2021 NFL Draft Top prospects – Syndication Server

2021 NFL Draft: 5 Most Underrated Prospects, From The College Perspective

2021 NFL Draft: Before this all gets going, from the college perspective who are the five most underrated prospects?

2021 NFL Draft: Before this all gets going, from the college perspective who are the five most underrated prospects?

I know all too well how the NFL scouting and draft world works, but I’m a college football guy. I see this thing from a slightly different angle.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% all about the freakish rare-human tools that separate the potential NFL starters from the rest of the pack, but sometimes the obvious gets overlooked. It’s as simple as this …

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Is the prospect going to be a good NFL football player and/or does he have something that could make him special? Okay, so where’s the love in the draft and scouting process?

Sometimes I get this really, really right (Lamar Jackson, Colin Kaepernick, Arian Foster, DK Metcalf), and sometimes I get this horribly, horribly wrong (DeShone Kizer, Josh Rosen, Taylor Mays, Malcolm Kelly).

Who are the five most underappreciated, underloved, and underrated prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft? These guys will go later than they should, and they’ll be wonderful gets after Day One.

CFN 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
from the college perspective …
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG & C
DE & Edge | DT | LB | CB | Safeties
Greatest Draft Picks For Each College
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
32 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time
Top 105 Pro Prospects
Two Round NFL Mock Draft

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews | @PeteFiutak

5. DEs Rashard Weaver & Patrick Jones, Pitt

Projected Round: Weaver 5, Jones 4

I’m starting this with two at the same position at the same school. The 6-4, 261-pound Jones will likely drop out of the top 100 picks because he doesn’t have quite the right look, power and flash you might want as an edge rusher, but he produced at a high level for three seasons and he should be a nice mid-round pass rushing situational find.

Weaver is a 6-4, 259-pound pure pass rusher who’ll find his way to the quarterback. A knee injury derailed him along the way, and he was lumbering through drills – he only ran a 4.85 – but he’s going to be a part of your rotation because he’s going to hit the other team’s passer.

4. QB Jamie Newman, Wake Forest/Georgia

Projected Round: 5

No one seems to have suffered more in the draft process by opting out of the 2020 season – he did so because of Covid concerns.

Newman was solid at Wake Forest and he could’ve blown up as the starter for Georgia, but now he’s just a flier of a prospect who’ll go in the later rounds.

He’s 6-3, 234 pounds, has a stronger arm than most quarterbacks who’ll be taken ahead of him, and all that’s missing is a little bit of time.

He only had one season as a starting quarterback, and there’s the issue. He’s not ready right now, and in today’s NFL that’s not okay. Everything is there, though, to develop into a starter once he gets enough time to work through the growing pains.

3. DT Marvin Wilson & S Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State

Projected Round: Wilson 4, Nasirildeen 4

These two have something else in common other than being from Florida State – they’re among the best leaders in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

Last year at this time it seemed like Marvin Wilson was destined to be a first rounder. He’s got the 6-4, 303-pound NFL size, the anchor ability, and the type of personality to make a defense his. He has to keep his weight down, he has to get healthy, and he has to look like the 2018 and 2019 version, but he’ll be a terrific pro.

The 6-3, 215-pound Nasirildeen might be tall and lean, but he’s a terrific tackler, the right tone-setting guy for your locker room, and he erases matchup problem receivers. However, he’s dropping because of a knee injury – give him a year and he’s a stat-sheet filling starter.

2. DT Jay Tufele, USC

Projected Round: 4

I honestly don’t get this one. He’s a first round talent who’ll probably drop to the third round.

Okay, so he’s 6-2, 305 and not the ideal size for a defensive tackle, but good luck finding a quicker and more explosive prospect for the interior.

He might need to be surrounded with thumpers and run stuffers, but for the modern NFL where you need pass rushers at every spot up front, here you go. He’s suffering from opting out – the momentum for his draft stock slowed to a crawl – but he’ll get into an NFL camp and a coaching staff will fall in love.

1. CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford

Projected Round: 3

It’s a corner-rich draft and Adebo – sort of like a few guys on this list – might be suffering from NFL scouting out-of-sight-out-of-mind issues. He opted out last season, and his draft stock dropped.

6-1, 198-pound size, 4.4 speed, and a whole lot of production – 97 tackles, 8 interceptions, 27 broken up passes – there’s no real knock other than the NFL basically forgot about him.

He’s not a great tackler, but he’s good enough. He’s been banged up, and he missed a few too many makable plays for someone with his talent, but he’s going to be an NFL starter – and possibly an elite one – after the first 50 picks.

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NFL Draft Safety Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which safeties will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which safeties will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Safety Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s a rough NFL Draft year for several positions, but safety is sneaky-good. There might not be any sure-thing, must-have superstars, but it’s a deep class of value picks with every guy on this list good enough to start.

