ravidubey
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Hells no. I think though there’s a lot of legit talent at the position in this draft.
2021 Draft Big Boards, Position Rankings & Mocks
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2021 NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board: Kyle Pitts, Zach Wilson follow Trevor Lawrence atop list
Dane Brugler 2h ago
We are one month away from the NFL Draft.
There are a few pro days left on the schedule and teams are still parsing the updated medical information for several players. But for the most part, the hay is in the barn and the commissioner is ready for the podium in Cleveland.
We last assessed the Top 100 in January, prior to the Senior Bowl and pro day workouts. Among the biggest risers since then: UCF safety Richie Grant, who went from 89 to 37, and Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome, who climbed into the top 20 from 65. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is also ascending, checking in at 23 after sitting at 40 last time.
Let’s examine the updated Top 100 draft board:
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB1, Clemson (6-foot-6, 213 pounds)
The moment the 2020 NFL Draft concluded, Lawrence became the top draft-eligible prospect. Almost a year later, nothing has changed. Lawrence is wire-to-wire the No. 1 player in the class.
2. Kyle Pitts, TE1, Florida (6-foot-6, 240 pounds)
Guards aren’t normally drafted high, but I had no regrets about ranking Quentin Nelson as my No. 1 player in the 2018 draft. Similarly, tight end isn’t generally valued as a position worthy of the top of the draft, but Pitts is the best non-quarterback in this class. Just like Nelson was a unique case, so is Pitts. No need to overthink it.
3. Zach Wilson, QB2, BYU (6-foot-2, 214 pounds)
While Lawrence was the clear top prospect from start to finish, Wilson made a remarkable ascent over the last calendar year with what he put on tape last season. His natural accuracy and instinctive skills off-platform separate him from others in this class.
Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)
4. Ja’Marr Chase, WR1, LSU (6 feet, 210 pounds)
Chase is extremely talented after the catch and with the ball in the air, exemplifying the “my ball” attitude to consistently win the catch point (he plays like a smaller Larry Fitzgerald). He appears very natural with his route movements but needs to do a better job making every route look the same off the line of scrimmage.
5. Penei Sewell, OT1, Oregon (6-foot-6, 315 pounds)
For a blocker with his size and strength, Sewell is astonishingly efficient with his movement patterns due to his natural flexibility and footwork. Not only does he offer impressive physical traits, but his split-second reads and reflexes are also advanced for a 20-year-old.
6. Jaylen Waddle, WR2, Alabama (5-foot-10, 180 pounds)
With his natural speed and burst, Waddle is dangerous before and after the catch, showing the creativity, competitiveness and separation skills to stress defenses in different ways (he’s responsible for four receptions of 75-plus yards in his career). While still a work in progress with several details of the position, he showed clear maturation with his route construction and ball skills last season.
7. Trey Lance, QB3, North Dakota State (6-foot-4, 224 pounds)
Lance is an unprecedented evaluation. Never before have we seen a quarterback with his talent yet meager experience versus top competition (he has played 17 career games, all against FCS competition). But his preparation habits and natural instincts suggest he is more pro-ready than his lack of experience does.
8. Justin Fields, QB4, Ohio State (6-foot-3, 218 pounds)
Although his methodical process is bothersome, Fields throws a clean, accurate ball and all the physical traits are there for him to lead an NFL offense.
9. DeVonta Smith, WR3, Alabama (6 feet, 170 pounds)
Despite a frail build and average stopwatch speed, Smith is natural in everything he does — finding space, finishing catches and not going down easy (he is tougher and more competitive than most 225-pound wide receivers). The Alabama coaches used him across the formation and routinely highlighted him as having the best hands on the team. He had only seven drops on 268 catchable targets in his career.
10. Patrick Surtain II, CB1, Alabama (6-foot-2, 208 pounds)
With his foot athleticism, body range and ball skills, Surtain plays sticky coverage and doesn’t panic downfield, consistently staying balanced and in phase. While he lacks ideal twitch and doesn’t play as fast as his 4.41-second 40-yard dash, his athleticism is NFL-quality and false steps are infrequent.
11. Rashawn Slater, OT2, Northwestern (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
Slater doesn’t have ideal height or length, but he is agile, stout and power-packed and doesn’t allow rushers to go through him (it’s the Isaiah Wynn conversation all over again). He is very quick to lock up pass rushers before they can set up their moves and rarely strays from his fundamentals.
12. Micah Parsons, LB1, Penn State (6-foot-3, 246 pounds)
Parsons was tremendous at his pro day, living up to the immense hype with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and 6.96-second three-cone drill. He needs to improve his maturity, spacing and anticipation in coverage, but the athleticism and budding awareness are there.
13. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG1, USC (6-foot-5, 308 pounds)
A projected second-round pick over the summer, Vera-Tucker opted back into playing last season and moved to left tackle, performing at a high level for the Trojans. He showed his versatility to play tackle, but his best fit is inside at guard to maximize his strengths as an NFL player.
14. Jaycee Horn, CB2, South Carolina (6-foot-1, 205 pounds)
With his length and athleticism, Horn matches up well versus size and he shows more ownership for the catch point than most wide receivers. He dropped the mic at his pro day with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump, although he elected not to run the short shuttle or three-cone drill.
Jaycee Horn (Frederick Breedon / Getty Images)
15. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB2, Notre Dame (6-foot-2, 217 pounds)
With his explosive athleticism, Owusu-Koramoah will be a hot commodity this spring. He has terrific key, read and flow skills, showing the range and physicality to cover the slot receiver one play and rush off the edge the next play. His “fit” will be different from team to team.
16. Azeez Ojulari, edge1, Georgia (6-foot-2, 249 pounds)
Ojulari is very skilled at using his burst and bend to attack the outside shoulder of blockers while greasing the corner and detaching from blocks with his violent hands. He lacks elite size and length for the position, but that shouldn’t limit his ceiling if he continues to diversify his approach and develop his counters.
17. Christian Darrisaw, OT3, Virginia Tech (6-foot-5, 315 pounds)
Keeping his weight over his toes, Darrisaw shows efficient slide quickness in pass protection and is a bulldozer in the run game while unlocking his hips to create movement or seal block. He shows the ability to manhandle defenders once he locks on, but he doesn’t always play with a stout anchor or killer instinct.
18. Greg Newsome, CB3, Northwestern (6 feet, 192 pounds)
A route magnet, Newsome has strong tape and tested off the charts (4.38-second 40-yard dash, 6.90-second three-cone drill), which has earned him a spot in the top 20. He missed at least three games each of his three seasons in college and he needs to stay on the field, but everything else about his game screams high-potential starter.
19. Kwity Paye, edge2, Michigan (6-foot-2, 261 pounds)
Equally effective rushing the passer and stopping the run, Paye competes with athletic twitch and relentless energy to work around blockers and make plays in the backfield. He needs to improve his anticipation and countering skills, but the talent suggests he is a long-term NFL starter.
20. Teven Jenkins, OT4, Oklahoma State (6-foot-7, 320 pounds)
Jenkins ties up rushers early with outstanding body control and works hard to stay attached, finishing with the kill shot and sending defenders into tomorrow once he gets the upper hand. He tends to lean into blocks and defaults to his power over technique, which creates occasional balance problems
21. Landon Dickerson, OG2, Alabama (6-foot-6, 326 pounds)
Dickerson moves with balanced footwork to handle gap penetrators and remove linebackers at the second level. Although he doesn’t always play disciplined, his mauling attitude and finishing skills frustrate opponents. If healthy, Dickerson goes in the first round, but he is a tough projection due to the durability questions, including his torn ACL in December.
22. Christian Barmore, DT1, Alabama (6-foot-4, 310 pounds)
Barmore has been the top-rated defensive tackle since the summer, but it wasn’t until the second half of the season that he started to play like a possible first-rounder. Only a redshirt sophomore, he is still learning, but the traits are enticing, especially in a below-average interior defensive line class.
23. Mac Jones, QB5, Alabama (6-foot-3, 217 pounds)
One of the more difficult evaluations in this class, Jones was surrounded by elite talent at Alabama, which isn’t a reason to dismiss him as a prospect. But it does make it more challenging. Despite his supporting cast, Jones deserves credit for making the reads and throws and staying poised to achieve the success Alabama reached last season with a national championship.
24. Najee Harris, RB1, Alabama (6-foot-2, 230 pounds)
Harris has the quick, graceful feet of a much smaller back to elude pursuit, showing improved decision-making and on-field maturity as a senior in Tuscaloosa. Although he doesn’t have his home run juice, he compares favorably to Matt Forte with his athletic cuts, natural instincts, reliability as a pass catcher and toughness to wear down defenses.
25. Jaelan Phillips, edge3, Miami (Fla.) (6-foot-5, 265 pounds)
Although not super explosive, Phillips is very smooth in his upfield attack and redirect, using his hands and reach as weapons and rushing with his curls on fire. His eyes stay locked on the ball and allow him to see through blockers, which makes him equally productive versus the run and the pass. While a first-round talent, there is some baggage (medical and off-field) that will determine where he is drafted.
26. Jayson Oweh, edge4, Penn State (6-foot-5, 257 pounds)
The “zero sacks” statistic sticks out like a sore thumb, but he was consistently disruptive due to his rare athleticism — a 4.37 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical, an 11-foot-2 broad jump, a 6.90 three-cone drill. He is very raw instinctually, but his upside is through the roof.
27. Zaven Collins, LB3, Tulsa (6-foot-3, 259 pounds)
With the size of a defensive end and the athleticism of a safety, Collins offers intriguing scheme-versatility and every-down ability. He needs to be better with his take-on skills and run fits, but he flashes like a Dont’a Hightower starter kit.
Zaven Collins (Brett Rojo / USA Today)
28. Kadarius Toney, WR4, Florida (5-foot-11, 195 pounds)
A loose, elastic athlete, Toney routinely makes the first man miss with special start-stop twitch to frustrate would-be tacklers and create explosive plays. While he is an improved route runner, he remains a work in progress with his steps and tempo and his freelancing will backfire at times.
29. Caleb Farley, CB4, Virginia Tech (6-foot-2, 205 pounds)
With only two seasons of experience at cornerback, Farley was always a tough projection, but his size, athleticism and ball instincts are why he was my top cornerback in this class. However, his most recent back procedure shines a bright light on the durability concerns, making it a challenge to understand his draft value. His ranking will remain fluid up until draft day.
