Top 45 Players in the 2021 NFL Draft by Mike Detillier (1-10)
Mike D’s Top Rated 45 Players for the 2021 NFL Draft….
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.
Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) attempts a pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
1. Trevor Lawrence - Quarterback, Clemson
Trevor is the top player in the 2021 draft. Lawrence has all the physical and mental skills you are looking for, and he’s accurate, smart with the ball, mobile, and a leader.
Apr 20, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Penei Sewell (58) blocks a defender during the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium. Mighty Oregon beat Fighting Ducks 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
2. Penei Sewell - Offensive Tackle, Oregon
Sewell is a huge man that will be an anchor left tackle for 12 years in the NFL. Penei is a massive man with quick feet and set-up skills. Penei is also a big-time road grader as a run blocker.
Oct 24, 2020; Provo, UT, USA; BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (1) looks down field in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Texas State Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Provo, Utah. Mandatory Credit: Rick Bowmer/Pool Photo-USA TODAY NETWORK
3. Zach Wilson - Quarterback, Brigham Young
Wilson can flat-out sling it. Wilson is smart, and he throws well on the run. He’s very accurate with his throws and has 1st rate judgment skills with the ball. Zach’s ability to extend a play with his feet is also impressive.
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (1) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
4. Justin Fields - Quarterback, Ohio State
Fields ran a little hot and cold as a passer in 2020 for the Buckeyes, but he’s got a rifle for an arm, Justin has a quick release, he can put the ball in tight spots, and is double-tough as a player and leader. Justin is also a big-time threat as a runner. It will be quite a battle for the second quarterback selected.
Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
5. Ja’Marr Chase - Wide Receiver, LSU
Smart, great set-up route runner, and Ja’Marr is so dangerous on the deep patterns. He has outstanding eye-hand coordination, and he is one elusive guy with the ball in his hands.
Chase caught 84 passes in 2019, and 20 of them went for TD’s.
6. Kyle Pitts - Tight End, Florida
Pitts is the best pass-catching college TE. I have graded since Tony Gonzalez came out of California. Kyle has excellent size, a huge wingspan can make the difficult catch look easy, and his speed is tremendous for a big man. The man is scary good.
7. DeVonta Smith - Wide Receiver, Alabama
DeVonta reminds me so much of Reggie Wayne (Indy Colts) when he came out of Miami (Fla.). He’s not the biggest or the bulkiest end, but he is a gamechanger with phenomenal eye-hand skills, times his leaps perfectly to make the grab, and he is a major league threat runner after the catch. Smith was literally unstoppable in 2020.
8. Trey Lance - Quarterback, North Dakota State
There will be great debate about Lance. He is physically what you are looking for in a quarterback with his size, strong arm, ability to take a hard shot in the pocket, and such a dangerous player as a runner. He will need some work on processing different defensive looks faster and some sharpening of his timing skills, but he is a special talent at QB.
9. Rashawn Slater - Offensive Tackle, Northwestern
Slater is the most technically strong offensive lineman in the draft class of 2021. He is not the lengthiest or the widest of the left tackle prospects, but he has super quick set-up skills, he gets his hands on you in a heartbeat, and he is a very physical player as a run blocker.
10. Micah Parsons - Outside Linebacker, Penn State
Micah is quite the athlete. He has 1st rate run/chase down skills, and his east-west running skills are extremely good. He is a bit overaggressive at times, and he will need some work on his pass coverage techniques, but in many ways, he reminds me a lot of Devin White (T.Bay Bucs) when he came out of LSU. He has some big-time potential as an edge pass rusher.
