NFL - The Athletic on Penei Sewell

ArticleHow rare are gap years between college and the NFL? Brendan Sorsby has few para...Captured July 6, 2026
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four opt-outs (Ja'Marr Chase, Penei Sewell, Micah Parsons and Rashawn Slater) were drafted in the top 13 picks in 2021. They've combined for 16 Pro Bowl appearances.

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Sewell opted out in 2020, drafted top 13 in 2021, earned Pro Bowl selections.

Sewell was one of four 2020 COVID-19 opt-outs who were drafted in the top 13 picks in 2021 (along with Ja'Marr Chase, Micah Parsons, and Rashawn Slater). The group has combined for 16 Pro Bowl appearances, demonstrating that opting out did not harm draft stock or professional success; the NFL was not bothered by the season off.

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