30. Levi Onwuzurike, DT2, Washington (6-foot-3, 290 pounds)
Onwuzurike fires off the snap and consistently makes plays away from his gap due to his effort and athleticism. While calling him active doesn’t do him justice, he tends to rush tall and scattered, allowing him to be redirected by blockers.
31. Travis Etienne, RB2, Clemson (5-f0ot-10, 215 pounds)
A speed slasher, Etienne uses his deceiving run strength and deadly start-stop suddenness to forced missed tackles while bursting past defenders or powering through them. He has matured as a pass catcher to be more than simply a screen target, but he must improve in pass protection to stay on the field in any situation.
32. Samuel Cosmi, OT5, Texas (6-foot-6, 314 pounds)
Cosmi is quick out of his stance and does a great job marrying his hands with his eyes to keep rushers in front of him. However, he lacks ideal anchor strength and arm length, which forces him to be consistently on time with his body posture and leverage.
33. Alex Leatherwood, OG3, Alabama (6-foot-5, 313 pounds)
Although he isn’t an explosive mover, Leatherwood is patient and strong in pass protection while relying on his hands to cover up edge speed. He plays like a robot because he is so consistent with his posture and technique, but also because of some stiffness in his lower body, which is why some NFL teams grade him best at guard.
34. Gregory Rousseau, edge5, Miami (Fla.) (6-foot-7, 265 pounds)
Rousseau is a super long athlete who keeps his momentum downhill with violent hands and easy acceleration, which helps him to quickly disengage from blocks. He is an intelligent player and can talk the talk when it comes to breaking down pass rush execution, but he is overly reliant on speed and length and needs to improve his anchor, technique and diagnose skills.
35. Elijah Molden, CB5, Washington (5-foot-10, 188 pounds)
It is fair to question how versatile he is as an outside corner or safety, but he might be the best nickel cornerback in the draft. His instinctive nature versus the pass and the run helps him create plays.
36. Carlos Basham, edge6, Wake Forest (6-foot-4, 274 pounds)
While he can be slowed, Basham is rarely controlled due to his active play style, power and hustle, which directly leads to production. His hands have some pop, but his stiff hips show when trying to bend the corner and he must develop his pass rush sequence.
37. Richie Grant, DS1, UCF (6 feet, 200 pounds)
Grant accounted for 17 turnovers (10 interceptions, seven forced fumbles) over his college career while allowing only three touchdown passes the last two seasons. There are some inconsistent areas to his game, but his range, eyes and ball-hawking skills are why he is my top-ranked safety.
38. Nick Bolton, LB4, Missouri (5-foot-11, 237 pounds)
A hammer in search of a nail, Bolton is a forceful downhill defender with outstanding play speed and striking skills to put ball carriers on the ground before they can reach the line of scrimmage. His lack of size and length will show up, especially in coverage, but his fiery play personality is something that will endear him to NFL coaches.
39. Trevon Moehrig, DS2, TCU (6-foot-1, 202 pounds)
With his body type, range and ball skills, Moehrig is reminiscent of Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates. He needs to be more urgent in his stack and shed to be a steady run defender, but his ability versus the pass is why he is a projected top-40 draft pick.
40. Javonte Williams, RB3, North Carolina (5-foot-10, 220 pounds)
Running backs who rely so much on breaking tackles for their production worry me because those tackles will be tougher to break against NFL talent. But Williams is built for the pro game and is still scratching the surface of his dynamic skill set.
41. Terrace Marshall, WR5, LSU (6-foot-3, 203 pounds)
Marshall has the build-up acceleration to eat cushion without breaking stride, and he looks like a basketball big man at the catch point while using his body position and catch radius to reel in off-target throws. Similar in ways to Denver’s Courtland Sutton as a prospect, he tends to rely on his size and speed and needs to hone his urgency and route mechanics for the next level.
Terrace Marshall. (Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today)
42. Rashod Bateman, WR6, Minnesota (6-foot-2, 210 pounds)
Bateman is a natural hands-catcher with length and excellent route savvy who relies on tempo and pacing to create separation. While he is deliberate with his footwork, he lacks explosive burst off the line or out of his breaks and his acceleration falls below NFL standards at the position.
43. Elijah Moore, WR7, Ole Miss (5-foot-9, 185 pounds)
While undersized, Moore is an electric athlete who catches everything. For a team looking for an underneath weapon who can create before and after the catch, Moore will be high on their wish list.
44. Joe Tryon, edge7, Washington (6-foot-4, 263 pounds)
Tryon has been overlooked by many since he opted out of playing last season, but he is a really toolsy pass rusher who has yet to play at his best. He will present excellent value if he makes it to the second round.
45. Asante Samuel Jr., CB6, Florida State (5-foot-10, 180 pounds)
Another cornerback with impressive bloodlines, Samuel doesn’t have ideal size for what teams desire on the outside, but he is a top-tier athlete with instincts. Similar to his father, there is a good chance he exceeds expectations in the NFL.
46. Joseph Ossai, edge8, Texas (6-foot-4, 256 pounds)
Ossai has some body stiffness that is most noticeable at the top of his rush, but he is consistently around the football due to his quickness and pursuit. His locked-in effort and physical presence help mask some of his issues.
47. Jalen Mayfield, OG4, Michigan (6-foot-5, 320 pounds)
A college right tackle, Mayfield doesn’t have elite length, which will move him inside to guard on many draft boards. Regardless if he plays tackle or guard, he is a balanced mover with the power to collapse the line and create holes for the run game.
48. Liam Eichenberg, OT6, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 301 pounds)
Eichenberg is a fundamentally minded blocker and stays centered in his pass sets, which allows his fierce punch and play demeanor to battle defenders. While he plays under control, his mistakes are usually costly, as he lacks the quickness to easily recover when rush lanes open.
49. Creed Humphrey, OC1, Oklahoma (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
Humphrey plays with outstanding strength and smarts, which allows him to out-physical his opponent, as his wrestling background and mentality translate to the field. He has average athleticism and doesn’t flash the power to be a people-mover in the run game, but he finds a way to get the job done.
50. Rondale Moore, WR8, Purdue (5-foot-7, 181 pounds)
Not every team is looking for a 5-foot-7 target, but his athleticism is remarkable — both his short-area quickness and long-speed. In the right role, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL.
The second half of the board
51. Pat Freiermuth, TE2, Penn State (6-foot-5, 251 pounds)
52. Eric Stokes, CB7, Georgia (6-foot-1, 194 pounds)
53. Jamin Davis, LB5, Kentucky (6-foot-3, 236 pounds)
54. Kelvin Joseph, CB8, Kentucky (6-foot-1, 192 pounds)
55. Tyson Campbell, CB9, Georgia (6-foot-1, 193 pounds)
56. Quinn Meinerz, OC2, Wisconsin-Whitewater (6-foot-3, 320 pounds)
57. Walker Little, OT7, Stanford (6-foot-7, 313 pounds)
58. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB10, Syracuse (6-foot-3, 205 pounds)
59. Payton Turner, edge9, Houston (6-foot-5, 270 pounds)
60. Amari Rodgers, WR9, Clemson (5-foot-10, 212 pounds)
61. Jevon Holland, DS3, Oregon (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)
62. Aaron Robinson, CB11, UCF (6 feet, 190 pounds)
63. Josh Myers, OC3, Ohio State (6-foot-5, 315 pounds)
64. Dyami Brown, WR10, North Carolina (6-foot-1, 195 pounds)
65. Kenneth Gainwell, RB4, Memphis (5-foot-8, 201 pounds)
66. Wyatt Davis, OG5, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 315 pounds)
67. Marlon Tuipulotu, DT3, USC (6-foot-2, 307 pounds)
68. James Hudson, OT8, Cincinnati (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
69. Deonte Brown, OG6, Alabama (6-foot-3, 364 pounds)
70. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR11, USC (6 feet, 197 pounds)
71. Ronnie Perkins, edge10, Oklahoma (6-foot-3, 253 pounds)
72. Milton Williams, DT4, Louisiana Tech (6-foot-3, 284 pounds)
73. Tylan Wallace, WR12, Oklahoma State (5-foot-11, 193 pounds)
74. Dillon Radunz, OT9, North Dakota State (6-foot-6, 301 pounds)
75. Jay Tufele, DT5, USC (6-foot-2, 305 pounds)
76. Brady Christensen, OT10, BYU (6-foot-6, 300 pounds)
77. Daviyon Nixon, DT6, Iowa (6-foot-3, 313 pounds)
78. Jabril Cox, LB6, LSU (6-foot-3, 233 pounds)
79. Paulson Adebo, CB12, Stanford (6-foot-1, 198 pounds)
80. Brevin Jordan, TE3, Miami (Fla.) (6-foot-3, 244 pounds)
81. D’Wayne Eskridge, WR13, Western Michigan (5-foot-9, 188 pounds)
82. Tutu Atwell, WR14, Louisville (5-foot-9, 175 pounds)
83. Dayo Odeyingbo, edge11, Vanderbilt (6-foot-5, 285 pounds)
84. Tommy Tremble, TE4, Notre Dame (6-foot-4, 252 pounds)
85. Alim McNeill, DT7, NC State (6-foot-2, 318 pounds)
86. D’Ante Smith, OT11, East Carolina (6-foot-5, 294 pounds)
87. Kendrick Green, OC4, Illinois (6-foot-2, 305 pounds)
88. Rashad Weaver, edge12, Pittsburgh (6-foot-4, 259 pounds)
89. Stone Forsythe, OT12, Florida (6-foot-7, 330 pounds)
90. Jackson Carman, OG7, Clemson (6-foot-5, 317 pounds)
91. Baron Browning, LB7, Ohio State (6-foot-3, 241 pounds)
92. Nico Collins, WR15, Michigan (6-foot-4, 215 pounds)
93. Trey Smith, OG8, Tennessee (6-foot-6, 331 pounds)
94. Hamsah Nasirildeen, DS4, Florida State (6-foot-3, 215 pounds)
95. Chazz Surratt, LB8, North Carolina (6-foot-2, 227 pounds)
96. Robert Rochell, CB13, Central Arkansas (6 feet, 193 pounds)
97. Andre Cisco, DS5, Syracuse (6-foot-1, 216 pounds)
98. Davis Mills, QB6, Stanford (6-foot-4, 217 pounds)
99. Aaron Banks, OG9, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 338 pounds)
100. Jamar Johnson, DS6, Indiana (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)
Dane Brugler 2h ago
We are one month away from the NFL Draft.
