It’s never too early to talk about the next draft.
The 2020 offseason is pretty much over. We’re at the training camp stage now, and there’s really nothing big to write about. Because of that, it’s time to look forward to the 2021 Draft!
Disclaimer:
- This list is purely based on talent, not projected draft position. This is why you’re not going to see a quarterback at #1.
- That being said, I do think that the draft will be similar to this big board. It just won’t be exactly the same.
1. Penei Sewell – OT (Oregon)
One of the best tackle prospects to come out of college, ever. When people interviewed Oregon after their wins, they would usually bypass Justin Herbert (a top-10 pick and a quarterback!!!) to talk to Sewell (an offensive tackle!!!). Dude’s a freak, and everybody in both college and the NFL knows it.
2. Trevor Lawrence – QB (Clemson)
The next #1 overall pick, most likely. Lawrence was pegged as the 2021 #1 overall pick ever since he won the National Championship as a freshman. He, like Sewell, is one of the best prospects at his position, ever.
3. JaMarr Chase – WR (LSU)
Everybody’s saying that the 2020 draft class is one of the best WR classes ever, but 2021 is shaping up to be a pretty great class as well, starting with Chase. If he had been in the 2020 class, he would have still been the best receiver; he’s that good. LSU lost Joe Burrow, but they still have arguably their best offensive player.
4. Justin Fields – QB (Ohio State)
If Trevor Lawrence is #1, then Justin Fields is definitely #1A. Ever since high school, the two quarterbacks have been compared, and they are finishing where they started, almost equal. As of now, Lawrence is the favorite, but don’t be surprised if Justin Fields goes #1 during the draft.
5. Gregory Rousseau – EDGE (Miami)
Our first defensive player, and he’s also a stud. He finished second to only Chase Young in sacks last year, and he has the potential to be the best pass rusher in football this year (if there is college football). Any team that drafts Rousseau will get an instant boost to their defensive line.
6. Patrick Surtain II – CB (Alabama)
Just like his dad, Patrick Surtain II has a chance to be a cornerback in the league for years to come. He could actually be better than his dad. Dude’s a shutdown corner, and he’ll be able to lock up half of the field for any team that drafts him.
7. Micah Parsons – LB (Penn State)
It’s been a while since Penn State has put out a top tier defensive prospect, but Parsons has a chance to be that guy. This dude is super athletic, and he’s the perfect modern linebacker. He’ll be an instant contributor to any team that drafts him.
8. Travis Etienne – HB (Clemson)
Etienne has a case to be the best running back in college right now. He would have been the first running back off the board in this previous draft, and he’ll be the first running back off the board in this draft, as well. He won’t go as high as #8 because of how low running backs are valued, but he’ll be a stud nonetheless.
9. Rashod Bateman – WR (Minnesota)
This WR class has some stars, and Bateman is one of the best in the class. He’s very similar to Keenan Allen, and he’ll be a star just like Allen. He’s an instant impact player who could develop into a superstar.
10. Shaun Wade – CB (Ohio State)
Shaun Wade could’ve come out this year and been a first-round pick. He’s going back to school, and he’ll just develop his game even further. Just like Okudah last year, Wade has a case to be the best cornerback in his class.
11. Walker Little – OT (Stanford)
There’s a pretty big second tier of offensive tackles, and Walker Little is the best of the bunch. His stock has dropped slightly over the past year, but he’s still a very good offensive tackle who could protect a QB for a long time.
12. Samuel Cosmi – OT (Texas)
It’s another offensive tackle, and it’s another good one. Cosmi and Little are incredibly close in terms of talent. Don’t be surprised if Cosmi jumps into the top 10 after some time; he’s just that good.
13. Marvin Wilson – DT (Florida State)
I’m lower on Marvin Wilson than a lot of people are, but I still think he’ll be a stud. He’s an incredibly good defensive tackle, and he could become one of the top 5 players in this draft class.
14. Rondale Moore – WR (Purdue)
This is probably the highest that you’re going to see Rondale Moore, but I think he deserves it. He’s a top 3 receiver in this draft class, and any team that gets him is going to get an instant contributor.
15. Jaylen Waddle – WR (Alabama)
Alabama is constantly churning out first-round receivers, and this year is no different. Jaylen Waddle is the best Alabama receiver in this draft, and he’s one of those receivers that will help any QB, young or old.
16. Quincy Roche – EDGE (Miami)
With Greg Rousseau opting out of the college football season, Roche has a chance to shoot up draft boards. If the season ends up being played, Roche could end up in the top 15 or top 10. He could even be the best Miami edge rusher.
17. Alex Leatherwood – OT (Alabama)
This is where the second tier ends, in my opinion. Alabama always has good offensive tackles, and Leatherwood is the next in line. He’ll be a brick wall for whoever tries to get to his quarterback.
18. Jamie Newman – QB (Georgia)
There is a clear top two at QB, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any other good QBs. Newman is an incredibly athletic QB, and he has incredible upside. If a team could tap into that, Newman could be the best QB in this class.
19. Chuba Hubbard – HB (Oklahoma State)
Hubbard probably will not go in the first round, but that has nothing to do with his talent. He’s one of the best RBs in college right now, and the team that drafts him will be getting an absolute steal.
20. Pat Friermuth – TE (Penn State)
After the 2020 class had no real first-round talent at tight end, the 2021 class has some good ones. It starts with Friermuth, who could easily become a force in the NFL and a pain for opposing defenses.
