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
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida During preseason study, some team sources said they came away impressed with Trask. They like his height, thick build, strong arm, and accuracy. Many feel that Trask could be a riser during the process for the 2021 NFL Draft, as he has excellent intangibles that will impress general managers and coaches later on during the interview process. Sources feel that Trask needs to improve getting the ball out faster and playing with more confidence, but those could be resolved now that he has a year of starting experience to build off of. It would not be surprising to some team staffers if Trask becomes a hot quarterback prospect this year.
Jhamon Ausbon, WR, Texas A&M While Quartney Davis and Kendrick Rogers disappointed for the Aggies in 2019, Ausbon stepped up and was a solid receiver for Kellen Mond. Ausbon could take on a bigger role as a senior with both Davis and Rogers trying to start NFL careers. Ausbon is put together well, and he has more quickness than one would expect. Some team sources said they gave him grades on the second day if he had entered the 2020 NFL Draft, and they feel he has the potential to rise this fall if he and Kellen Mond produce a big 2020 season together.
T.J. Vasher, WR, Texas Tech In preseason study, Vasher really jumped out as being a receiver who has a ton of upside and could be a special player. The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder is fast for a big receiver, possessing mismatch size that always keeps him open. Vasher’s style of play is similar to A.J. Green’s, but playing in the Big XII and in a point-machine offense could be held against Vasher. If he has a big season, he could be a riser as he has a great skill let with a ton of upside.
2021 NFL Draft Stock Down
Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia During the fall of 2019, there was a buzz about Newman with scouts, as he was having an impressive season for Wake Forest. Newman was not great to close out the year, however, although he showed a good skill with upside in 2019. The dual-threat quarterback has a strong arm and a lot of talent for coaches to tap into.
Newman was wise to go back to school and transfer to Georgia to augment his development for the NFL, but he then decided to skip the 2020 season. Newman had a shot at being a riser, but losing the year of improving his pocket passing, accuracy, reading defenses, and playing against better competition in a pro-style offense is a missed opportunity. Team sources said they had Newman graded on Day 2 last year, and now he could have a harder time improving on that after deciding not to play.
Kenny Gainwell, RB, Memphis Tragically, four members of Gainwell’s family passed away from COVID-19. Thus, it was understandable that Gainwell decided to reduce the risk and not play in 2020.
Gainwell is a smaller, fast back who also has dynamic receiving ability to go along with game-breaking speed. However due to being undersized, it would have helped Gainwell to have another season of football to show he is durable for the NFL. As it stands, Gainwell will enter the 2021 NFL Draft being a 1-year wonder. That could increase his chances to be a second-day pick rather than an opening night selection.
Rondall Moore, WR, Purdue Moore is another prospect who opted out of playing, but that decision was made borderline irrelevant when the Big Ten canceled/delayed its season. Moore had an electric freshman season, but was injured in 2019. Thus, he won’t have a year to prove that he has durability for the next level and will enter the 2021 NFL Draft as an undersized receiver who a 1-year wonder.
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