There are a few pro days left on the schedule and teams are still parsing the updated medical information for several players. But for the most part, the hay is in the barn and the commissioner is ready for the podium in Cleveland.
We last assessed the Top 100 in January, prior to the Senior Bowl and pro day workouts. Among the biggest risers since then: UCF safety Richie Grant, who went from 89 to 37, and Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome, who climbed into the top 20 from 65. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is also ascending, checking in at 23 after sitting at 40 last time.
Let’s examine the updated Top 100 draft board:
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB1, Clemson (6-foot-6, 213 pounds)
The moment the 2020 NFL Draft concluded, Lawrence became the top draft-eligible prospect. Almost a year later, nothing has changed. Lawrence is wire-to-wire the No. 1 player in the class.
2. Kyle Pitts, TE1, Florida (6-foot-6, 240 pounds)
Guards aren’t normally drafted high, but I had no regrets about ranking Quentin Nelson as my No. 1 player in the 2018 draft. Similarly, tight end isn’t generally valued as a position worthy of the top of the draft, but Pitts is the best non-quarterback in this class. Just like Nelson was a unique case, so is Pitts. No need to overthink it.
3. Zach Wilson, QB2, BYU (6-foot-2, 214 pounds)
While Lawrence was the clear top prospect from start to finish, Wilson made a remarkable ascent over the last calendar year with what he put on tape last season. His natural accuracy and instinctive skills off-platform separate him from others in this class.
Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press)
4. Ja’Marr Chase, WR1, LSU (6 feet, 210 pounds)
Chase is extremely talented after the catch and with the ball in the air, exemplifying the “my ball” attitude to consistently win the catch point (he plays like a smaller Larry Fitzgerald). He appears very natural with his route movements but needs to do a better job making every route look the same off the line of scrimmage.
5. Penei Sewell, OT1, Oregon (6-foot-6, 315 pounds)
For a blocker with his size and strength, Sewell is astonishingly efficient with his movement patterns due to his natural flexibility and footwork. Not only does he offer impressive physical traits, but his split-second reads and reflexes are also advanced for a 20-year-old.
6. Jaylen Waddle, WR2, Alabama (5-foot-10, 180 pounds)
With his natural speed and burst, Waddle is dangerous before and after the catch, showing the creativity, competitiveness and separation skills to stress defenses in different ways (he’s responsible for four receptions of 75-plus yards in his career). While still a work in progress with several details of the position, he showed clear maturation with his route construction and ball skills last season.
7. Trey Lance, QB3, North Dakota State (6-foot-4, 224 pounds)
Lance is an unprecedented evaluation. Never before have we seen a quarterback with his talent yet meager experience versus top competition (he has played 17 career games, all against FCS competition). But his preparation habits and natural instincts suggest he is more pro-ready than his lack of experience does.
8. Justin Fields, QB4, Ohio State (6-foot-3, 218 pounds)
Although his methodical process is bothersome, Fields throws a clean, accurate ball and all the physical traits are there for him to lead an NFL offense.
9. DeVonta Smith, WR3, Alabama (6 feet, 170 pounds)
Despite a frail build and average stopwatch speed, Smith is natural in everything he does — finding space, finishing catches and not going down easy (he is tougher and more competitive than most 225-pound wide receivers). The Alabama coaches used him across the formation and routinely highlighted him as having the best hands on the team. He had only seven drops on 268 catchable targets in his career.
10. Patrick Surtain II, CB1, Alabama (6-foot-2, 208 pounds)
With his foot athleticism, body range and ball skills, Surtain plays sticky coverage and doesn’t panic downfield, consistently staying balanced and in phase. While he lacks ideal twitch and doesn’t play as fast as his 4.41-second 40-yard dash, his athleticism is NFL-quality and false steps are infrequent.
11. Rashawn Slater, OT2, Northwestern (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
Slater doesn’t have ideal height or length, but he is agile, stout and power-packed and doesn’t allow rushers to go through him (it’s the Isaiah Wynn conversation all over again). He is very quick to lock up pass rushers before they can set up their moves and rarely strays from his fundamentals.
12. Micah Parsons, LB1, Penn State (6-foot-3, 246 pounds)
Parsons was tremendous at his pro day, living up to the immense hype with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and 6.96-second three-cone drill. He needs to improve his maturity, spacing and anticipation in coverage, but the athleticism and budding awareness are there.
13. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG1, USC (6-foot-5, 308 pounds)
A projected second-round pick over the summer, Vera-Tucker opted back into playing last season and moved to left tackle, performing at a high level for the Trojans. He showed his versatility to play tackle, but his best fit is inside at guard to maximize his strengths as an NFL player.
14. Jaycee Horn, CB2, South Carolina (6-foot-1, 205 pounds)
With his length and athleticism, Horn matches up well versus size and he shows more ownership for the catch point than most wide receivers. He dropped the mic at his pro day with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump, although he elected not to run the short shuttle or three-cone drill.
Jaycee Horn (Frederick Breedon / Getty Images)
15. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB2, Notre Dame (6-foot-2, 217 pounds)
With his explosive athleticism, Owusu-Koramoah will be a hot commodity this spring. He has terrific key, read and flow skills, showing the range and physicality to cover the slot receiver one play and rush off the edge the next play. His “fit” will be different from team to team.
16. Azeez Ojulari, edge1, Georgia (6-foot-2, 249 pounds)
Ojulari is very skilled at using his burst and bend to attack the outside shoulder of blockers while greasing the corner and detaching from blocks with his violent hands. He lacks elite size and length for the position, but that shouldn’t limit his ceiling if he continues to diversify his approach and develop his counters.
17. Christian Darrisaw, OT3, Virginia Tech (6-foot-5, 315 pounds)
Keeping his weight over his toes, Darrisaw shows efficient slide quickness in pass protection and is a bulldozer in the run game while unlocking his hips to create movement or seal block. He shows the ability to manhandle defenders once he locks on, but he doesn’t always play with a stout anchor or killer instinct.
18. Greg Newsome, CB3, Northwestern (6 feet, 192 pounds)
A route magnet, Newsome has strong tape and tested off the charts (4.38-second 40-yard dash, 6.90-second three-cone drill), which has earned him a spot in the top 20. He missed at least three games each of his three seasons in college and he needs to stay on the field, but everything else about his game screams high-potential starter.
19. Kwity Paye, edge2, Michigan (6-foot-2, 261 pounds)
Equally effective rushing the passer and stopping the run, Paye competes with athletic twitch and relentless energy to work around blockers and make plays in the backfield. He needs to improve his anticipation and countering skills, but the talent suggests he is a long-term NFL starter.
20. Teven Jenkins, OT4, Oklahoma State (6-foot-7, 320 pounds)
Jenkins ties up rushers early with outstanding body control and works hard to stay attached, finishing with the kill shot and sending defenders into tomorrow once he gets the upper hand. He tends to lean into blocks and defaults to his power over technique, which creates occasional balance problems
21. Landon Dickerson, OG2, Alabama (6-foot-6, 326 pounds)
Dickerson moves with balanced footwork to handle gap penetrators and remove linebackers at the second level. Although he doesn’t always play disciplined, his mauling attitude and finishing skills frustrate opponents. If healthy, Dickerson goes in the first round, but he is a tough projection due to the durability questions, including his torn ACL in December.
22. Christian Barmore, DT1, Alabama (6-foot-4, 310 pounds)
Barmore has been the top-rated defensive tackle since the summer, but it wasn’t until the second half of the season that he started to play like a possible first-rounder. Only a redshirt sophomore, he is still learning, but the traits are enticing, especially in a below-average interior defensive line class.
23. Mac Jones, QB5, Alabama (6-foot-3, 217 pounds)
One of the more difficult evaluations in this class, Jones was surrounded by elite talent at Alabama, which isn’t a reason to dismiss him as a prospect. But it does make it more challenging. Despite his supporting cast, Jones deserves credit for making the reads and throws and staying poised to achieve the success Alabama reached last season with a national championship.
24. Najee Harris, RB1, Alabama (6-foot-2, 230 pounds)
Harris has the quick, graceful feet of a much smaller back to elude pursuit, showing improved decision-making and on-field maturity as a senior in Tuscaloosa. Although he doesn’t have his home run juice, he compares favorably to Matt Forte with his athletic cuts, natural instincts, reliability as a pass catcher and toughness to wear down defenses.
25. Jaelan Phillips, edge3, Miami (Fla.) (6-foot-5, 265 pounds)
Although not super explosive, Phillips is very smooth in his upfield attack and redirect, using his hands and reach as weapons and rushing with his curls on fire. His eyes stay locked on the ball and allow him to see through blockers, which makes him equally productive versus the run and the pass. While a first-round talent, there is some baggage (medical and off-field) that will determine where he is drafted.
26. Jayson Oweh, edge4, Penn State (6-foot-5, 257 pounds)
The “zero sacks” statistic sticks out like a sore thumb, but he was consistently disruptive due to his rare athleticism — a 4.37 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical, an 11-foot-2 broad jump, a 6.90 three-cone drill. He is very raw instinctually, but his upside is through the roof.
27. Zaven Collins, LB3, Tulsa (6-foot-3, 259 pounds)
With the size of a defensive end and the athleticism of a safety, Collins offers intriguing scheme-versatility and every-down ability. He needs to be better with his take-on skills and run fits, but he flashes like a Dont’a Hightower starter kit.
Zaven Collins (Brett Rojo / USA Today)
28. Kadarius Toney, WR4, Florida (5-foot-11, 195 pounds)
A loose, elastic athlete, Toney routinely makes the first man miss with special start-stop twitch to frustrate would-be tacklers and create explosive plays. While he is an improved route runner, he remains a work in progress with his steps and tempo and his freelancing will backfire at times.
