2021 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Offense | 2021 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Defense
2021 NFL Draft Day-Three Sleepers
Published April 27, 2021.
By Charlie Campbell – @draftcampbell
In the recent weeks, there have been a lot of questions about which players to avoid in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Every draft has some players who are selected highly only to becoming massive disappointments in the NFL. Here, we breakdown some potential busts in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama Many in the media are projecting Jones to go third-overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, but there are teams that have him graded on Day 2 and even in the mid-rounds. Jones is an accurate passer who is intelligent, anticipates, and has a strong enough arm. He lacks elite arm strength, however, and is not a running threat. The 6-foot-2, 217-pounder is an undersized, 1-year wonder who played with amazing talent around him at wide receiver, running back and on the offensive line. I think Jones’ skill set is that of an NFL backup quarterback, and given that he could be a first-round pick, he will be thrust into a starting role. Thus, I think Jones has the most bust potential of the early-round quarterbacks for the 2021 NFL Draft
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State Picking a running back for this was a tough choice, and no player is really jumping out at me. I chose Hubbard because he does not have special speed and is not a bruiser. Hubbard also is a liability in pass protection and looked disinterested at times in 2020. Hubbard could end up as a second-day selection with the expectations to develop into a starter, but I think he may end up topping out as backup journeyman in the NFL.
Hunter Long, TE, Boston College Long has a shot at being a second-round pick, and I think that could be a reach. Long had issues separating from coverage in college, and the NFL will only compound that. He is not fast and lacks the speed to run by defensive backs or outside linebacker. Long has room for improvement in blocking for the NFL, but the skill set is there to develop into a good blocker in time. I could see Long being limited to being a No. 2 or 3 tight end and end up being a disappointment as a second-day pick who is expected to become a starter.
Trey Hill, C, Georgia This was another tough choice, but Hill stands out as a prospect with some danger. He was very good in 2019 and looked like a future early-rounder, but but in 2020, Hill’s technique went down the toilet. A lot of Hill’s decline stemmed from him getting overweight. If Hill can’t improve his work ethic, weight management, and technique, he could be a bust in the NFL.
James Hudson, Cincinnati This is a strong class of offensive tackles, and there could be a big run at the position in the first few rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. Hudson (6-4, 305) could be part of that group, but he could end up overdrafted because he is the rawest of the bunch, having only played one year at Cincinnati, which works out to less than one full season of playing time over his college football career.
There are a lot of points of development for Hudson given his lack of experience. He also has short arms, and his size might fit better at guard. Hudson had personal issues at Michigan that led to his transfer to Cincinnati as well, so of the early-round prospects Hudson could have the hardest time transitioning to the NFL. If he does not land with the right team, which would be one that can develop him and utilize a patient approach, it would not surprise me if Hudson ends up being a disappoint given where he will probably go in the 2021 NFL Draft.
2021 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Offense | 2021 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Defense
2021 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Offense | 2021 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Defense
2021 NFL Draft Day-Three Sleepers
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