From the college perspective, the top safeties in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Richard LeCounte, Georgia

Size: 5-11, 196

The Good: A hugely productive defender at a high SEC level, he’s feisty, smart, and always seems to be in the right position with 176 career tackles with eight interceptions over the last three seasons and a whole lot of big plays and takeaways. He makes up for several issues by seemingly being a step ahead of everyone, but …

The Not-So-Good: He’s way too small and his pro day didn’t help. He’s too slender, not a big hitter, and the numbers aren’t there. He a high 4.7 runner without the explosion or star athleticism to make up for his lack of bulk.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There was a time in his Georgia career when he seemed like a possible must-have star NFL prospect based on what he did on the field – he still might be, but he’ll drop. The numbers and measurables just aren’t there, but he’s a big-time baller.

Projected Round: Fifth

14. James Wiggins, Cincinnati

Size: 5-11, 209

The Good: A stout, tough hitter with 4.4ish speed, he can get around in a hurry and bring the pop when he gets there. While he’s built to do big things against the run – he made 54 tackles as a sophomore and 32 last year – he’s got a great nose for when the ball is in the air with five interceptions and 11 broken up passes in his last two years.

The Not-So-Good: He missed all of 2019 with a knee injury and wasn’t quite the same all-around playmaker when he came back. In terms of size and bulk, he might not be exactly what the next-level types want and isn’t necessarily a man-on-man coverage defender.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’s not like he was bad last year coming off the knee injury. He could still hit and he still did a whole lot of big things when the ball was in the air. The 40 time helped prove the speed is there. Don’t be shocked if he’s a terrific value get somewhere on Day 3.

Projected Round: Fifth

13. Shawn Davis, Florida

Size: 5-11, 202

The Good: A good-sized tackler who came up with a whole lot of big plays over the last two years, Davis is a strong tackler who picked off five passes and broke up plenty of others. Unlike most of the safeties in this draft, Davis will bring the intimidating and physical thump to the secondary.

The Not-So-Good: It’s a one-off – hopefully – but he hurt is hamstring trying to run on pro day. He’s aggressive and tough, but sometimes he’ll miss the basic to go for the blow-up shot. Yeah, he’s more physical than other safeties in the draft, but he’s also less versatile than most of them.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: A producer at a high SEC level with the toughness that’s missing from this draft. Try to blow off the concerns about his pass coverage and misfires and like that he’s going to hit someone on the other team very, very hard.

Projected Round: Fourth

12. Tyree Gillespie, Missouri

Size: 6-0, 207

The Good: 4.38. He plays fast, tackles well, and makes himself known all over the field, and then came the workouts and he ripped off a great run to go along with the decent bulk in an NFL-sized safety. A steady hitter, he came up with 144 tackles in his last three seasons.

The Not-So-Good: Interceptions. There weren’t any. He broke up plenty of passes and made plenty of good things happen, but he didn’t do enough when the ball was in the air to change games around.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s got the tools, the experience, and the physical style that should work out as a part of the safety rotation right away. The range and speed are there to grow into a rock-solid pro – but the rest of the secondary might have to pick up the pass coverage slack.

Projected Round: Fourth

11. JaCoby Stevens, LSU

Size: 6-1, 212

The Good: A fantastic tackler over the last three seasons, he wasn’t as celebrated as other Tiger stars in the secondary, but he made 190 stops with four interceptions, 21.5 tackles for loss and 15 broken up passes. With terrific 212-pound size, he brings the thump to go along with his 4.5 speed and fantastic ranged.

The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t really have a set NFL position. While he’ll make plays in pass coverage, he’s really a bigger asset against the run. Even with his speed, he’s not going to be much if he has to handle a receiver one-on-one and might be forced to play up.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Don’t get caught up in his body type that looks a bit too bulky to be a defensive back – he moves well enough to not worry about his athleticism. As long as you have corners who can handle themselves, take him and let him make every tackle.

Projected Round: Fourth

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Safety Rankings Top Ten

Pages: 1234567

NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which linebackers will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which linebackers will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s an okay year for linebackers, but most of the top pass rushing types are now thrown into the defensive end/edge rusher bucket when they used to be known as outside linebackers.

There’s a whole lot of room for debate with an almost interchangeable 3-through-15, and throw in at least 5-to-10 others that probably should have made the cut.

From the college perspective, the top linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Pete Werner, Ohio State

Size: 6-3, 238

The Good: A solid part of the Ohio State puzzle over the last three seasons, he’s a run defender who brings decent size, the right frame, and the experience at a high level to be ready right out of the box. He made 176 tackles over the last three years, isn’t bad in pass coverage, and has the versatility to work just about anywhere.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not much of a pass rusher – four sacks and 16 tackles in four years – but to be fair, that wasn’t his job. He’s a good athlete and he’s tough, but he doesn’t have any one NFL tool that’s going to make him stand out. Yeah, he can play just about anywhere in a linebacking corps, but he doesn’t have a set spot.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: The upside is there to be a very good, very solid value pick on Day 3. He might not quite have everything the NFL might like, but he was a strong player who made a whole lot of plays for an elite defense.

