Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell runs a drill on the NFL soccer scouting mix in Indianapolis, Thursday, March 2, 2023. Darron Cummings, Related Press
Oregon linebacker and Orem Excessive Faculty alum Noah Sewell turned the second member of his quick household to be drafted when he was chosen by the Chicago Bears throughout the fifth spherical (No. 148 total decide) of the 2023 NFL draft on Saturday.
Sewell’s brother, Penei, who additionally performed for Oregon, was chosen seventh total by the Detroit Lions within the 2021 NFL draft. One other brother, Nephi, went undrafted final 12 months, however discovered a house with the New Orleans Saints.
Noah Sewell spent the previous three years honing his expertise as an inside linebacker at Oregon. He led the workforce in tackles throughout his first two seasons, and, in 2021, turned the first-ever Duck to be a semifinalist for the Butkus Award for linebackers.
The 6-foot-1, 246-pound Sewell got here to Oregon as one in every of its highest-ever recruits. He was a five-star prospect popping out of Orem Excessive and thought of a top-20 participant nationally.
Sewell performed each linebacker and working again for Orem. He was named Deseret Information’ Mr. Soccer in 2019.
What NFL draft specialists mentioned about Noah Sewell
“Sewell is the definition of a downhill linebacker. At over 250 kilos, he's the final particular person any working again desires to see within the gap. The youthful brother of Detroit Lions proper sort out Penei Sewell, Noah exudes the identical uncooked physicality as his older brother, which is proven in his 86.5 pass-rushing grade over the previous two seasons.” — Michael Renner for Professional Soccer Focus
“Sewell has good energy to tackle blocks and muddy the center, however his lack of pursuit velocity and change-of-direction quickness forestall him from constantly making the cease. He must develop into extra anticipatory and browse play improvement extra successfully, as he’s lacking the instruments needed to beat missteps.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Sewell doesn’t have the tape of a modern-day playmaker with clear limitations in man protection, however he thumps downhill with the physicality, pedigree and aggressive spirit to make performs between the tackles. He tasks as a rookie backup who can develop into a beneficial position participant — off-the-ball on early downs and dashing off the sting on passing downs.” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic
What specialists mentioned in regards to the choice
“Sewell is a thick, old-school framed LB who truly made a good quantity of performs in protection in faculty however that’s not his speciality. Will get downhill and when he does, look out. Energy galore. Love this as an early-down depth piece behind Edmunds and Edwards.” — Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports activities.
“Who is prepared for a Noah Sewell vs. Penei Sewell collision when the Bears and Lions meet? (Maybe on a David Montgomery run.) The youthful Sewell is a thickly constructed, two-down linebacker who lacks twitchy athleticism however can carry some thump to his hits.” — Eric Edholm, NFL.com.
Earlier Orem Excessive gamers who made it to the NFL
- Matt Homosexual, kicker, Indianapolis Colts (2023), Los Angeles Rams (2020-2022) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019).
- Chad Lewis, tight finish, Philadelphia Eagles (1997, 1999-2005) and St. Louis Rams (1999).
- Orrin Olsen, heart, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (1976).