Bears News: Getting to Know: Noah Sewell |
When you hear the name Sewell associated with the University of Oregon football team, Penei comes to mind. The former top-10 pick by the Detroit Lions has emerged as an outstanding offensive lineman and has helped stabilize an offensive line in Detroit, putting up huge numbers.
However, Penei isn't the only Sewall that will be playing on Sundays as the Bears drafted his younger brother Noah in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. Taken No. 148 overall, Noah was the first of the Bear's day three selections, as this is the part of the draft where it becomes hit or miss. The former Oregon Duck LB spent three years in the program and saw the field in 33 contests. Sewell recorded 215 career tackles, 19.5 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. Considering his 6-2 and 253-pound frame, that is a great frame, and many feel like there is more to come from him in the future. Fifth-round selection or not, Sewell ranked in the top 15 among LBs in most categories, as he has the potential to be a classic late-round steal. What that means going forward remains to be seen based on how much Alan Williams and Matt Eberflus play, but one thing we do know is that he will come into camp ready to work and prove his worth on this team. A well-decorated high school performer, Sewell was Utah's Mr. Football his senior year, leading Orem High School to a state title. The five-star prospect also grabbed accolades his first year in Eugene, including Pac-12 Conference Freshman Defensive Player of the Year and honorable-mention all-conference honors after tying for the team lead with 45 tackles (6.5 for loss with two sacks) in seven games with five starts. Sewell was a first-team all-conference selection as a sophomore, topping his defense with 114 tackles (8.5 for loss with four sacks), intercepting a pass, breaking up five others, and forcing two fumbles in 14 starts. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 in 2022 (56 tackles, 5.5 for loss with 1.5 sacks, one interception, and four pass breakups), starting 12 games before opting out of the team's bowl game to prepare for the draft. Sewell is an ILB by trait but does have the tenacity to move to the OLB position if needed. He has one of those throwback demeanor types of attitudes that many players played with during the 1970s and 80s, and the Bears would love to have that attitude back in their defensive room. Sewell has good power to take on blocks and muddy the middle, but his lack of pursuit speed and change-of-direction quickness prevents him from consistently making the stop. He needs to become more anticipatory and read play development more effectively, as he’s missing the tools necessary to overcome missteps. When watching his film, there are many things you like about Sewell, and most of that comes from his work ethic on the field. He is a three-year starter with great size and can take on any blockers using that strength. The power he plays with helped make him one of the more consistent tacklers in this year's class, which is what all good defenses need. Like all prospects, Sewell has things to work on, but most will come through experience. One of the things he needs to work on is his overall instincts and play recognition to help get better jumps on the snap. He also lacks speed in the coverage side of things, which makes him a liability in pass coverage. To have the most success possible, Sewell needs to go to the right system and be put in a great place to succeed.
