Top 45 Players in the 2021 NFL Draft by Mike Detillier (11-45)
Mike D’s Top Rated 45 Players for the 2021 NFL Draft…. (11-45)
We are entering the final evaluation stages for the 2021 NFL draft, and as of now, here are Mike Detillier's top-rated 45 players. However, this is not necessarily how I believe they will be selected in April, but more where they are rated.
11. Caleb Farley-Cornerback, Virginia Tech
Huge cover cornerback at (6’2”) and Farley has excellent ball reaction skills. Physical player with outstanding length and Caleb has bettered his ability to time his play for the ball in flight. His physical nature and size will be a huge plus for him in the NFL.
12. Jaylen Waddle-Wide Receiver, Alabama
Had Jaylen not had the ankle injury in 2020, he may well have an even higher rating. Waddle is a big play artist every time he touches the ball. Waddle has tremendous openfield speed and quickness and he has really bettered his route running skills. The speedy Waddle averaged 21.1 yards per catch in 2020.
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
13. Patrick Surtain II-Cornerback, Alabama
Patrick has some strong cornerback genetics flowing through him (his dad Patrick Surtain was an outstanding NFL starting cornerback). Surtain has the size (6-2, 208), athleticism, range and length you covet in a cornerback in today’s world. Patrick is a physical player at the line of scrimmage with WR’s and he finds the football quickly in flight.
14. Kwity Paye-Defensive End, Michigan
Paye reminds me a lot of another Michigan product in Kansas City Chiefs DE. Frank Clark. Kwity is quick off the snap, he can get around the edge in a snap and he is also a good run defender. I really like his leverage skills and his ability to get around much bigger blockers in a fast manner.
15. Alijah Vera-Tucker-Offensive Tackle/Guard, USC
Alijah could project to either left tackle or left guard in the pros. In many ways Vera-Tucker reminds me a lot of Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs when he came out of Iowa due to his technical skills as a pass protector and his quick set up skills. Vera-Tucker physically needs to get stronger, but he has gotten to be a much more physical player as a run blocker.
16. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah-Outside Linebacker, Notre Dame
Every time I watch Jeremiah play I think of Lavonte David (T.Bay Bucs) when he was at Nebraska. Owusu-Koramoah is not a real big LB. at (6-2, 222), but he is super quick to read and react to what is breaking down in front of him and he has 1st rate East-West running skills. He is also a very good cover-LB..
17. Gregory Rousseau-Defensive End, Miami (FLA)
Rousseau is on the All-Potential Team. Only played 2 games as a true freshman in 2018 before an ankle injury shelved him for the season, but in 2019 he was a real force coming off the edge with 15 ½ QB. sacks. Gregory decided to opt out of the 2020 season. He has rare size (6-7, 265), quickness off the edge and closing speed to the QB.. He still technically needs some work with his hand usage and techniques, but he is a world class athlete with a huge upside.
18. Azeez Ojulari-Defensive End, Georgia
Azeez is not a huge guy for the defensive end slot at (6-2, 245), but he is a skilled pass rusher who has tremendous closing speed to the quarterback. Ojulari is a technically strong edge player with excellent hand-usage to work around much bigger blockers. Ojulari can really run the field well.
19. Najee Harris-Halfback, Alabama
Najee was quite a force for the Tide in 2020. Big man back with speed, he has power/athletic skills that will dazzle you and he’s a 1st rate receiver coming out of the backfield. Once he turns the corner and squares up those shoulders DB’s have quite a challenge on their hands. Harris is also a tremendous redzone/short yardage rusher.
Nov 10, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Jaycee Horn (7) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
20. Jaycee Horn-Cornerback, South Carolina
Jaycee is the son of former Saints WR. Joe Horn. Jaycee is a tall, lengthy, very physical cornerback with the ability to track the ball quickly in flight. Very aggressive cornerback with WR’s downfield. But he must watch not to get too grabby in the pros.
21. Christian Darrisaw-Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech
Massive tackle prospect who excels as a run blocker and he has really upgraded his pass blocking skills and techniques. For a big man Darrisaw can slide and adjust very well to movement upfront as a pass blocker. When you need a back to get a yard or two you run right behind Darrisaw.