29. Caleb Farley, CB4, Virginia Tech (6-foot-2, 205 pounds)
With only two seasons of experience at cornerback, Farley was always a tough projection, but his size, athleticism and ball instincts are why he was my top cornerback in this class. However, his most recent back procedure shines a bright light on the durability concerns, making it a challenge to understand his draft value. His ranking will remain fluid up until draft day.
30. Levi Onwuzurike, DT2, Washington (6-foot-3, 290 pounds)
Onwuzurike fires off the snap and consistently makes plays away from his gap due to his effort and athleticism. While calling him active doesn’t do him justice, he tends to rush tall and scattered, allowing him to be redirected by blockers.
31. Travis Etienne, RB2, Clemson (5-f0ot-10, 215 pounds)
A speed slasher, Etienne uses his deceiving run strength and deadly start-stop suddenness to forced missed tackles while bursting past defenders or powering through them. He has matured as a pass catcher to be more than simply a screen target, but he must improve in pass protection to stay on the field in any situation.
32. Samuel Cosmi, OT5, Texas (6-foot-6, 314 pounds)
Cosmi is quick out of his stance and does a great job marrying his hands with his eyes to keep rushers in front of him. However, he lacks ideal anchor strength and arm length, which forces him to be consistently on time with his body posture and leverage.
33. Alex Leatherwood, OG3, Alabama (6-foot-5, 313 pounds)
Although he isn’t an explosive mover, Leatherwood is patient and strong in pass protection while relying on his hands to cover up edge speed. He plays like a robot because he is so consistent with his posture and technique, but also because of some stiffness in his lower body, which is why some NFL teams grade him best at guard.
34. Gregory Rousseau, edge5, Miami (Fla.) (6-foot-7, 265 pounds)
Rousseau is a super long athlete who keeps his momentum downhill with violent hands and easy acceleration, which helps him to quickly disengage from blocks. He is an intelligent player and can talk the talk when it comes to breaking down pass rush execution, but he is overly reliant on speed and length and needs to improve his anchor, technique and diagnose skills.
35. Elijah Molden, CB5, Washington (5-foot-10, 188 pounds)
It is fair to question how versatile he is as an outside corner or safety, but he might be the best nickel cornerback in the draft. His instinctive nature versus the pass and the run helps him create plays.
36. Carlos Basham, edge6, Wake Forest (6-foot-4, 274 pounds)
While he can be slowed, Basham is rarely controlled due to his active play style, power and hustle, which directly leads to production. His hands have some pop, but his stiff hips show when trying to bend the corner and he must develop his pass rush sequence.
37. Richie Grant, DS1, UCF (6 feet, 200 pounds)
Grant accounted for 17 turnovers (10 interceptions, seven forced fumbles) over his college career while allowing only three touchdown passes the last two seasons. There are some inconsistent areas to his game, but his range, eyes and ball-hawking skills are why he is my top-ranked safety.
38. Nick Bolton, LB4, Missouri (5-foot-11, 237 pounds)
A hammer in search of a nail, Bolton is a forceful downhill defender with outstanding play speed and striking skills to put ball carriers on the ground before they can reach the line of scrimmage. His lack of size and length will show up, especially in coverage, but his fiery play personality is something that will endear him to NFL coaches.
39. Trevon Moehrig, DS2, TCU (6-foot-1, 202 pounds)
With his body type, range and ball skills, Moehrig is reminiscent of Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates. He needs to be more urgent in his stack and shed to be a steady run defender, but his ability versus the pass is why he is a projected top-40 draft pick.
40. Javonte Williams, RB3, North Carolina (5-foot-10, 220 pounds)
Running backs who rely so much on breaking tackles for their production worry me because those tackles will be tougher to break against NFL talent. But Williams is built for the pro game and is still scratching the surface of his dynamic skill set.
41. Terrace Marshall, WR5, LSU (6-foot-3, 203 pounds)
Marshall has the build-up acceleration to eat cushion without breaking stride, and he looks like a basketball big man at the catch point while using his body position and catch radius to reel in off-target throws. Similar in ways to Denver’s Courtland Sutton as a prospect, he tends to rely on his size and speed and needs to hone his urgency and route mechanics for the next level.
Terrace Marshall. (Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today)
42. Rashod Bateman, WR6, Minnesota (6-foot-2, 210 pounds)
Bateman is a natural hands-catcher with length and excellent route savvy who relies on tempo and pacing to create separation. While he is deliberate with his footwork, he lacks explosive burst off the line or out of his breaks and his acceleration falls below NFL standards at the position.
43. Elijah Moore, WR7, Ole Miss (5-foot-9, 185 pounds)
While undersized, Moore is an electric athlete who catches everything. For a team looking for an underneath weapon who can create before and after the catch, Moore will be high on their wish list.
44. Joe Tryon, edge7, Washington (6-foot-4, 263 pounds)
Tryon has been overlooked by many since he opted out of playing last season, but he is a really toolsy pass rusher who has yet to play at his best. He will present excellent value if he makes it to the second round.
45. Asante Samuel Jr., CB6, Florida State (5-foot-10, 180 pounds)
Another cornerback with impressive bloodlines, Samuel doesn’t have ideal size for what teams desire on the outside, but he is a top-tier athlete with instincts. Similar to his father, there is a good chance he exceeds expectations in the NFL.
46. Joseph Ossai, edge8, Texas (6-foot-4, 256 pounds)
Ossai has some body stiffness that is most noticeable at the top of his rush, but he is consistently around the football due to his quickness and pursuit. His locked-in effort and physical presence help mask some of his issues.
47. Jalen Mayfield, OG4, Michigan (6-foot-5, 320 pounds)
A college right tackle, Mayfield doesn’t have elite length, which will move him inside to guard on many draft boards. Regardless if he plays tackle or guard, he is a balanced mover with the power to collapse the line and create holes for the run game.
48. Liam Eichenberg, OT6, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 301 pounds)
Eichenberg is a fundamentally minded blocker and stays centered in his pass sets, which allows his fierce punch and play demeanor to battle defenders. While he plays under control, his mistakes are usually costly, as he lacks the quickness to easily recover when rush lanes open.
49. Creed Humphrey, OC1, Oklahoma (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
Humphrey plays with outstanding strength and smarts, which allows him to out-physical his opponent, as his wrestling background and mentality translate to the field. He has average athleticism and doesn’t flash the power to be a people-mover in the run game, but he finds a way to get the job done.
50. Rondale Moore, WR8, Purdue (5-foot-7, 181 pounds)
Not every team is looking for a 5-foot-7 target, but his athleticism is remarkable — both his short-area quickness and long-speed. In the right role, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL.
The second half of the board
51. Pat Freiermuth, TE2, Penn State (6-foot-5, 251 pounds)
52. Eric Stokes, CB7, Georgia (6-foot-1, 194 pounds)
53. Jamin Davis, LB5, Kentucky (6-foot-3, 236 pounds)
54. Kelvin Joseph, CB8, Kentucky (6-foot-1, 192 pounds)
55. Tyson Campbell, CB9, Georgia (6-foot-1, 193 pounds)
56. Quinn Meinerz, OC2, Wisconsin-Whitewater (6-foot-3, 320 pounds)
57. Walker Little, OT7, Stanford (6-foot-7, 313 pounds)
58. Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB10, Syracuse (6-foot-3, 205 pounds)
59. Payton Turner, edge9, Houston (6-foot-5, 270 pounds)
60. Amari Rodgers, WR9, Clemson (5-foot-10, 212 pounds)
61. Jevon Holland, DS3, Oregon (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)
62. Aaron Robinson, CB11, UCF (6 feet, 190 pounds)
63. Josh Myers, OC3, Ohio State (6-foot-5, 315 pounds)
64. Dyami Brown, WR10, North Carolina (6-foot-1, 195 pounds)
65. Kenneth Gainwell, RB4, Memphis (5-foot-8, 201 pounds)
66. Wyatt Davis, OG5, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 315 pounds)
67. Marlon Tuipulotu, DT3, USC (6-foot-2, 307 pounds)
68. James Hudson, OT8, Cincinnati (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
69. Deonte Brown, OG6, Alabama (6-foot-3, 364 pounds)
70. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR11, USC (6 feet, 197 pounds)
71. Ronnie Perkins, edge10, Oklahoma (6-foot-3, 253 pounds)
72. Milton Williams, DT4, Louisiana Tech (6-foot-3, 284 pounds)
73. Tylan Wallace, WR12, Oklahoma State (5-foot-11, 193 pounds)
74. Dillon Radunz, OT9, North Dakota State (6-foot-6, 301 pounds)
75. Jay Tufele, DT5, USC (6-foot-2, 305 pounds)
76. Brady Christensen, OT10, BYU (6-foot-6, 300 pounds)
77. Daviyon Nixon, DT6, Iowa (6-foot-3, 313 pounds)
78. Jabril Cox, LB6, LSU (6-foot-3, 233 pounds)
79. Paulson Adebo, CB12, Stanford (6-foot-1, 198 pounds)
80. Brevin Jordan, TE3, Miami (Fla.) (6-foot-3, 244 pounds)
81. D’Wayne Eskridge, WR13, Western Michigan (5-foot-9, 188 pounds)
82. Tutu Atwell, WR14, Louisville (5-foot-9, 175 pounds)
83. Dayo Odeyingbo, edge11, Vanderbilt (6-foot-5, 285 pounds)
84. Tommy Tremble, TE4, Notre Dame (6-foot-4, 252 pounds)
85. Alim McNeill, DT7, NC State (6-foot-2, 318 pounds)
86. D’Ante Smith, OT11, East Carolina (6-foot-5, 294 pounds)
87. Kendrick Green, OC4, Illinois (6-foot-2, 305 pounds)
88. Rashad Weaver, edge12, Pittsburgh (6-foot-4, 259 pounds)
89. Stone Forsythe, OT12, Florida (6-foot-7, 330 pounds)
90. Jackson Carman, OG7, Clemson (6-foot-5, 317 pounds)
91. Baron Browning, LB7, Ohio State (6-foot-3, 241 pounds)
92. Nico Collins, WR15, Michigan (6-foot-4, 215 pounds)
93. Trey Smith, OG8, Tennessee (6-foot-6, 331 pounds)
94. Hamsah Nasirildeen, DS4, Florida State (6-foot-3, 215 pounds)
95. Chazz Surratt, LB8, North Carolina (6-foot-2, 227 pounds)
96. Robert Rochell, CB13, Central Arkansas (6 feet, 193 pounds)
97. Andre Cisco, DS5, Syracuse (6-foot-1, 216 pounds)
98. Davis Mills, QB6, Stanford (6-foot-4, 217 pounds)
99. Aaron Banks, OG9, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 338 pounds)
100. Jamar Johnson, DS6, Indiana (6-foot-1, 200 pounds)
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I don't agree with every one of his rankings but I do respect him as an evaluator. Burglar doesn't do shit for attention. Just well thought out, intellegent evaluations. Guy should be working for an NFL team.
