This new section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2021 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
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2021 NFL Draft Stock Up
Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson Carman is really on the rise with teams as they conduct draft meetings that are typically in preparation for the combine. Sources from multiple teams say Carman has a shot at sneaking into the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They love how the 6-foot-5, 340-pounder is an easy mover with rare movement skills for a blocker of his size. Some teams have character and makeup concerns with Carman, plus they acknowledge he has technical aspects he needs to clean up.
Thus, Carman is is on the bubble between the first and second rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. Sources believe, however, he could rise in as the 2021 NFL Draft nears because has a first-round skill set and could intrigue playoff teams that want a player with first-round talent in a portion of Round 1 where second-round talents start going off the board. If Carman interviews well, he could really skyrocket in the final weeks.
Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma Perkins is a rising sleeper for the 2021 NFL Draft because he showed some consistency for getting after the quarterback over his career and NFL teams really want players who can get after the passer. Perkins recorded 20 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2020 after recording six sacks and five sacks for the previous two seasons. The 6-foot-3, 247-pounder would be an early-round prospect if he had more size to him, but he is a quick quarterback hunter who could contribute quickly as a designated pass rusher in obvious passing situations. Some sources think Perkins could sneak into the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft and will go early on Day 3, if he lasts that long.
Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina Some team sources are high on Williams and think he could be the top running back prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft. In 2020, Williams was a load who demonstrated the power and strength to be a bell-cow back who carries an NFL rushing offense. Sources feel Williams has the potential to take on a big work load and be a three-down starter in the NFL thanks to his size and build. Some team sources even believe it is possible that Williams could end up being drafted before more high-profile running back prospects like Clemson’s Travis Etienne or Alabama’s Najee Harris.
Aaron Banks, G, Notre Dame Team sources feel Banks is a safe second-round pick who should turn into a good starting guard in the NFL. The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder is strong at the point of attack who has the ability to get a push in the ground game and was a reliable pass protector for Ian Book over the past few seasons. Even though Banks is a consensus second-rounder, some teams picking late in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft could give him consideration as a plug-and-play starter at right guard
2021 NFL Draft Stock Down
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson Etienne had an excellent career at Clemson, and during his senior year, he showed improved strength, toughness, and receiving ability. Etienne is simply not the biggest of backs, however, and had fumbling issues during his time in college. As a result, some teams prefer other backs like Alabama’s Najee Harris or North Carolina’s Javonte Williams. Etienne could slide to the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas Multiple team sources say they have Cosmi graded in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They feel he was stronger in 2020 and there were plays where he finished guys off, but he still lacks the physicality and power of a sure-fire top-20 offensive tackle. Those team sources do feel Cosmi could go in the No. 20-32 range of the first round because players with second-round grades get drafted in that range and Cosmi has starting left tackle potential. Due to haveing second-round grades from multiple teams, however, Cosmi could slide to Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh A variety of team sources shared with WalterFootball.com that they love the tape on Ford and feel he is a physical ball-hawking safety with good instincts. Teams are all over the map on Ford’s draft grade, however, because of character concerns. Team sources say Ford could go as high as early in the second round, or slide into the third day of the 2021 NFL Draft because of the makeup issues. It will be very important for Ford to interview well in the leadup to the draft to help assuage those concerns.
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