22. Tyson Campbell-Cornerback, Georgia
Tyson is one of the best athletes in the draft class of 2021. He has tremendous foot speed and leaping ability, and he has great size/length for a cornerback. Campbell needs some technical upgrades as a cover-CB., but he will be someone people will be talking about quickly moving up the draft charts due to his outstanding physical ability and upside as a cover-CB..
23. Kadarius Toney-Wide Receiver, Florida
Toney is a former QB. who is a big-play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball as a runner, receiver and punt/kickoff return man. His run after catch skills and elusive nature are off the charts. Kadarius caught 70 passes in 2020 and 10 of them went for TD’s.
24. Teven Jenkins-Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State
Mammoth tackle (6-6, 325 pounds) who could project to either right or left tackle in the pros. Teven just engulfs defenders at the point of attack as a run blocker and he has really improved his body balance skills and hand placement ability as a pass protector.
25. Zaven Collins-Outside Linebacker, Tulsa
Zaven played quarterback, safety and linebacker in high school, but over the last two seasons he has developed into a big play athlete at outside linebacker for Tulsa. Collins has excellent run/chase down skills, he drops back smoothly into his pass coverage areas (4 pass interceptions and 2 pass deflections in 2020) and he is effective coming off the edge as a pass rusher.
Jan 27, 2021; American quarterback Mac Jones of Alabama (10) signals during American practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, USA; Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
26. Mac Jones-Quarterback, Alabama
Mac doesn’t overwhelm you with his size, strong arm and mobility/running skills, but he’s super smart, accurate with his throws, his anticipation skills are 1st rate and he processes what is breaking down in front of him quickly. In 402 throws in 2020 he completed 77.4% of his throws, 41 TD’s and only 4 pass interceptions. He’s a winner and a great leader.
27. Nick Bolton-Inside/Outside Linebacker, Missouri
Nick is one tough dude at the linebacker spot. He has fast flow ability and delivers a devastating blow to opponents with his hits. Bolton is smart to get around bigger blockers, he rarely takes a false set up the field and he has improved his coverage skills.
28. Christian Barmore-Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Highly recruited prep defensive lineman who flashed potential earlier in his career, but down the stretch the 6-4 ¾, 315 pounder was quite a force for Alabama. Barmore does a good job pushing the inside pocket and he also does a fine job clogging up the inside running lanes. When the fire is lit “hot” under him Barmore is a real force inside.
29. Jaelan Phillips-Defensive End, Miami (Fla.)
The former UCLA transfer made quite a splash for the Hurricanes in 2020. There are some medicals to check out closely in dealing with some past concussion issues, but if all cleared this talented pass rusher will go early. Last season the 6-5, 260 pounder recorded 8 QB. sacks and 16 ½ tackles for losses. His speed and quickness off the edge are very impressive.
30. Jayson Oweh-Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Penn State
Oweh really made great strides as a football player in 2020. He can run the field very well, he has 1st rate size/size potential and he has upgraded his pass rush skills and overall techniques. He still is more “potential” than super productive, but supply and demand says a team will pick this talented big man athlete early.
31. Creed Humphrey-Offensive Center, Oklahoma
Creed has excellent size for the center spot (6-4, 320 pounds), he is quick on his feet and has excellent leverage skills. Creed has started the past 3 seasons for OU and never given up a quarterback sack. I want Humphrey to protect my multi-million quarterback and he is also a very strong inline run blocker.
32. Terrace Marshall Jr.-Wide Receiver, LSU
Terrace is a big target wide receiver with size, excellent openfield speed and he has upgraded his route running skills. Marshall is not afraid to go over the middle for the tough catch and while he has fought off injuries during his Tiger career he has developed into a big-time performer. Marshall caught 48 passes, averaged 15.2 yards per catch and 10 TD’s in 2020 before opting out.
33. Wyatt Davis- Offensive Guard, Ohio State
Wyatt is the son of actor Duane Davis and his grandfather is NFL Hall of Fame DE. Willie Davis (Green Bay Packers). Power packed offensive guard who gets a strong push with his drive blocks and he finishes off his opponent. Davis has also become a very good inline pass protector. NFL teams will want to check out his leg injury that occurred vs. Alabama in the National Championship game.
