Noah

Sewell

The fifth highest-rated recruit ever signed by Oregon, Sewell (6’1.5/246) has NFL pedigree as his brother, Penei, is a former first-round pick. The stout middle linebacker received the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year Award after leading the Ducks in tackles with 45 during the shortened 2020 season. Solidified his status as a premium enforcer by posting 34 pressures and an elite 88.9 PFF pass rush grade which ranked third among all Power Five linebackers in 2021. The two-time Butkus Award semi-finalist ran a 95th percentile 1.56s 10-yard split and pushed out 27 reps on the bench (94th%), but was merely average in his agility testing and jumps for a strong 8.33 RAS. While he’s not going to have the range for sideline-to-sideline work, Sewell seeks out conflict and has no problem standing up to down blocking offensive linemen on the second level. A true thumper and shot caller in the middle of the defense, Sewell is a controlled rusher who has edge-worthy power in his hands and is ideally suited for a box linebacker role that maximizes his ability to bring inside pressure.

Sewell (6'3/250) is on watch to potentially be named the best defensive player in college football after he became one of 85 names to be named to the Bronco Nagurski preseason watch list earlier this month. The award is presented annually to nation’s top defensive college football player and was most recently awarded to Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. It’s not surprising that Sewell is on watch for something like this, considering that he’s played 413 snaps without allowing a single touchdown.

Sewell (6'3/250) has played 413 snaps without allowing a single touchdown and will look to continue that success into 2022. Several are high on the Ducks prospect, including Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus, who calls Sewell a “one-man freight train at the linebacker position.” Sewell finished out the 2021 season with 114 tackles (53 solo), five passes defended, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Sewell (6'3/250) was recently recognized for posting a 31.2% pass rush win rare, making him the leader among Power Five linebackers. He’s quickly becoming one of the strongest in school history, posting the second-highest pass rush grade for an Oregon defender (88.6) since 2015. That put him ahead of DeForest Buckner (84.7) and behind Kayvon Thibodeaux (91.5).

Sewell (6'3/250) logged 413 snaps without allowing a receiving touchdown, Oregon State LB Omar Speights came in second with 361 snaps. A monster on the rush in addition to his ability to cover, Sewell recorded 34 pressures while earning a pristine 88.6 pass rush grade according to 247Sports. The versatile linebacker also made 37 stops in the run game, but needs to clean up the missed tackles, as his 18 percent miss rate will attest. Sewell will be at the center of Oregon’s defense that allowed 27 points per game last year.

Not only is he good at rushing the passer in sporting a 31.2% pass rush win rate, Sewell (6'1/250) was also the leader among power five linebackers. In his second season in Eugene, Sewell was a dynamo, accumulating 114 tackles. four sacks, and two forced fumbles. With the departure of Kayvon Thibodeaux to the NFL, that should open up more opportunities for Sewell next season.

Things didn’t look good for Sewell (6'1/250) as he left the game with an apparent arm/shoulder injury. Having him against Utah, whom the Ducks already lost to earlier this season, will be key in stopping the Utes rushing attack led by Tavion Thomas. On the season, Sewell has 94 total tackles (43 solo), four sacks, and one forced fumble.

Sewell (6'1/260) appeared to have his leg rolled up on, and after some time down on the Autzen Stadium turf he was ultimately taken to the locker room via medical cart. Given the fact that the freshman was unable to put any weight on his leg, it doesn’t appear likely that he will return to action today.

“Noah Sewell is a freak of nature and an amazing athlete for his size who never stops,” Farrell wrote. “Whoever gets him is either getting a freak at linebacker or a nasty defensive tackle, depending on how he grows.” June was a good month for Sewell (6'2/266), as he also performed well at The Opening finals. Given the size there are questions regarding his position at the college level, as noted by Farrell. Regardless of which position Sewell plays, the fact that there are no concerns about his effort level is a positive. According to Brandon Huffman of 247Sports, the St. George, Utah native has already locked in official visits to Georgia, Oregon and Texas A&M. Sewell, who hasn’t set dates for those trips, plans to use all five of his officials before making a decision.

Due to his size, the debate regarding Sewell (6'2/266) is whether he should play linebacker or defensive tackle at the college level. In Biggins’ opinion, the four-star standout would be dominant at either spot. “The debate about whether he should play linebacker or defensive line is a fun one to have but for me, after seeing him the last week, I now feel it doesn’t matter, he’ll be a dominant player and has NFL upside at either spot,” Biggins wrote. Sewell put up solid testing numbers, including a 4.75 40, and according to Biggins the defender plays even faster between the lines. He’s scheduled three of his five official visits, with Georgia, Oregon and Texas A&M in line to host Sewell during the fall.