EUGENE, Ore. — Penei Sewell became the highest-drafted offensive lineman in Oregon football history on Thursday when the left tackle was taken seventh overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Sewell is the 19th player in program history and the third offensive lineman to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, joining Kyle Long (2013, No. 20) and Tim Drougas (1972, No. 22). He is the ninth top-10 pick ever to come out of Oregon, and fifth since 2013.
Oregon has now had a first-round pick in back-to-back years for the third time in program history, with quarterback Justin Herbert going sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.