34. Jalen Mayfield-Offensive Tackle, Michigan
Jalen could project to either tackle or guard in the pros. Mayfield has excellent size, he comes off the ball quickly and he is a physical player at the point of attack. Mayfield sets up quickly and he has upgraded his pass blocking skills and overall techniques.
35. Rashod Bateman-Wide Receiver, Minnesota
Like Marshall, Bateman is a big man receiver who is a good route runner, he has outstanding eye-hand coordination and he knows how to set up a defensive back to gain separation downfield. He also can stretch the deep part of the defense with his foot speed. In 2019 Rashod caught 60 passes and averaged 20.3 yards per catch.
36. Alex Leatherwood- Offensive Tackle/Guard, Alabama
Leatherwood is a massive offensive lineman who could project to right tackle, left tackle or guard in the pros. Alex is a real roadgrader as a run blocker and he gets excellent movement with his drive blocks. His set-up skills and hand-usage as a pass protector have improved each season for the Tide.
37. Aaron Robinson-Cornerback, Central Florida
Aaron was a highly recruited prep cornerback who started his college career at Alabama. The long, lengthy cornerback transferred to UCF and Robinson developed into one of the top cover CB’s in college football. Robinson has started at edge cornerback and in the nickel spot in college. Likes to play “tight” man coverage and he has excellent recovery speed.
38. Landon Dickerson-Offensive Center/Guard, Alabama
Landon started out his college career at Florida State before being a grad transfer to Alabama. The rugged interior player has started at both center and guard. Great leader. Technically strong offensive lineman who is physical, comes off the ball quickly and he does an excellent job catching the inside blitz packages. Dickerson suffered a knee injury that must be looked at closely in the off-season.
39. Sage Surratt- Wide Receiver, Wake Forest
Sage is a former prep basketball standout with excellent size (6-3, 215) and he is sneaky fast out on the field. Surratt has 1st rate eye-hand coordination and he does an excellent job setting up a defender and gaining extra separation downfield. Caught 66 passes for 1,001 yards, averaged 15.2 yards per catch and scored 11 TD’s in 2019. Sage has a way of using his big body like a basketball forward to make the tough catch in traffic.
40. James Hudson-Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati
James is still a work in progress, but he is a massive left tackle prospect (6-5, 320 pounds), but he has very good foot movement skills and agility. He adjusts well to movement upfront and he is a very competent pass blocker. When Hudson gets his hands on you as a run blocker you aren’t making the play against him. James needs to upgrade his overall techniques as both a run blocker and pass protector.
41. Pat Freiermuth- Tight End, Penn State
Pat is a huge target tight end (6-5, 255 pounds) who is a skilled receiver downfield and a very effective short-yardage/red-zone threat. Freiermuth runs hard with the ball after the catch. Has improved as a run blocker, but he is more of an angle guy than a physical player.
42. Travis Etienne- Halfback, Clemson
Etienne is a speedy back with outstanding field vision and he is powerful in the lower-body. Travis is a heavy-duty runner who has really upgraded his pass catching skills. Travis has a nose for the goalline and you will not take him down with an arm tackle.
43. Trevon Moehrig- Safety, TCU
Trevon is a super instinctive football player with great range and he tracks the football quickly in flight. Moehrig is also a force in run support and he comes up the seam quickly to make the sure tackle versus the run. Trevon is a leader and excellent communicator in the secondary.
44. Samuel Cosmi- Offensive Tackle, Texas
Samuel is a skilled pass protector who could project to either right or left tackle. He sets up quickly and when he uses good techniques he will ride you way to the outside. Cosmi has had some inconsistent moments from a technical standpoint, but when he is good-he’s really good.
45. Joe Tryon- Outside Linebacker/Defensive End, Washington
Tryon opted out of the 2020 season, but Joe was quite a force off the edge in 2019. NFL teams will like his “hot” motor and his ability to use his hands well to get pressure off the edge. He recorded 8 QB. sacks in 2019. He has size and size potential to go along with his 1st rate pass rush skills.