Simpleton
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Alot of people should but the NFL is literally built on barriers to entry in all forms and fashions, usually around "who do you know?" fault lines.
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I don't think Pitts will be there at 10 anyway. So it's probably moot.
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I sure hope not.
Simpleton
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I think it's probably 60/40 that he's gone, but way more likely than most think.
Detroit and Denver are not going to take a TE at 7 or 9, so if he makes it past 6, which is completely feasible, I think he's there at 10 unless someone else trades up. I think Carolina will be too locked in to a QB even if it's Mac Jones at 8.
Trades could obviously throw everything out of whack of course but if the order remains as it is today I think it's either top 6 or he'll be there at 10.
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Honestly if I was a team with a need at WR I'd consider Pitts even if I had a good young TE. Denver is still probably out. But I think Pitts could absolutely be a Golladay replacement for example. I mean if you stop thinking of Pitts as a TE and just consider him a receiving threat the guy is going to line up like a WR pretty damn often. Hell it's probably going to be rare that teams line him up as a traditional TE with the line. Like I've said before I'd think of him more in the mold of Calvin Johnson in terms of what I do with him on offense. No reason you can't line him up wide with someone like Hockenson who is a tremendous in line blocker.
I think the Bengals should and will take Pitts at 4. Although I could see the allure of a guy like Chase to them. This is just such a stellar WR group. You just have to look at Pitts and Chase and pick the guy you think will be more dynamic for you as a pass catcher.
By the way if Pitts does fall to 10 I'd probably look for a trade. Try to find one of these teams needing a weapon who views him as the second best player in the draft. Teams do trade firsts for guys who aren't QBs when they view them as a rare special talent.
Simpleton
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Yea if there is a trade on the table I'd definitely do that instead of picking him ourselves. I can definitely see the argument to view Pitts as purely a WR but I don't think you can evaluate him purely as a WR, nor build your team as such.
The argument is certainly there for a team like Detroit who has basically no WR's whatsoever, it's just hard to imagine a team taking 2 TE's top 10 within 3 years.
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But why? I mean you've posted the guys receiving numbers and how prolific they are if there would have been a full college season. Can you not line the guy up wide like a WR? Can you not put him in the slot? It's not like he is going to line up next to the OT on the line of scrimmage. That's not what you draft a guy like him for. He would be a disaster doing that.
Why not treat him like Calvin Johnson? Both big tall guys, great athletes. Awesome jump ball receivers. To me he is way more of a good blocking WR than a bad blocking TE.
Simpleton
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Yea you can definitely look at him like that but I don't think you can build a team thinking he's a full time WR even if he's your primary receiving weapon.
He's still going to line up in line probably 30-35% of the time and for a team like Detroit you might end up sacrificing Hockenson's ability to shift around formations.
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Don't, just don't line him up in line. No reason to. The guy can chip and things like that but running behind him as an in line blocker would be silly.
Just like if I was a defensive coordinator I wouldn't treat him like a TE. I'd treat him like a big receiver. You want to try to run behind him? Fine, he isn't great at it. Why treat Pitts like a normal TE who can block?
People get too hung up on position names.
Simpleton
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You want to maintain the advantage of being able to line him up inline so that you can play with the way defense's match up. If you never line him up in-line you become more predictable, you lose the ability to use him off play-action, or to line him up and then flex him out to force a mismatch.
Can he basically function as a WR and will that be his primary use?
Yes, but you want the intricacies of him being able to line up as a TE to maximize the ability to force mismatches, and I think already having one elite TE could dilute that a bit one way or the other.
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Rankings for NFL draft 2021: Updated Top 25 prospects, best by position in Mel Kiper's new Big Board
Let's update rankings for the 2021 NFL draft. I've made my feelings well known about what I think of pro days, but they are a little more important this year because there's no combine to get official athletic testing numbers. I was waiting to update my rankings until most of the pro days were over, but there are still a few more lingering. I'm still seeing some questionable 40-yard dash times, but that happens every year.
I do think this year is going to be even more about trusting the tape -- because we're not going to have another option. There are a few prospects who won't work out for NFL teams at all. There is risk involved, sure, but the smart teams will take advantage and find gems throughout the draft.
My updated Big Board -- the top 25 prospects overall -- and the best prospects at every position are below. I have 10 prospects at every position except for long-snapper. I'll build out my rankings more over the next month and hit 300-plus by the time the draft starts on April 29. This is going to be one of the most interesting classes ever.
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 220 pounds | Previously: 1
Lawrence is going No. 1 to the Jaguars and will get a chance to lead the turnaround of that franchise alongside coach Urban Meyer. He has everything NFL teams want in a starting quarterback, from size to arm talent to the ability to process reads and make the right throw. He finished his Clemson career with 108 total touchdowns (18 rushing) and just 17 interceptions across three seasons. With no combine this year, Lawrence threw for scouts in February, then had surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He should still be ready for the 2021 season.
2. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
HT: 6-6 | WT: 239 | Previously: 5
Pitts is going to be a matchup nightmare at the next level. Don't think of him as just a tight end, though. He'll line up out wide and in the slot, too, and he has the speed to run by defensive backs. He finished the season with 12 touchdown catches in eight games while averaging 17.9 yards per reception. Pitts has a huge frame, of course, but he high-points the football well and has soft hands. A smart offensive coordinator will feed him targets just like a No. 1 receiver. He has a chance to be a top-five pick.
3. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
HT: 6-1 | WT: 170 | Previously: 3
The Heisman Trophy winner capped an unbelievable season with three first-half touchdowns in Bama's national title win over Ohio State. He finished 2020 with 1,856 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns (23 receiving, one rushing, one on a punt return). Smith was the Crimson Tide's best receiver in 2019, too, even over top-15 picks Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. He's not going to wow with his size, but he just produces. He's a tremendous route runner, and he has great hands. He's going to be a star and top-10 pick.
4. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Previously: 4
We shouldn't forget how good Chase was in 2019, when he caught 84 passes and led the country with 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. And after opting out of the 2020 season, he still has a chance to be the top wide receiver picked in April. He's stellar after the catch, breaking tackles and running away from defenders, and he can separate on routes. As I mentioned last summer, Chase consistently beat first-round pick A.J. Terrell in the national title game, catching nine passes for 221 yards and two TDs. He's a legitimate No. 1 wideout. Chase will work out for scouts on Wednesday.
5. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
HT: 5-10 | WT: 177 | Previously: 6
Waddle's game is all about speed -- he's one of the fastest prospects in this class. He averaged 18.9 yards per catch over three seasons at Alabama, though he played only five games in 2020 because of an ankle injury. Waddle was overshadowed at times by Smith, Ruggs and Jeudy at Bama, but he's a great player. He's electric with the ball in his hands, as a receiver and returner. Teams will want to take a close look at his medical reports when they can, but I expect him to go in the top 10.
6. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 228 | Previously: 7
Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but I believe in his talent. He looked outstanding in some games and mediocre in others. He lit up a really good Clemson defense in the College Football Playoff semifinal, throwing for six touchdowns and completing 78.6% of his passes. He didn't have a great national title game, but the Alabama defense harassed him all game. Overall, he had 22 touchdown passes and six picks in eight games and ranked second overall in Total QBR (91.6). The Georgia transfer needs to get better at going through his progressions, but that can come in time. He's still young -- he started only 22 college games. Before the season, I said I wanted to see Fields improve as a decision-maker in the pocket and on off-platform throws, and though he has improved there, he needs to take a bigger step forward at the next level.
7. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
HT: 6-2 | WT: 214 | Previously: 8
How the quarterbacks are ordered after Lawrence will depend on the team. Some will like Fields over Wilson, others will reverse it, and others could like Trey Lance or Mac Jones more. It's a fascinating quarterback class. Wilson has a stellar arm and can climb the pocket to find the open receiver. He was too inconsistent in 2019, bordering on reckless, but he was the opposite last season. He threw 33 touchdown passes (up from 11 in 2019) and only three picks. He also had 10 rushing scores and showed off his athleticism to manipulate the pocket. Wilson shows anticipation on throws. He's the complete package.
8. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Previously: 2
I wrote in September that Sewell could be a top-five pick even if he never played another snap at Oregon. And I still think that's going to happen. He announced just days after my preseason Big Board was released that he was opting out of the season and entering the 2021 draft. He's the clear top offensive tackle in this class and dominated as Justin Herbert's blindside protector in 2019, winning the Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman. In a class with outstanding quarterback and wide receiver talent, Sewell won't be the sexiest pick, but he'll be an instant starter and upgrade for the team that picks him.
9. Rashawn Slater, G, Northwestern
HT: 6-4 | WT: 308 | Previously: 11
Slater is a veteran who started 37 games at both left and right tackle for the Wildcats, though there are a few teams that think he could be an All-Pro guard. He has good feet and is an excellent pass-blocker; he didn't allow a sack in 2019 while playing on the left side. He moves really well for his size. Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but he didn't need to prove much in the Big Ten. His father, Reggie, had a long career in the NBA.
10. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
HT: 6-4 | WT: 315 | Previously: 16
Vera-Tucker is a guy I studied more in December, and I love his tape. I put him at No. 14 to the Vikings in my first mock draft and at No. 20 to the Bears in my latest mock. The former guard moved to left tackle in 2020, and he was tremendous. He has the versatility to play either spot in the NFL. He's a stellar run-blocker who has the feet to keep improving as a pass-blocker. This is one of the best top-tier offensive line classes over the past decade.
11. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 246 | Previously: 10
Parsons opted out too and has been training for the 2021 draft. He was all over the field in 2018-19, racking up 191 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He has rare talent, though he has room to grow into the defense that picks him. He played linebacker for the Nittany Lions, but he was a defensive end in high school and could end up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. It's the versatility that makes him valuable, as he could also play inside linebacker in a 4-3. Parsons had five sacks in 2019, but he has a higher ceiling as a pass-rusher in the NFL. He had a great pro day workout.
12. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
HT: 6-3 | WT: 214 | Previously: 12
How about Jones' rise in 2020? We weren't even sure he'd be Alabama's starting quarterback last summer. McShay and I had a fun debate about Jones in November. Read that piece for more thoughts. In short: He just keeps improving. I have been so impressed by his deep-ball accuracy and ability to stand in the pocket and make throws under pressure. I didn't see him as a potential first-round pick last year, when he took over after Tua Tagovailoa's injury, but he made the case in 2020, and he could go as high as No. 3 to San Francisco. Jones ranked first in the FBS in Total QBR (96.1), yards per attempt (11.1), passing first downs (202) and completion percentage (77.4%). And he won a national title. Yes, he had elite playmakers around him, but I'm a believer in his talent. He can make every throw.
13. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 224 | Previously: 13
Lance is a huge wild card in this draft. But the more you watch his 2019 tape, the more there is to like about him. He got a one-game showcase in 2020 and was just OK in that game against Central Arkansas, but as I wrote before it was played, I wasn't going to overreact to one game against an FCS opponent. He ended his college career with only 17 starts -- all wins -- and none of those came against FBS opponents. We do know that he's a phenomenal talent, though; he had 42 total touchdowns (28 passing) and zero interceptions in 2019 for the FCS champs. He threw for 2,786 yards and ran for another 1,100. With no combine, there are going to be a lot of eyes on his pro day. The other thing to note: Lance was born in 2000 -- he's going to be 20 when he gets drafted in April. He's not a finished product by any means.
14. Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
HT: 6-3 | WT: 234 | Previously: NR
I put Davis in my Mock Draft 3.0 because he has been a hot name over the past few weeks. He's rising and could even be the top off-ball linebacker to be picked. Davis has a big frame, and he's a tough player who tackles. He had 89 last season, along with two picks, one sack and a forced fumble. He has some versatility and could play inside or outside. I really like his 2020 tape.
15. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
HT: 6-2 | WT: 207 | Previously: 9
Farley was the first notable prospect to opt out of the 2020 season. I wrote about him in August, and I moved him up in my cornerback rankings after watching more tape. I would love to have seen another full season of starts, just because 2019 was only his second year playing defensive back -- he played quarterback and wide receiver in high school. And that was after he tore his ACL in fall practice in 2017. But you can see Farley's tools on the Virginia Tech tape, even if he needs some refinement. Farley wasn't able to work out for scouts because of a back procedure, which means he's a bit of a wild card.
16. Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
HT: 6-3 | WT: 270 | Previously: 20
It's all about projection with Paye, who had just two sacks in four games in 2020 (both in the season opener) and only 11.5 sacks in his four years in Ann Arbor. I don't think he has scratched the surface of his talent. He is a gifted athlete with an impressive frame, and he has some scheme versatility if he keeps growing. Paye is a great athlete -- he put up outstanding testing numbers at his pro day -- who didn't produce a ton at Michigan. If you're a general manager taking him in Round 1, you're betting on his upside.
17. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
HT: 6-2 | WT: 206 | Previously: 15
You probably recognize the name; Surtain's father, Patrick, picked off 37 passes and earned three Pro Bowl trips over 11 NFL seasons. He was a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 1998. Surtain II is a little bit bigger than his dad, but they have similar coverage traits. His frame reminds me a little bit of Marlon Humphrey, another Crimson Tide corner who went in Round 1 (2017). Surtain is a shutdown corner who can break on throws with ease -- he had 23 pass breakups over the past three seasons, along with four total interceptions. He also forced three fumbles in 2019. It's going to be close between Surtain, Farley and the next player on my list for the No. 1 corner in this class.
18. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Previously: 21
Horn is an instinctual corner with good size and speed. He had only two interceptions in three seasons at South Carolina, but his 23 total pass breakups show that he makes plays on the ball. He should add more picks in the NFL. Horn also has three career sacks, so he could be used as a blitzer. He's another cornerback whose father played in the NFL; his dad is former wide receiver Joe Horn. Horn has a chance to go in the top 12 picks.
19. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Previously: 14
With a stellar ability to find the ball and react and with the speed to cover tight ends in the passing game, Owusu-Koramoah is a perfect fit for today's NFL. He's a three-down off-ball linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed. He had 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and nine total tackles in the double-overtime win over Clemson in the regular season. He finished 2020 with 55 total tackles, three forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
20. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
HT: 6-2 | WT: 208 | Previously: NR
Moehrig has been my top-ranked safety for months, and I think he could be a top-20 pick. He popped on the 2019 file because he was always around the football. He had four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 76 tackles and forced two fumbles. He had two more picks last season, including this one-handed grab. He can be a deep center fielder at free safety, but he's also not afraid to stick his head in and make a tackle.
21. Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
HT: 6-1 | WT: 190 | Previously: NR
Newsome debuted in my Mock Draft 3.0, which came just after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day. I was going to move him up regardless of that, though, because of his film the past two seasons. He broke up 11 passes in 2019 and added nine more last season, even though he has only one career interception. He locks down receivers, and his interceptions will come in time. If your favorite team needs a starting-caliber cornerback in Round 1, you're in luck because this is a stellar corner class.
22. Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
HT: 6-5 | WT: 260 | Previously: 17
I mentioned in November that Phillips was off to a tremendous start in his first season with the Hurricanes, and he wreaked havoc down the stretch. He had had 5.5 sacks in his final three games. A former five-star prospect who had some injury issues at UCLA, Phillips landed at Miami and has put all of his talent together. He had only 4.5 sacks over two years with the Bruins. Phillips has a great frame for a 4-3 defensive end, and I really like his all-around game. In a class desperate for pass-rushers, I could see him being the first edge defender off the board. It's just a shame we never got to see him play on the other side of Gregory Rousseau, who opted out of the season.
23. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
HT: 6-5 | WT: 314 | Previously: 18
The more I watch Darrisaw, the more I like him. He's a road grader in the running game who just mauls edge defenders. He has a mean streak and finishes plays. He started as the Hokies' left tackle as a true freshman in 2018, and he just keeps getting better. The junior is still young, but he had a phenomenal 2020 season. He just erases edge defenders. And he has the frame to stick at left tackle in the NFL.
24. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
HT: 5-11 | WT: 199 | Previously: 24
Toney had a great season, catching 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he was one of the best receivers at the Senior Bowl in January. He's so quick in and out of his breaks that defensive backs have trouble sticking with him. He's just a playmaker, and a smart offensive coordinator will get him at least 10 touches a game in the run and pass games. He also could be one of the NFL's best punt returners as a rookie.
25. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
HT: 6-2 | WT: 232 | Previously: 22
What I like most about Harris -- and it's why he's my top-ranked running back -- is his receiving ability. He caught 70 passes over the past two seasons and had 11 receiving touchdowns. He can be a three-down back in the NFL. The downside about him is that he had a whopping 718 touches at Bama, including 460 carries over the past two seasons. He has taken a lot of punishment. He has stayed healthy so far, and he finished the 2020 season with 1,466 rushing yards and 26 rushing scores. He also led the FBS with 47 carries of at least 10 yards. All he does is produce.
Position Rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
2. Justin Fields, Ohio State
3. Zach Wilson, BYU
4. Mac Jones, Alabama
5. Trey Lance, North Dakota State
6. Kyle Trask, Florida
7. Davis Mills, Stanford
8. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
9. Jamie Newman, Wake Forest/Georgia
10. Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
Running backs
1. Najee Harris, Alabama
2. Travis Etienne, Clemson
3. Javonte Williams, North Carolina
4. Trey Sermon, Ohio State
5. Michael Carter, North Carolina
6. Demetric Felton, UCLA
7. Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
8. Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
9. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
10. Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
Fullbacks
1. Ben Mason, Michigan
2. Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma
3. Mason Stokke, Wisconsin
4. Tory Carter, LSU
5. Carl Tucker, Alabama
Wide receivers
1. DeVonta Smith, Alabama
2. Ja'Marr Chase, LSU
3. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
4. Kadarius Toney, Florida
5. Elijah Moore, Mississippi
6. Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU
7. Tutu Atwell, Louisville
8. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
9. Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
10. Amari Rodgers, Clemson
Tight ends
1. Kyle Pitts, Florida
2. Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
3. Hunter Long, Boston College
4. Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
5. Brevin Jordan, Miami (FL)
6. Tre' McKitty, Georgia
7. John Bates, Boise State
8. Zach Davidson, Central Missouri
9. Kenny Yeboah, Mississippi
10. Noah Gray, Duke
Offensive tackles
1. Penei Sewell, Oregon
2. Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
3. Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
4. Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
5. Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
6. Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
7. Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
8. James Hudson III, Cincinnati
9. Walker Little, Stanford
10. Spencer Brown, No. Iowa
Guards
1. Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
2. Samuel Cosmi, Texas
3. Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
3. Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
4. Trey Smith, Tennessee
6. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
7. Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame
8. Ben Cleveland, Georgia
9. Kendrick Green, Illinois
10. David Moore, Grambling
Centers
1. Landon Dickerson, Alabama
2. Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
3. Josh Myers, Ohio State
4. Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
5. Michal Menet, Penn State
6. Drew Dalman, Stanford
7. Trey Hill, Georgia
8. Drake Jackson, Kentucky
9. Jimmy Morrissey, Pitt
10. Ryan McCollum, Texas A&M
Defensive ends
1. Kwity Paye, Michigan
2. Jaelan Phillips, Miami (FL)
3. Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL)
4. Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
5. Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
6. Joseph Ossai, Texas
7. Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
8. Payton Turner, Houston
8. Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
10. Patrick Jones II, Pitt
Defensive tackles
1. Christian Barmore, Alabama
2. Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
3. Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
4. Jay Tufele, USC
5. Marlon Tuipulotu, USC
6. Marvin Wilson, Florida State
7. Bobby Brown III, Texas A&M
8. Alim McNeill, NC State
9. Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
10. Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Outside linebackers
1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
2. Zaven Collins, Tulsa
3. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
4. Jayson Oweh, Penn State
5. Chris Rumph II, Duke
6. Pete Werner, Ohio State
7. Joe Tryon, Washington
8. Quincy Roche, Miami (FL)
9. Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa
10. Patrick Johnson, Tulane
play
0:30
Tulsa's Collins picks off Buechele to seal upset victory over SMU
Zaven Collins intercepts Shane Buechele's throw late in the fourth quarter to seal Tulsa's come-from-behind victory over No. 19 SMU.