Projected Round: Fifth

14. Cameron McGrone, Michigan

Size: 6-1, 234

The Good: The range, speed, and pursuit are strong enough to grow into a dangerous NFL linebacker with a little bit of time. He can move, he had a big 2019 with 65 tackles with nine tackles for loss, and he’s got the skill set to do a little bit of everything. He can be a thumper inside or grow into a pass rusher outside. However …

The Not-So-Good: He was never really a pass rusher with just three sacks in two seasons. He didn’t do enough with the Wolverines to suggest that he’s about to blow up at the next level, he’s not a playmaker in pass coverage, and he struggled through last year after getting banged up.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He never quite turned into the superstar he was supposed to be as a big-time get for Michigan, but watch out for him to be a better pro than a collegian. The basics are all there, and he’ll be well worth the flier to see if there’s a massive value with him after the top 100.

Projected Round: Fifth

13. KJ Britt, Auburn

Size: 6-1, 235

The Good: A true inside linebacker, he’s not going to do a whole lot on the move but he’s a tough guy’s tough guy against the run with the leadership and personality to be someone’s quarterback for a defensive front. He had a strong junior season with 68 stops and ten tackles for loss, but …

The Not-So-Good: He couldn’t get past a thumb injury last season. He only had one solid year of production, he’s not going to be a pass rusher at the next level, and he’s way too slow to bring anything in pass coverage, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There are some guys you just want on your team. He might be a special teamer early on and a part of the rotation on the inside, but don’t be stunned if he grows into a job in the interior and becomes a volume tackler in a year or so.

Projected Round: Fourth

12. Garret Wallow, TCU

Size: 6-2, 220

The Good: A volume tackler who simply gets the job done. He grew into a job at TCU over the last three seasons with close to 300 tackles while getting into the backfield enough – 27 tackles for loss over the last two seasons – to matter. He’s the quarterback of any defense he’s on, but …

The Not-So-Good: He’s only got one spot, and that’s on the inside. The problem with that is his bulk – he’s going to have to work hard to get up to 230 plus to take the pounding needed. He’s hardly a thumper, he’s not going to do much in pass coverage, and don’t expect a ton of plays in the backfield at the next level.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: An undersized run stopper who’ll do what he must to make a team, he’ll be worth a long look in camp as a potential volume tackler if he can hold his own against the bangers on the inside. He can run just well enough find a spot somewhere.

Projected Round: Fourth

11. Baron Browning, Ohio State

Size: 6-3, 245

The Good: A solid part of the defensive puzzle for the last few years, he wasn’t a volume producer, but he was a solid run stopper who thrived as a rotational pass rusher as a junior. He’s got great size, fantastic range, can play inside or out, and …

The Not-So-Good: Something’s missing. He looks exactly like you’d want your NFL linebacker to be, he can show flashes of greatness, and the 2019 version was terrific compared to the 2020 version that was a true outside linebacker. Considering everything he brings, he should’ve done a whole lot more, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s too much to work with not to take the shot in the top 100. It’s not like he was bad at Ohio State, and he sort of got lost a bit in the crowd of high-end talents, but the stats and big plays weren’t quite there on a consistent basis. Watch out, though, if he finds the right role and niche.

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings Top Ten

Pages: 1234567

NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which defensive tackles will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which defensive tackles will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

The draft is half empty – there’s one guy at the top and there’s a whole lot of whatever tackle prospects right after.

The draft is half full – there should be fantastic value after the second round. If you’re under the belief – as you should be – that it takes ridiculous dumb luck to get a steady starter after the after the first 60ish picks, this is a nice draft to take a few fliers on prospects for the defensive interior from around 75 on.

From the college perspective, the top defensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Tommy Togiai, Ohio State

Size: 6-2, 296

The Good: A tough guy with power, he’s a rock of a tackle with the strength to makeup for his lack of bulk. The overall numbers might not be there, but he was able to hold up well against the run and he’s not worn down. He only played 22 games and was in a rotation, but …

The Not-So-Good: He only played 22 games and was in a rotation. He can move, but he’s not any sort of NFL pass rusher, and his lack of raw bulk might not be enough for some teams. He never quite stood out as an elite player on an elite defense with all three of his career sacks coming last year.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s an NFL defensive tackle who won’t turn into any sort of star, but can fill in and be a tough player in the interior who won’t lose his battles. The ceiling on what he’ll be at the next level is low, but you’ll hold serve on a play when he’s in there.

Projected Round: Fifth

14. Quinton Bohanna, Kentucky

Size: 6-4, 327

The Good: Very big, very good against the run, and with enough experience to know what he’s doing after being the main man on the UK nose for the last three years, it’s just this simple – stick him inside and let him take up a whole lot of space.

