As the Chicago Bears enter the 2025 NFL season with a fresh defensive identity under new coordinator Dennis Allen, one name quietly gaining traction is third-year linebacker Noah Sewell. Once a promising prospect out of Oregon, his first two seasons in the league have been limited to
special teams. But that may be about to change.
Drafted 148th overall in 2023, he has been overshadowed by other defenders, Gervon Dextor Sr., and Tyrique Stevenson, who was drafted in the same year and have been a starter the last two seasons. But his older brother is Penei Sewell, a two-time All-Pro offensive lineman playing for the divisional rival Detroit Lions, who has won the NFC North the last two seasons, including a trip to the NFC Championship game two years ago.
The Bears made a pivotal decision this offseason by not tendering strong-side linebacker Jack Sanborn. While Sewell has played fewer than 35 defensive snaps over his first two seasons, his familiarity with starters Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards gives him a chemistry advantage over rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, who was in the fourth round this year.
Noah Sewell needs to find his footing entering critical third season
When he was drafted, he was listed at around 260 pounds, which made him a tweener. Too big to play linebacker, but not big enough to be a defensive lineman. Now he has trimmed down to 250 pounds and is moving very well. And his early reports are very encouraging. Adam Hoge from CHGO said, "I think these last couple of weeks are probably the best we’ve ever seen him look and play. Instinctually, speed-wise, all of those things in a Bears uniform since they drafted him."
Adam Hoge on Bears LB Noah Sewell running with 1s in Training Camp:
— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) August 5, 2025
“I think these last couple of weeks is probably the best we’ve ever seen him look and play. Instinctually, speed-wise, all of those things in a Bears uniform since they drafted him.” 😳 pic.twitter.com/jDtCTJud2D
What is more encouraging is that Dennis Allen is known for crafting defenses that maximize the strengths of overlooked players. Sewell could potentially fill a role similar to that of linebackers like A.J. Klein, Demario Davis, and Kwon Alexander had in the New Orleans Saints defense when Allen was their defensive coordinator.
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After being overlooked by former head coach Matt Eberflus, Sewell should be hungry to prove himself after two quiet seasons, adding a layer of motivation that could translate into breakout performances. If Sewell can translate his collegiate instincts and athleticism into consistent NFL production, he could become a key cog in a revitalized Bears defense.