It’s never too early to look ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft. That’s exactly what ESPN’s Todd McShay did this week when he released his latest mock draft.
With a full college football season uncertain in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McShay has been busy going over film of some of the top draft-eligible prospects for 2021.
The defending national champion LSU Tigers had a draft to remember in 2020. A total of 14 players were selected, tying Ohio State’s record for one draft set back in 2004. Also, the Tigers saw five players go in the first round.
So, who is LSU’s top prospect for 2021?
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That would be wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
The junior from Harvey, La., was phenomenal in 2019, catching 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. He was a first-team All-American while also winning the Biletnikoff Award.
McShay also believes Chase won’t last long in the 2021 NFL Draft. In his mock, he has Chase going No. 5 overall to the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins selected former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the top five of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Here’s what McShay said about Chase.
Chase is the best available prospect here and a true No. 1 wideout, but he also fills a glaring need for the Dolphins. DeVante Parker had a breakout season with more than 1,200 receiving yards, but the next-most-productive Dolphins WR in 2019 was Preston Williams at 428. Chase had 1,780 yards and 20 scores last season with the Tigers, and he has the dynamic playmaking tools to be an elite producer at the next level for Tua for years to come.
If there is a season in 2020, Chase is playing. Either way, he will be the first wide receiver off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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