The Not-So-Good: There’s only one note here. He’s not an interior pass rusher at the next level, and he’s not going to give you a whole lot of big stats or anything flashy.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s not enough to his game to go in the first four rounds, but everyone needs a few tackles who can eat up the run against the power teams. He’ll be a low-risk pick who’ll stay on a team to give someone with a good group of pass rushers a giant guy to work around.

Projected Round: Sixth

13. Cam Sample, Tulane

Size: 6-3, 267

The Good: Undersized but extremely quick, he’s a pass rusher and a factor in the backfield with 10.5 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss and 163 stops in his four years or work. He might not be an elite athlete, but he’s got the skills to play inside as a smallish-fast option or on the end.

The Not-So-Good: A true tweener, he’s not quite as explosive as you might like for a player of his size, and he’s not bulky enough to hold up as a true NFL tackle. He’ll get blown up by the bigger next-level blasters.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’ll be a bit of a specialist, but he’ll fit someone’s scheme as a reliable, energetic option who can add a different look to a defensive interior and bring a play or two in the backfield.

Projected Round: Fourth

12. Darius Stills, West Virginia

Size: 6-1, 278

The Good: An undersized firecracker of a tackle, he and his brother Dante – who decided to stay in school for another year – grew into one of the Big 12’s best tandems.

Darius is always moving, he’s got a burst off the ball, and he’ll fight and make things happen behind the line with 10.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over the last two years.

The Not-So-Good: He’s just way too small. He’s not going to be a regular NFL starter unless he’s surrounded by bulk or is in the right scheme, and he doesn’t have the frame to carry more good weight. Even worse, he can’t do anything to take away from his quickness.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s a situational defender, but he’ll bring the motor and the fire every time he’s in there. He’ll get engulfed by the bigger blockers, but he’ll work his way into backfields and make teams worry every time he’s in.

Projected Round: Fourth

11. Marlon Tuipulotu, USC

Size: 6-2, 307

The Good: He might not be the exact size some would like, but he plays big, can’t be moved, and he’s quick enough to get into the backfield. A mainstay on the USC line over the last three seasons, he came up with 102 tackles with 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss during the span, but his real worth is as a tough guy run defender.

The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t have the mass many might like. He gets pounded on by the bigger, brutish blockers, and he’s not quite quick enough at an NFL level to be considered much of a inside pass rusher on a consistent basis.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s not going to be anyone’s anchor – he doesn’t have the raw size – but he’ll be an ultra-productive part of a good rotation. He’ll always bring the effort and the fight – stick him inside and don’t worry.

Projected Round: Fourth

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Defensive Tackle Rankings Top Ten

Pages: 1234567

NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which defensive ends and edge rushers will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which defensive ends and edge rushers will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

Considering how glamorous the pass rushers are, you’d think they’d be flowing into the NFL from the collegiate level.

Not this year.

There are a whole lot of question marks in an all boom-or-bust season for the top guys. There’s upside, athleticism and promise, but there isn’t a Chase Young, Nick Bosa, Bradley Chubb, or any other must-have talent in the bunch. It’s going to take a whole lot of guessing to find the next killers in opposing backfield.

Oh they’re there, but GMs are going to have to do their work this time around.

From the college perspective, the top defensive ends and edge rushers in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Shaka Toney, Penn State

Size: 6-3, 242

The Good: A very good four-year pass rusher for a defense full of talented players who could get into the backfield, Toney made 20 career sacks and was solid against the run. Extremely athletic, he moves like a running back with a great quickness and terrific cuts to get to the ball.

The Not-So-Good: He was streaky. The overall numbers were great, but four of his five sacks game in two games last year, three of his 6.5 in 2019 came against Purdue, and four of his five in 2018 were against Indiana. It’s not like he totally disappeared in the other games, but … he sort of disappeared too often.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s an interesting pass rushing option who’s great on the move – he’s a whole lot more fluid than most of the defensive ends and edge rushers in this draft – but he’s likely a specialist.

Projected Round: Fourth

14. Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma

Size: 6-3, 253

The Good: He makes things happen. A good pass rusher in his first two seasons, he gave the defense a whole other look coming off a suspension – allegedly for marijuana; no big whoop – with 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in just six games last year. He’s always around the ball and always in the backfield.

The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t have the NFL tools for his game. He’s tough, but he’ll get bounced too much by the tougher blockers, and he’s not quite a speed guy who’s going to blow past anyone. He needs to be surrounded by athletes and NFL prototypes.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’s funny how the NFL world works. Sometimes a guy makes a whole lot of plays at a high level, and everyone seems to ignore the production by questioning how it all happened. Perkins is hardly the perfect prospect, but the guy who showed up with his hair on fire over the back half of 2020 is someone you want in an NFL camp to see what he can do.