Cornerbacks
1. Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
2. Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
3. Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
4. Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
5. Tyson Campbell, Georgia
5. Elijah Molden, Washington
7. Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky
8. Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
9. Shaun Wade, Ohio State
10. Tay Gowan, UCF
11. Aaron Robinson, UCF
Safeties
1. Trevon Moehrig, TCU
2. Richie Grant, UCF
3. Jevon Holland, Oregon
4. Andre Cisco, Syracuse
5. Damar Hamlin, Pitt
6. Tyree Gillespie, Missouri
7. Caden Sterns, Texas
8. Joshuah Bledsoe, Missouri
9. Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
10. Richard LeCounte, Georgia
Kickers and Punters
1. Jose Borregales, K, Miami (FL)
2. Evan McPherson, K, Florida
3. Pressley Harvin III, P, Georgia Tech
4. Alex Kessman, K, Pitt
5. James Smith, P, Cincinnati
6. Drue Chrisman, P, Ohio State
7. Max Duffy, P, Kentucky
8. Blake Haubeil, K, Ohio State
9. Nolan Cooney, P, Syracuse
10. Riley Patterson, K, Memphis
10A. Zach Von Rosenberg, P, LSU
Long-snappers
1. Thomas Fletcher, Alabama
2. Camaron Cheeseman, Michigan
3. Adam Bay, Wisconsin
4. Ryan Langan, Georgia Southern
5. Turner Bernard, San Diego State
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Mel Kiper Jr.Football analyst
Let's update rankings for the 2021 NFL draft. I've made my feelings well known about what I think of pro days, but they are a little more important this year because there's no combine to get official athletic testing numbers. I was waiting to update my rankings until most of the pro days were over, but there are still a few more lingering. I'm still seeing some questionable 40-yard dash times, but that happens every year.
I do think this year is going to be even more about trusting the tape -- because we're not going to have another option. There are a few prospects who won't work out for NFL teams at all. There is risk involved, sure, but the smart teams will take advantage and find gems throughout the draft.
My updated Big Board -- the top 25 prospects overall -- and the best prospects at every position are below. I have 10 prospects at every position except for long-snapper. I'll build out my rankings more over the next month and hit 300-plus by the time the draft starts on April 29. This is going to be one of the most interesting classes ever.
Jump to: Position rankings
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 220 pounds | Previously: 1
Lawrence is going No. 1 to the Jaguars and will get a chance to lead the turnaround of that franchise alongside coach Urban Meyer. He has everything NFL teams want in a starting quarterback, from size to arm talent to the ability to process reads and make the right throw. He finished his Clemson career with 108 total touchdowns (18 rushing) and just 17 interceptions across three seasons. With no combine this year, Lawrence threw for scouts in February, then had surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He should still be ready for the 2021 season.
HT: 6-6 | WT: 239 | Previously: 5
Pitts is going to be a matchup nightmare at the next level. Don't think of him as just a tight end, though. He'll line up out wide and in the slot, too, and he has the speed to run by defensive backs. He finished the season with 12 touchdown catches in eight games while averaging 17.9 yards per reception. Pitts has a huge frame, of course, but he high-points the football well and has soft hands. A smart offensive coordinator will feed him targets just like a No. 1 receiver. He has a chance to be a top-five pick.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 170 | Previously: 3
The Heisman Trophy winner capped an unbelievable season with three first-half touchdowns in Bama's national title win over Ohio State. He finished 2020 with 1,856 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns (23 receiving, one rushing, one on a punt return). Smith was the Crimson Tide's best receiver in 2019, too, even over top-15 picks Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. He's not going to wow with his size, but he just produces. He's a tremendous route runner, and he has great hands. He's going to be a star and top-10 pick.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Previously: 4
We shouldn't forget how good Chase was in 2019, when he caught 84 passes and led the country with 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. And after opting out of the 2020 season, he still has a chance to be the top wide receiver picked in April. He's stellar after the catch, breaking tackles and running away from defenders, and he can separate on routes. As I mentioned last summer, Chase consistently beat first-round pick A.J. Terrell in the national title game, catching nine passes for 221 yards and two TDs. He's a legitimate No. 1 wideout. Chase will work out for scouts on Wednesday.
HT: 5-10 | WT: 177 | Previously: 6
Waddle's game is all about speed -- he's one of the fastest prospects in this class. He averaged 18.9 yards per catch over three seasons at Alabama, though he played only five games in 2020 because of an ankle injury. Waddle was overshadowed at times by Smith, Ruggs and Jeudy at Bama, but he's a great player. He's electric with the ball in his hands, as a receiver and returner. Teams will want to take a close look at his medical reports when they can, but I expect him to go in the top 10.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 228 | Previously: 7
Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but I believe in his talent. He looked outstanding in some games and mediocre in others. He lit up a really good Clemson defense in the College Football Playoff semifinal, throwing for six touchdowns and completing 78.6% of his passes. He didn't have a great national title game, but the Alabama defense harassed him all game. Overall, he had 22 touchdown passes and six picks in eight games and ranked second overall in Total QBR (91.6). The Georgia transfer needs to get better at going through his progressions, but that can come in time. He's still young -- he started only 22 college games. Before the season, I said I wanted to see Fields improve as a decision-maker in the pocket and on off-platform throws, and though he has improved there, he needs to take a bigger step forward at the next level.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 214 | Previously: 8
How the quarterbacks are ordered after Lawrence will depend on the team. Some will like Fields over Wilson, others will reverse it, and others could like Trey Lance or Mac Jones more. It's a fascinating quarterback class. Wilson has a stellar arm and can climb the pocket to find the open receiver. He was too inconsistent in 2019, bordering on reckless, but he was the opposite last season. He threw 33 touchdown passes (up from 11 in 2019) and only three picks. He also had 10 rushing scores and showed off his athleticism to manipulate the pocket. Wilson shows anticipation on throws. He's the complete package.
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Previously: 2
I wrote in September that Sewell could be a top-five pick even if he never played another snap at Oregon. And I still think that's going to happen. He announced just days after my preseason Big Board was released that he was opting out of the season and entering the 2021 draft. He's the clear top offensive tackle in this class and dominated as Justin Herbert's blindside protector in 2019, winning the Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman. In a class with outstanding quarterback and wide receiver talent, Sewell won't be the sexiest pick, but he'll be an instant starter and upgrade for the team that picks him.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 308 | Previously: 11
Slater is a veteran who started 37 games at both left and right tackle for the Wildcats, though there are a few teams that think he could be an All-Pro guard. He has good feet and is an excellent pass-blocker; he didn't allow a sack in 2019 while playing on the left side. He moves really well for his size. Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but he didn't need to prove much in the Big Ten. His father, Reggie, had a long career in the NBA.
HT: 6-4 | WT: 315 | Previously: 16
Vera-Tucker is a guy I studied more in December, and I love his tape. I put him at No. 14 to the Vikings in my first mock draft and at No. 20 to the Bears in my latest mock. The former guard moved to left tackle in 2020, and he was tremendous. He has the versatility to play either spot in the NFL. He's a stellar run-blocker who has the feet to keep improving as a pass-blocker. This is one of the best top-tier offensive line classes over the past decade.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 246 | Previously: 10
Parsons opted out too and has been training for the 2021 draft. He was all over the field in 2018-19, racking up 191 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He has rare talent, though he has room to grow into the defense that picks him. He played linebacker for the Nittany Lions, but he was a defensive end in high school and could end up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. It's the versatility that makes him valuable, as he could also play inside linebacker in a 4-3. Parsons had five sacks in 2019, but he has a higher ceiling as a pass-rusher in the NFL. He had a great pro day workout.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 214 | Previously: 12
How about Jones' rise in 2020? We weren't even sure he'd be Alabama's starting quarterback last summer. McShay and I had a fun debate about Jones in November. Read that piece for more thoughts. In short: He just keeps improving. I have been so impressed by his deep-ball accuracy and ability to stand in the pocket and make throws under pressure. I didn't see him as a potential first-round pick last year, when he took over after Tua Tagovailoa's injury, but he made the case in 2020, and he could go as high as No. 3 to San Francisco. Jones ranked first in the FBS in Total QBR (96.1), yards per attempt (11.1), passing first downs (202) and completion percentage (77.4%). And he won a national title. Yes, he had elite playmakers around him, but I'm a believer in his talent. He can make every throw.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 224 | Previously: 13
Lance is a huge wild card in this draft. But the more you watch his 2019 tape, the more there is to like about him. He got a one-game showcase in 2020 and was just OK in that game against Central Arkansas, but as I wrote before it was played, I wasn't going to overreact to one game against an FCS opponent. He ended his college career with only 17 starts -- all wins -- and none of those came against FBS opponents. We do know that he's a phenomenal talent, though; he had 42 total touchdowns (28 passing) and zero interceptions in 2019 for the FCS champs. He threw for 2,786 yards and ran for another 1,100. With no combine, there are going to be a lot of eyes on his pro day. The other thing to note: Lance was born in 2000 -- he's going to be 20 when he gets drafted in April. He's not a finished product by any means.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 234 | Previously: NR
I put Davis in my Mock Draft 3.0 because he has been a hot name over the past few weeks. He's rising and could even be the top off-ball linebacker to be picked. Davis has a big frame, and he's a tough player who tackles. He had 89 last season, along with two picks, one sack and a forced fumble. He has some versatility and could play inside or outside. I really like his 2020 tape.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 207 | Previously: 9
Farley was the first notable prospect to opt out of the 2020 season. I wrote about him in August, and I moved him up in my cornerback rankings after watching more tape. I would love to have seen another full season of starts, just because 2019 was only his second year playing defensive back -- he played quarterback and wide receiver in high school. And that was after he tore his ACL in fall practice in 2017. But you can see Farley's tools on the Virginia Tech tape, even if he needs some refinement. Farley wasn't able to work out for scouts because of a back procedure, which means he's a bit of a wild card.
