Noah Sewell NFL Draft Scouting Report

LB, Oregon Ducks

Oregon’s Noah Sewell has been a stalwart for the Ducks’ defense and has been a three-year starter. Sewell has had a highly-successful collegiate career, being named to multiple All-Conference teams and All-American teams. He was a 5-star recruit with NFL bloodlines as he is the little brother of Detroit Lions former first-round pick, Penei Sewell. 

As a prospect, Sewell has a lot to like. He has very good size and above-average overall athleticism for the position. He aligns as the MIKE backer in the Oregon defense but is moved all across the formation seeing snaps at EDGE and in the slot in coverage. As a run defender, Sewell is an aggressive downhill player who thrives in the box. He has just average eyes and instincts and will get fooled by misdirection, but when he recognizes run and sees the play develop, he flashes an impressive ability to trigger downhill and make the play. Sewell has outstanding play strength and the ability to defeat blocks with his violent and heavy hands. He is able to displace ensuing blockers with power and locate the ball carrier and make the tackle. Sewell plays with outstanding effort and will always be by the football. He is a big hitter who causes fumbles when he connects with the ball carrier. 

With that said, he will have missed tackles at times as he doesn’t often wrap his arms around players and drive them to the ground. Additionally, Sewell is a stiff athlete who has just average change of direction. He lumbers to transition and backs can cut back on him. Sewell also has just above-average sideline-to-sideline range and is much better playing in the box. In coverage, Sewell does show good eyes in zone and gets proper zone depth. He flashes a good closing burst when things are thrown in front of him as well. Sewell has the ability to cover against tight ends in man coverage but that isn’t an area where he shines. As a matter of fact, in the passing game, Sewell is much more effective when blitzing off the edge as he has excellent snap timing, anticipation, and power to get home. 

Overall, Sewell is a playmaking linebacker who offers excellent run-defending skills as a downhill box player but has limitations the further he gets from the box. 

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• Size and strength
• Motor
• Pass-rush skills

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Instincts
• Range
• Lower-body stiffness/change of direction

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 6′ 1 1/2”

Weight: 246 lbs

Arm Length: 31 5/8”

Hand Size: 10”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.64s

Vertical Jump: 33”

Broad Jump: 9 7”

Short-Shuttle:

Three-Cone:

Bench Reps: 27 reps 

Ideal Role: Starting MIKE Backer

Scheme Fit: 3-4 or 4-3 defense with blitzing tendencies

Prospect Comparison: Dont’a Hightower

TDN Consensus Grade: 79.50/100 (Third-Round Value)

• Weissman Grade: 79.50/100

Written By: Brentley Weissman

Exposures: Georgia  (2022), Washington State (2021), UCLA (2022) UCLA (2021)

Noah Sewell NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.