Projected Round: Fourth

13. Patrick Johnson, 6-2, 240

Size: 6-2, 240

The Good: He doesn’t look anything like your normal NFL defensive end or pass rusher, and there’s a positive to that – he plays every down like he has something to prove. He came up with 21 sacks and 120 tackles over his last three seasons by doing everything right and fighting for every play.

The Not-So-Good: Yeah, he doesn’t look anything like your normal NFL defensive end or pass rusher. He’s built like an inside linebacker, but he’s not an inside linebacker. He’s not quite quick enough to be on the outside, and he’s not quite long enough to be an end, and …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s not going to be a standout star for a defensive front, but he’ll always bring the A effort every time out and he knows what he’s doing. He’ll go on Day 3, and 15 minutes into the first practice the coaching staff will love what it has.

Projected Round: Fourth

12. Chris Rumph, Duke

Size: 6-3, 244

The Good: An all-around producer for a defense that wasn’t always special, he was always keyed on and he almost always came through. He’s a tall linebacker who’ll get behind the line – 17.5 sacks and 33 tackles for loss in three years – and he’s got the toughness to handle himself just fine against the run. However …

The Not-So-Good: Get a block on him and it’s over. He’s great at reading plays, getting into space and chasing things down, but he’s not bulky and he’s not going to get that first step on NFL tackles like he did in college.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: LOVE him somewhere around the 75 or later. There’s too much missing to take the chance on him too high, but there’s a shot he’s one of those guys who does one thing very, very well, and that one thing makes him a double-digit sack disruptor.

Projected Round: Fourth

11. Payton Turner, Houston

Size: 6-5, 270

The Good: A true defensive end, he’s big, experienced, and he produced. A good pass rusher who holds up well against the run, stick him on the line in any alignment and he’ll be fine. He moved ridiculously smoothly for a guy his size, but …

The Not-So-Good: How concerned are you about the injury issues? He missed a little time last year with COVID issues, but he was also banged up at times. He’s not quite the fit for the modern NFL – he’d be an ideal 1998 defensive end – but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a whole lot to love here if he turns it loose like he did in his five games of work in 2020. He was okay in his first two years, busted out as a junior and was unstoppable during his limited time last year. He’s a different option among the top pass rushers.

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings Top Ten

Pages: 1234567

NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which defensive ends and edge rushers will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which defensive ends and edge rushers will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

Considering how glamorous the pass rushers are, you’d think they’d be flowing into the NFL from the collegiate level.

Not this year.

Oh they’re there, but GMs are going to have to do their work this time around.

From the college perspective, the top defensive ends and edge rushers in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

15. Shaka Toney, Penn State

Size: 6-3, 242

Projected Round: Fourth

14. Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma

Size: 6-3, 253

Projected Round: Fourth

13. Patrick Johnson, 6-2, 240

Size: 6-2, 240

Projected Round: Fourth

12. Chris Rumph, Duke

Size: 6-3, 244

Projected Round: Fourth

11. Payton Turner, Houston

Size: 6-5, 270

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings Top Ten

Pages: 1234567

NFL Draft Offensive Tackle Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which offensive tackles will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which offensive tackles will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Offensive Tackle Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s a terrific year for offensive tackles with at least three expected to go in the top 15, a superstar who should go in the top three – but will drop because people go crazy for quarterbacks – and a whole slew of good options to take later on to work around.

From the college perspective, the top offensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Brady Christensen, BYU

Size: 6-5, 302

The Good: He’s got an interesting look and style. He might not be all that bulky, but he carries his weight where needed and can move just well enough to be a nice pass protector who can work on either side. The power is there to be tough for the running game, but …

The Not-So-Good: The length isn’t there for a 6-5 tackle. He could be a left tackle, but he’ll likely have to work on the right side and he isn’t really a guard unless he bulks up a bit.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: While he’s not that old, he’ll be 24 when he starts his career. He’s ready to be a starting tackle at the next level – he did his part to keep Zach Wilson in one piece – and don’t be shocked if he turns into a better run blocker than he’ll get credit for.

Projected Round: Fifth

14. D’Ante Smith, East Carolina (OG)

Size: 6-5, 305

The Good: He bulked up in a big way over the last few yeas, adding 30 pounds of mass to go along on a frame that had no problems supporting it. He’s a good athlete for his size and has good quickness to be a left tackle right out of the box. However …

The Not-So-Good: He’s a bit of a tweener, and he might be maxed out a bit on his bulk. He got banged up early last year and skipped the rest of the campaign. Now he has to prove he can thrive at his current weight, and …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s going to have to find a home. Some team will draft him as a Day 3 left tackle option with a shot taken for the stars, but he’ll likely start out on the right side and could end up kicking in at guard in the right offense.

Projected Round: Fifth

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13. Alaric Jackson, Iowa

Size: 6-6, 321

The Good: Very big and very experienced, he’s a left tackle who’s been a mainstay on the Hawkeye line over the last few years. While his blocking style might not be out of a textbook, he gets the job done. An all-star on the field and in the classroom, he’s a producer.

