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No position group was likely to undergo more changes in Matt Eberflus’ new 4-3 defensive scheme than the linebackers. They’ve gone from two off-the-ball options to three in one fell swoop. Not only that, but they also go from two inside options to only one with the other two being outside linebackers. It is a significant adjustment for the Chicago Bears. One they knew was going to take time to implement. They do have Roquan Smith on board already, but he’s played his entire career in a 3-4. More help is needed.
Thus far, the only addition they’ve made is veteran Nicholas Morrow, a former outside linebacker of the Las Vegas Raiders who should man one of the outside spots. Even with his arrival, there is one starter spot still unaccounted for. Never mind the considerable problems of depth as well. Given where things stand, it feels like the Bears might be planning a move or two in the upcoming draft at that position.
Hence why their representatives were spotted at the Utah pro day.
The talk of the 2022 draft from that program is Devin Lloyd, a freak linebacker prospect who amassed 43 tackles for a loss, 15.5 sacks, five interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns during his college career. His athleticism, instincts, and leadership make it easy to understand why most predict he’ll be the first linebacker off the board next month. It would be a dream if the Bears somehow stole him in the 2nd round, but that feels unlikely. However, he isn’t the only one they were there to watch.
Great open-field stop by Nephi Sewell pic.twitter.com/5P7JTBsGP1
—Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) February 4, 2022
UT LB Nephi Sewell is nowhere as big as brother Penei. But he is a VG cover LB who will pick off passes in zone and reliably tackle in the open field (here coming off inside read to attack underneath). Sticks his nose in vs. run as well, bounce off OL advances. #SnapScout22 pic.twitter.com/rwF8NOgSDs
— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) June 1, 2021
Watch Nephi Sewell pause in each hole with the RB, and then make a sound tackle. That’s just pretty. pic.twitter.com/mGOHMdWePJ
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) January 13, 2022
Nephi Sewell is the younger brother of Detroit Lions former 1st round pick, Penei Sewell. He played safety during his first three college seasons before switching to linebacker in 2020. The move paid off as he delivered 129 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown in 18 games. He has good speed, plenty of instincts, and isn’t afraid of physicality.
So why isn’t he talking about more? The simple answer is size. Sewell recently measured just shy of 6’0 tall with 29-inch arms. That is painfully short for an NFL linebacker. Many teams won’t be able to look past it. Bigger offensive linemen and even tight ends will overwhelm him. While understandable, there is no denying the kid makes things happen. Thanks to his ability in coverage, he could end up being the perfect Dime linebacker option.
Sewell also brings that same energy and effectiveness to special teams. The Chicago Bears are wise to keep an eye on him. He may not achieve the same glittering heights as his teammate Lloyd, but this is the kind of player that carves out a quiet but solid career in the NFL.
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