewell as a great blitzing linebacker, saying he is not being utilized correctly if teams are not blitzing him multiple times a game.
Oregon did its best to keep Sewell out of pass coverage situations. The junior often stared at quarterbacks and lacked awareness in coverage. His pass coverage has plenty of room for growth, and teams would benefit from playing him in obvious passing situations.
The Lions could certainly find a role for Sewell in their defense. His large size will result in some big hits at the NFL level, but he also lacks some functional mobility. He does have some potential playing off the edge as well; although, his primary role is always going to be as an off-ball linebacker.
It would certainly be a fun story for Sewell to join his brother on the Lions. Sewell has a chance to showcase his talent at the scouting combine. A strong performance could entice the Lions to take the linebacker in the 2023 NFL Draft.
(Featured Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