The Not-So-Good: It’s really, really odd that he’s so unorthodox coming from Iowa. He’s got the athleticism and the quick feet, but he’s not always balanced and he gets away with his style because he can move.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Love him on Day 3. Early on in his Hawkeye career he seemed like a lock to be a top draft pick when ready, but he never really progressed technique-wise. Again, the production is there, but he might need to be broken down to be build back up. The skill is there to be a fantastic value no matter where he plays on the line.

Projected Round: Fifth

12. James Hudson, Cincinnati

Size: 6-4, 302

The Good: The former Michigan Wolverine had to fight through too much red tape to get to Cincinnati, but the payoff was huge. He turned into the main man for the Bearcat O line in the great 2020 season, showing off his upside, athleticism, and the power to work with as versatile option for and NFL front five.

The Not-So-Good: He needs a whole lot of work. The raw tools are there, but he didn’t play all that much and might be just getting started. A technique problem, he needs to get his balance down, the finer points right, and …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’ll happen. He just needs more time, more experience, and just enough patience to expect something special on the other side. He’s way too good of an athlete and has way too much talent not to develop.

Projected Round: Third

11. Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa

Size: 6-9, 314

The Good: Really tall with rare length and athleticism for a tackle of his size, he’s a nightmare to get around with the raw tools to be ready right out of the box at a tackle spot on either side. Even though he’s built to be a top pass blocker, he’s able to blast away for the ground game, too. However …

The Not-So-Good: He’s going to need time in an NFL weightroom to get a whole lot stronger and maybe add even more weight to his frame. He’s been able to dominate with his length and quickness, but the craftier NFL pass rushers will eat him up early on.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Guys this big and this athletic have to go in the top 100. He might still need a while to harness all he brings, but he’s able to move well enough to overcome a slew of technique issues.

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Offensive Tackle Rankings Top Ten

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NFL Draft Running Back Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which running backs will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Which running backs will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

Who said that running backs are interchangeable and not worth the high pick draft value?

Okay, so running backs are sort of interchangeable now and not worth the high pick draft value, and this year there are plenty of good runners who’ll make a big splash from Day 3.

There are a few excellent prospects up top, too.

From the college perspective, the top running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Larry Rountree, Missouri

Size: 5-11, 211

The Good: An unsung SEC producer for the last four years, he showed off enough burst to average five yards per carry and can be used a little bit as a receiver. He’ll bring the energy with every carry and brings nice pop and power to finish off his runs.

The Not-So-Good: The raw speed isn’t there. He’s around a mid-4.6 runner and doesn’t tear off too many big runs when he gets into the clear. He’s quicker-than-fast, though, but not enough to be much of a third down pass catcher.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a chance he finds a job in a rotation by adding a different look and style. He’s almost like a knuckleball pitcher in the way he runs – he’s always moving, and he’ll get the positive yard when needed.

Projected Round: Fifth

14. Spencer Brown, UAB

Size: 6-0-220

The Good: The workhorse carried the offense and the team at times with over 2,500 yards and 26 touchdowns in his first two seasons and remained as one of the best Group of Five backs despite a drop-off in production. He’s tough, he’ll carry the load, and he should be good as a No. 2 option in a rotation.

The Not-So-Good: He has a whole lot of wear on those tires. He carried the ball 858 times in his four hard years. For good and for bad, he’s not afraid to blast over someone, and he took a pounding. He’s not enough of a receiver to find a role in the passing game.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’s hard to underestimate just how much he meant to the rebirth of UAB football. Great around the goal line and strong for the hard yard, he’ll be a tough cut and could find a job in an offense with speed backs.

Projected Round: Sixth

13. Pooka Williams, Kansas

Size: 5-9, 175

The Good: Ultra-explosive and tough enough to be a steady workhorse if needed, he did what he could as one of the only positives for Kansas football over the last few years. A 4.39 runner who can catch, he can be used in a variant of ways including as a kick returner.

The Not-So-Good: Way too small to be any sort of a blocker, he can’t do too much on third downs if he’s not getting the ball. He was suspended for a game back in 2019 after a misdemeanor domestic battery charge.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s not getting enough respect and attention from the scouting world. He’ll make a team as a return man and a jack-of-all-trades playmaker for an offense. No, he won’t be a steady feature back, but the ability is there be a difference-maker.

Projected Round: Sixth

12. Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech

Size: 5-9, 204

The Good: A short, compact runner with a great burst, he was good at Kansas over his four years, and then was amazing in his one season at Virginia Tech averaging 7.6 yards per carry with eight scores. Strong when he gets a seam, he finds the hole and tears off yards in chunks.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not quite as quick in the short yard situations as you might like. A bit scheme specific, he was more of a run through space guy than a blaster of a workhorse. He’s not enough of a receiver to step in and be a third down guy.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’ll be an interesting call. He got a whole lot of work over the last five yards, but he only carried the ball 475 times. As part of a rotation he’s a fun runner who could work well in an up-tempo attack.

