This new section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2021 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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2021 NFL Draft Stock Up
QBs: Zach Wilson, BYU;
Justin Fields, Ohio State;
Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Forecasting the 2021 NFL Draft was shaken up last week when the Dolphins made big trades with the 49ers and the Eagles. For the No. 3 pick, Miami received from San Francisco the No. 12 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, a first-round choice and a third-round choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, and a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Dolphins then turned around and moved picks No. 12 and No. 123 in the 2021 NFL Draft and a first-rounder in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Eagles for Nos. 6 and 156 in the 2021 NFL Draft.
San Francisco moving into No. 3 suggests they are hunting for a quarterback, and virtually locks in Zach Wilson, the consensus second-rated quarterback, as a top-three selection. It is likely Wilson will go second overall to the Jets after the lawsuits that essentially rule out a trade for Deshaun Watson. Given that the Jets are likely to take Wilson, Trey Lance or Justin Fields will go third-overall because the 49ers would not mortgage their future for a non-quarterback prospect.
There also is a lot of speculation that the Falcons could trade down from the fourth-overall pick if they don’t want a quarterback. That creates the possibility that the first four selections of the 2021 NFL Draft will be quarterbacks. Even if signal-callers onlky occupy the top-three picks, the fourth quarterback will be more coveted by the teams that still need a long-term starter. Thus, Wilson, Fields and Lance really profited from the trades last Friday – especially with the lawsuits that have all but negated the possibility of a Deshaun Watson trade.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC Vera-Tucker had an impressive pro day that illustrated his excellent combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Due to his easy-moving agility, team sources think he can handle left tackle in the NFL, plus he has the versatility to be a superb guard. With his two-position flexibility, Vera-Tucker is viewed as one of the safest prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Some team sources think Vera-Tucker is among the best players in the 2021 NFL Draft and worthy of a top-10 choice.
Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina Brown (6-0, 195) is a deep-threat receiver who produced some huge plays for the Tar Heels over the past two seasons. In back-to-back years, he averaged a stellar 20 yards per reception, showing the speed to challenge defenses vertically. He is a threat to score on any reception, as evidenced by his total of 20 touchdowns over the past two years. Brown is more of a build-up speed receiver though and has had issues with drops. Those things make him more of a second-day prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas Darden could be a third-day steal in the 2021 NFL Draft because he is a fast, shifty receiver with a nose for the end zone. Darden put together excellent production as a senior, catching 74 passes for 1,190 yards and 19 touchdowns. He could be a Cole Beasley-type slot receiver for the NFL. If Darden weren’t so undersized, he would be a second-day pick given his ability to get open and move the chains.
2021 NFL Draft Stock Down
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama Team sources shared that Barmore did not look good at Alabama’s pro day. He has been working out with Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp, but he has not shown improvement despite the instruction of one of the best interior pass-rushers in NFL history. Some team sources are down on Barmore’s work ethic and maturity, although others are okay with his makeup. He needs to interview well with teams in the final weeks before the 2021 NFL Draft to help himself. Otherwise, he is in danger of slipping out of the first round.
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