HT: 6-3 | WT: 270 | Previously: 20
It's all about projection with Paye, who had just two sacks in four games in 2020 (both in the season opener) and only 11.5 sacks in his four years in Ann Arbor. I don't think he has scratched the surface of his talent. He is a gifted athlete with an impressive frame, and he has some scheme versatility if he keeps growing. Paye is a great athlete -- he put up outstanding testing numbers at his pro day -- who didn't produce a ton at Michigan. If you're a general manager taking him in Round 1, you're betting on his upside.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 206 | Previously: 15
You probably recognize the name; Surtain's father, Patrick, picked off 37 passes and earned three Pro Bowl trips over 11 NFL seasons. He was a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 1998. Surtain II is a little bit bigger than his dad, but they have similar coverage traits. His frame reminds me a little bit of Marlon Humphrey, another Crimson Tide corner who went in Round 1 (2017). Surtain is a shutdown corner who can break on throws with ease -- he had 23 pass breakups over the past three seasons, along with four total interceptions. He also forced three fumbles in 2019. It's going to be close between Surtain, Farley and the next player on my list for the No. 1 corner in this class.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Previously: 21
Horn is an instinctual corner with good size and speed. He had only two interceptions in three seasons at South Carolina, but his 23 total pass breakups show that he makes plays on the ball. He should add more picks in the NFL. Horn also has three career sacks, so he could be used as a blitzer. He's another cornerback whose father played in the NFL; his dad is former wide receiver Joe Horn. Horn has a chance to go in the top 12 picks.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Previously: 14
With a stellar ability to find the ball and react and with the speed to cover tight ends in the passing game, Owusu-Koramoah is a perfect fit for today's NFL. He's a three-down off-ball linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed. He had 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and nine total tackles in the double-overtime win over Clemson in the regular season. He finished 2020 with 55 total tackles, three forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 208 | Previously: NR
Moehrig has been my top-ranked safety for months, and I think he could be a top-20 pick. He popped on the 2019 file because he was always around the football. He had four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 76 tackles and forced two fumbles. He had two more picks last season, including this one-handed grab. He can be a deep center fielder at free safety, but he's also not afraid to stick his head in and make a tackle.
HT: 6-1 | WT: 190 | Previously: NR
Newsome debuted in my Mock Draft 3.0, which came just after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day. I was going to move him up regardless of that, though, because of his film the past two seasons. He broke up 11 passes in 2019 and added nine more last season, even though he has only one career interception. He locks down receivers, and his interceptions will come in time. If your favorite team needs a starting-caliber cornerback in Round 1, you're in luck because this is a stellar corner class.
HT: 6-5 | WT: 260 | Previously: 17
I mentioned in November that Phillips was off to a tremendous start in his first season with the Hurricanes, and he wreaked havoc down the stretch. He had had 5.5 sacks in his final three games. A former five-star prospect who had some injury issues at UCLA, Phillips landed at Miami and has put all of his talent together. He had only 4.5 sacks over two years with the Bruins. Phillips has a great frame for a 4-3 defensive end, and I really like his all-around game. In a class desperate for pass-rushers, I could see him being the first edge defender off the board. It's just a shame we never got to see him play on the other side of Gregory Rousseau, who opted out of the season.
HT: 6-5 | WT: 314 | Previously: 18
The more I watch Darrisaw, the more I like him. He's a road grader in the running game who just mauls edge defenders. He has a mean streak and finishes plays. He started as the Hokies' left tackle as a true freshman in 2018, and he just keeps getting better. The junior is still young, but he had a phenomenal 2020 season. He just erases edge defenders. And he has the frame to stick at left tackle in the NFL.
HT: 5-11 | WT: 199 | Previously: 24
Toney had a great season, catching 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he was one of the best receivers at the Senior Bowl in January. He's so quick in and out of his breaks that defensive backs have trouble sticking with him. He's just a playmaker, and a smart offensive coordinator will get him at least 10 touches a game in the run and pass games. He also could be one of the NFL's best punt returners as a rookie.
HT: 6-2 | WT: 232 | Previously: 22
What I like most about Harris -- and it's why he's my top-ranked running back -- is his receiving ability. He caught 70 passes over the past two seasons and had 11 receiving touchdowns. He can be a three-down back in the NFL. The downside about him is that he had a whopping 718 touches at Bama, including 460 carries over the past two seasons. He has taken a lot of punishment. He has stayed healthy so far, and he finished the 2020 season with 1,466 rushing yards and 26 rushing scores. He also led the FBS with 47 carries of at least 10 yards. All he does is produce.
Position Rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
2. Justin Fields, Ohio State
3. Zach Wilson, BYU
4. Mac Jones, Alabama
5. Trey Lance, North Dakota State
6. Kyle Trask, Florida
7. Davis Mills, Stanford
8. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
9. Jamie Newman, Wake Forest/Georgia
10. Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
Running backs
1. Najee Harris, Alabama
2. Travis Etienne, Clemson
3. Javonte Williams, North Carolina
4. Trey Sermon, Ohio State
5. Michael Carter, North Carolina
6. Demetric Felton, UCLA
7. Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State
8. Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
9. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
10. Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
Fullbacks
1. Ben Mason, Michigan
2. Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma
3. Mason Stokke, Wisconsin
4. Tory Carter, LSU
5. Carl Tucker, Alabama
Wide receivers
1. DeVonta Smith, Alabama
2. Ja'Marr Chase, LSU
3. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
4. Kadarius Toney, Florida
5. Elijah Moore, Mississippi
6. Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU
7. Tutu Atwell, Louisville
8. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
9. Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
10. Amari Rodgers, Clemson
Tight ends
1. Kyle Pitts, Florida
2. Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
3. Hunter Long, Boston College
4. Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
5. Brevin Jordan, Miami (FL)
6. Tre' McKitty, Georgia
7. John Bates, Boise State
8. Zach Davidson, Central Missouri
9. Kenny Yeboah, Mississippi
10. Noah Gray, Duke
Offensive tackles
1. Penei Sewell, Oregon
2. Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
3. Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
4. Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
5. Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
6. Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
7. Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
8. James Hudson III, Cincinnati
9. Walker Little, Stanford
10. Spencer Brown, No. Iowa
Guards
1. Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
2. Samuel Cosmi, Texas
3. Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
3. Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
4. Trey Smith, Tennessee
6. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
7. Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame
8. Ben Cleveland, Georgia
9. Kendrick Green, Illinois
10. David Moore, Grambling
Centers
1. Landon Dickerson, Alabama
2. Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
3. Josh Myers, Ohio State
4. Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
5. Michal Menet, Penn State
6. Drew Dalman, Stanford
7. Trey Hill, Georgia
8. Drake Jackson, Kentucky
9. Jimmy Morrissey, Pitt
10. Ryan McCollum, Texas A&M
Defensive ends
1. Kwity Paye, Michigan
2. Jaelan Phillips, Miami (FL)
3. Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL)
4. Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
5. Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
6. Joseph Ossai, Texas
7. Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
8. Payton Turner, Houston
8. Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
10. Patrick Jones II, Pitt
Defensive tackles
1. Christian Barmore, Alabama
2. Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
3. Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
4. Jay Tufele, USC
5. Marlon Tuipulotu, USC
6. Marvin Wilson, Florida State
7. Bobby Brown III, Texas A&M
8. Alim McNeill, NC State
9. Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
10. Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Outside linebackers
1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
2. Zaven Collins, Tulsa
3. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
4. Jayson Oweh, Penn State
5. Chris Rumph II, Duke
6. Pete Werner, Ohio State
7. Joe Tryon, Washington
8. Quincy Roche, Miami (FL)
9. Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa
10. Patrick Johnson, Tulane
play
0:30
Tulsa's Collins picks off Buechele to seal upset victory over SMU
Zaven Collins intercepts Shane Buechele's throw late in the fourth quarter to seal Tulsa's come-from-behind victory over No. 19 SMU.
Cornerbacks
1. Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
2. Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
3. Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
4. Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
5. Tyson Campbell, Georgia
5. Elijah Molden, Washington
7. Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky
8. Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
9. Shaun Wade, Ohio State
10. Tay Gowan, UCF
11. Aaron Robinson, UCF
Safeties
1. Trevon Moehrig, TCU
2. Richie Grant, UCF
3. Jevon Holland, Oregon
4. Andre Cisco, Syracuse
5. Damar Hamlin, Pitt
6. Tyree Gillespie, Missouri
7. Caden Sterns, Texas
8. Joshuah Bledsoe, Missouri
9. Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
10. Richard LeCounte, Georgia
Kickers and Punters
1. Jose Borregales, K, Miami (FL)
2. Evan McPherson, K, Florida
3. Pressley Harvin III, P, Georgia Tech
4. Alex Kessman, K, Pitt
5. James Smith, P, Cincinnati
6. Drue Chrisman, P, Ohio State
7. Max Duffy, P, Kentucky
8. Blake Haubeil, K, Ohio State
9. Nolan Cooney, P, Syracuse
10. Riley Patterson, K, Memphis
10A. Zach Von Rosenberg, P, LSU
Long-snappers
1. Thomas Fletcher, Alabama
2. Camaron Cheeseman, Michigan
3. Adam Bay, Wisconsin
4. Ryan Langan, Georgia Southern
5. Turner Bernard, San Diego State
Plan9Misfit
Appreciate The Hate
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
- Messages
- 5,924
Inside Linebackers are missing.
ravidubey
DCC 4Life
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
- Messages
- 20,208
Demaryius Thomas or Richard Dent never had problems being #1's on the 2013 Broncos or 1985 Bears, though each didn't have a player quite at their level of talent at the same position like Cooper does in Lamb.
You have to think in terms of relative impact vs. raw stats. The product is greater than the sum of its parts. Even more, a chance to put together a historically great offense that leads the team deep into the playoffs.
Dallas' offense, for all its talent in recent years, has stalled at key points in the game or at critical parts of the field. Whether they get Pitts or not, they need to improve there, otherwise who cares about empty stats?
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
- Messages
- 122,616
He has got Grant over Moehrig now.
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