Projected Round: Fifth

11. Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State

Size: 5-9, 210

The Good: Ultra-productive for an offense that didn’t have a whole lot of weapons, he was the focus of every defensive gameplan and he still always found ways to produce. He’s short, but he’s ultra-quick, delivers a punch, and he always came through – he was a 100-yard machine. While he wasn’t used much as a receiver over his last two years, he can catch.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not quite as fast as some might like. He’s got a burst, but he’s not going to be a breakaway threat. While there’s no issue with his power and toughness, he’s not a big enough back to wear down defenses.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Sometimes running backs get lost in the NFL draft shuffle, and rise up and rock when they get a chance. He’s going to be one of those guys who goes on Day 3, gets into a camp, and then comes through whenever he gets a chance. Again, everyone tried to stop him, and he kept on producing.

Projected Round: Fifth

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings Top Ten

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NFL Draft Tight End Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Who are the tight ends who’ll matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the tight ends who’ll matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s not a loaded year for the position – there are a whole lot of flier prospects who you don’t really need to take unless you have a project in mind – but there’s enough up top to help the cause, and there’s one guy in particular who might juts be an all-timer.

However, last year’s class of receivers really was solid, and this one appears to be even stronger. From the college perspective, the top tight ends in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Dylan Soehner, Iowa State

Size: 6-7, 268

The Good: He’s a big body with a great frame. While he’s a tight end who can be used as a No. 3 guy, there’s an outside chance he could add more weight and take on an even more physical role. He wasn’t used much as a receiver, but he can catch.

The Not-So-Good: Again, he wasn’t used much as a receiver. He might look the part, but he only caught 26 passes for 312 yards and one score. He’s not going to scare anyone deep.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Charlie Kolar was/is Iowa State’s star tight end, but Soehner has an NFL body and look with a shot at making a roster as a developmental prospect.

Projected Round: Free Agent

14. Miller Forrestall, Alabama

Size: 6-5, 244

The Good: A tough guy who made himself into a factor on a national championship team, he’s a solid midrange target who caught 18 passes with five scores over the last two years. He can block a bit and he’ll fight to get open.

The Not-So-Good: The NFL tools aren’t there. He’s a want-to prospect who doesn’t have the downfield speed to be a regular factor in the passing game, and he’s not bulky enough to be any sort of a dominant blocker.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a shot he makes a roster as an H-back blocker who can thrive on special teams and find a role as a midrange No. 3 target, but it’ll be a stretch. He’ll be a tough cut, though.

Projected Round: Free Agent

13. MatT Bushman, BYU

Size: 6-5, 245

The Good: When he’s healthy, he’s got the potential to be among the better receiving tight ends in the draft. He stretched the field, averaged close to 14 yards per catch, and caught 125 passes – he was one of Zach Wilson’s guys – in his three years. He’s a true target who’ll suck in everything that comes his way, but …

The Not-So-Good: He’s coming off an Achilles heel injury that cost him all of last year. Not bulky, he’s not going to do much as a blocker at the next level and he needs to get his burst back after getting hurt.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: A top target for the Cougars, there might be a nice payoff for someone who’s willing to be patient. Don’t expect him to ever block, but if and when he’s back to 100%, he could grow into a nice No. 2, third down only pass catching option.

Projected Round: Sixth

12. Nick Eubanks, Michigan

Size: 6-5, 245

The Good: There’s enough there to hope for more. He’s got good hands, good athleticism, and he can move enough to grow into a good target and a potential strong midrange target, but …

The Not-So-Good: He’s not enough of a blocker for his size, he’s not a dangerous enough target to worry about, and it’s going to take some work to take all he brings and make him into a fantastic NFL tight end.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s sleeper ability here. A huge recruit for the program, he caught just 45 passes with six scores in his four years and wasn’t ever able to blow up. He’s got the tools to be a nice late round flier.

Projected Round: Sixth

11. Kylen Granson, SMU

Size: 6-2, 241

The Good: The receiving skills are all in place to keep throwing the ball his way. He grabbed 129 career passes for close to 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns, thriving as a playmaker for SMU over his last two years. He’s got the speed to challenge down the field and make big things happen, and …

The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t have the size. He’s built like a fullback, he doesn’t have too much of a catching radius, and he’s not enough of a blocker to overcome the shortcomings. He might not quite look the part, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He started his career out at Rice, transferred over to SMU, and he was productive for all four years. A true H-back, he can be used as a runner as well as a receiver as a nice late value get for the back end of the roster.

Projected Round: Sixth

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings Top Ten

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NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Who are the wide receivers who’ll matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the wide receivers who’ll matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2021 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

You want a wasteland position for top draft picks?

