2023 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Oregon LB Noah Sewell

From now until the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents Today, I’ll be profiling Oregon LB Noah Sewell

#1 Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon (R-Sophomore) – 6020, 253lb

Measurements

The Good

— Has great size and length for the position with a stout, filled-out frame
— Has lined up as a traditional linebacker in the box, split out over the slot, and on the edge as a pass rusher
— Possesses good play speed and explosiveness
— Plays with great effort in all aspects of the game
— Shows phenomenal pursuit of the football as a sideline-to-sideline defender
— Takes good angles to the football to cut off outside runs, closing ground quickly
— Flies into the backfield on blitzes and when asked to rush the passer
— Strong at the point of attack and can stack and shed blocks
— Will overpower TEs against the run and holds his own against OL as a run defender
— Can push the pocket with a bull rush as well as use his speed to win around the corner on the edge
— Adequate zone dropper that reads the QB’s eyes and can cover intermediate zones
— Will have his eyes take him to the ball, leading to deflections of INTs
— Has a real knack for getting his hands up in passing lanes

— Isn’t the quickest when asked to move laterally or change directions
— Has more build up speed that instant burst
— Can move well for his size, but lacks fluidity to cover RBs and TEs in man coverage
— Backpedal looks mechanical and labored, leading to a longer reaction time for receivers to get open
— Will leave his feet and arm tackle at times, allowing runners a chance to break free
— Likes to tackle high and try and swing ballcarriers down rather than running through on contact
— Can overrun plays at times as well as not square up as a tackler, leading to missed opportunities
— Needs to use his hands better to fight off blocks, keeping outside leg and arm free
— Can do a better job keeping his shoulders square to the LOS as he reads the play
— Can have eyes locked into the backfield for too long, watching the QB rather than moving to cover the receiver in his zone

— Redshirt Sophomore Prospect (COVID year) from Malaeimi, American Samoa
— Born April 26, 2002 (age 20)
— Brother of Lions OT Penei Sewell, Saints LB Nephi Sewell, and Nevada LB Gabriel Sewell
— Five-star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports
— Consensus No.