So the 2020 NFL Draft is in the history books. Anybody ready for 2021? Next year’s draft class should be headlined by Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, who some scouts consider to be the most promising QB prospect since John Elway in 1983. But there are plenty of other potential NFL stars in the 2021 class. Here’s a quick look at five names to watch as the 2020 season unfolds (if it does unfold). You can bet NFL teams are already salivating over the thought of landing these prospects:
JAYLEN WADDLE, WR, ALABAMA. The 5-10, 180-lb. speedster is in line to follow his former Crimson Tide teammates Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy as Round 1 picks. In 2019, despite not being a primary target, the former SEC “Freshman of the Year” snared 33 passes for 560 yards and 7 TDs. He is also a dangerous return man.
GREGORY ROUSSEAU, DE, MIAMI. True, QB Joe Burrow had a magical season at LSU in 2019, but Rousseau’s breakout year was just as impressive. As a redshirt freshman, the 6-7, 253-lb. defensive end recorded 15.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last season for the Hurricanes. The Sporting News already lists Rousseau as their top defensive prospect on their 2021 draft board.
JUSTIN FIELDS, QB, OHIO STATE. After transferring from Georgia, where he couldn’t beat out Jake Fromm, Fields blossomed last season in Columbus. The 6-3, 215-lb. junior-to-be threw for 3,273 yards and 41 passing TDs, and added 484 rushing yards and another 10 TDs. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting. The best thing about Fields? He’s still developing and has yet to reach his full potential.great
PENEI SEWELL, OT, OREGON. Sewell, at 6-6 and 325 lbs, seems big enough to block the sun, let alone pesky pass rushers. As a sophomore last season, he warn the Outland Trophy Award, which is given annually to college football’s best offensive lineman. And here’s a fun fact for Hawaii fans: Sewell is a nephew of former Rainbow Warrior great Isaac Sopoaga, who played 11 NFL seasons, nine for the San Francisco 49ers.
TREVOR LAWRENCE, QB, CLEMSON. He’s a former five-star recruit, national “Freshman of the Year” and 2019 national championship game MVP. No doubt, so far Lawrence has lived up to the billing as the most promising QB prospect since John Elway. In his two seasons at Clemson, Lawrence has passed for 6,711 yards and 66 TDs (and just 23 interceptions). So who’s going to “Tank for Trevor”?
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