Quarterback is traditionally bad, but wide receiver is right up there …

But not this year (hopefully).

Jerry Jeudy should be fine, and Henry Ruggs will have his moments, but did they light it up in their respective rookie years? Sort of, but not really.

Justin Jefferson was fantastic, CeeDee Lamb appears to be a keeper, and Chase Claypool was outstanding for stretches, but historically you’re just as likely to get an ultra-productive receiver later on than you are in the first 15 picks.

Two words: John Ross.

However, last year’s class of receivers really was solid, and this one appears to be even stronger. From the college perspective, the top wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft are …

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15. Marquez Stevenson, Houston

Size: 5-10, 182

The Good: The speed is there and the production on the deep plays will follow. He might not do everything you’d want at the next level, but he’s got the 4.4 wheels, he’s great after the catch, and he can be used as a return man, too. When he was healthy he was devastating, but …

The Not-So-Good: Can the guy stay in one piece? He was always hurt and he’s not built to take too much of a pounding. As is he’s not a full route tree guy at the next level, and the last thing you’ll want is to send him over the middle on a regular basis, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There are plenty of fast, dangerous targets in this draft with a bigger upside who’ll do more for an attack, but as a No. 3 guy who can hit the three-run home run every once in a while he’s a nice Day 3 value get.

Projected Round: Fourth

14. Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC

Size: 6-0, 197

The Good: A superstar high school prospect, he was versatile and occasionally dominant with 178 catches for 2,270 yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons. He’s got an elusive style that makes him look the part – the guy is fluid on the move with little wasted motion. He’s a strong route runner who can work inside and out with No. 1 target capabilities when he’s in a groove, but …

The Not-So-Good: Something’s missing. He’s not slow, but he’s not a blazer. He’s not small, but he’s not all that physical. There isn’t any one thing he does at an NFL level that can absolutely guarantee him a role if everything else isn’t working – he’s not really a home run hitter and he’s not going to outmuscle anyone for the ball. However …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s got the basic skills to find a longtime role as a solid target with a few big games here and there. He made a whole lot of plays at USC, and there were moments of greatness, but at the next level he’ll be a good part of a solid passing game even if he’s not a No. 1.

Projected Round: Third

13. Amari Rodgers, Clemson

Size: 5-10, 212

The Good: And interesting type of NFL receiver, he’s built more like a running back and can be used in a whole slew of ways. The speed is fine, and the quickness is there to get the ball in his hands on the move and make something big happen. When it was time to step up last year, he did, catching 77 passes for 1,020 yards and seven scores, but …

The Not-So-Good: He’s too inconsistent. Drops are a bit of a problem, he’s not really a deep threat, and he only had three 100-yard games last season. He’s more of a possession target at the next level who has to make things happen after the catch, but he’s never going to have the big play average if he’s not doing big things on the move.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s value as a punt returns and, potentially, as a jack-of-all-trades weapon who an offensive coordinator is going to love. While he might not fit the typical NFL receiver mold, he’s tough, has the heart to keep competing even when he’s not the focus of the attack, and he’ll find a steady role early on.

Projected Round: Third

12. Dyami Brown, North Carolina

Size: 6-0, 195

The Good: The guy knows how to make big plays. He’s not terribly fast, but he averaged over 20 yards per catch over his last two seasons with 20 touchdowns. Get him the ball on the move and he makes something happen, he’ll fight for things down the field, and he works himself open. Some will focus a bit on his 4.46 40 and think he’s a bit slower – he plays fast.

The Not-So-Good: This is all probably correctible, but he didn’t really work as a full route receiver at North Carolina. He wasn’t a one-trick deep threat, but he’s not reliable enough to make every catch and he’s not really a No. 1 type of talent in terms of all-around NFL receiving skills. However …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He does what he does and he does it very, very well. He’ll break your heart with the occasional drop, and then he’ll come up with a 45-yard play on third down. Others are probably going to like Dazz Newsome more out of the Tar Heel receiving corps, but Brown has the bigger upside as a consistent starter.

Projected Round: Third

11. Tamorrion Terry, Florida State

Size: 6-3, 207

The Good: You want your blend of size, speed, and the willingness to bring a pop? Here you go. He wasn’t able to do too much last year – no one on FSU was – but he’s a big play weapon who should thrive as a No. 3 option who’ll come up with the occasional 52-yard touchdown play. He’s got 4.4 wheels to go along with the size and should feast when he’s allowed to find space down the field.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not necessarily going to be for everyone. While he’ll go over the middle, he’s not going to be a volume catcher who does everything you’d want. A knee problem that limited him throughout last season is a concern, and it’s going to matter if he doesn’t have that one extra gear.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Florida State might be struggling lately, but it knows how to crank out guys who look the NFL part. Home run hitters with size and toughness will always find a home, even if he’s not going to be your No. 1 target.

Projected Round: Fourth

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings Top Ten

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