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
Khalil Herbert, RB, Virginia Tech Herbert did not do much in 2016-2019, but he broke out in 2020 to average 7.7 yards per carry and total 1,182 yards and eight touchdowns. Herbert ran well for the Hokies and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Throughout his time with Virginia Tech, Herbert did not contribute much in the passing game, so showing some ability there in Mobile would help him to continue to rise.
Osa Odighizuwa, DT, UCLA Odighizuwa played well for the Bruins in their shortened 2020 season, recording 30 tackles and four sacks. In 2019, he totaled 46 tackles with 3.5 sacks in 2019. The 6-foot-2, 279-pounder has a tweener body type that will need development for the NFL and could be a designated pass rusher at defensive tackle. If Odighizuwa can gain weight over the next year or two, he might develop into a starter. In that role, his best fit would come as three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense.
Jordan Smith, OLB, UAB Smith was a tough edge rusher for UAB the past two seasons and had a nice 2019 season with 10 sacks and four forced fumbles. In the shortened 2020 season, Smith notched 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks and an interception. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound Smith has good length on the edge and could be a riser if he has a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
Hunter Long, TE, Boston College Long put together a good 2020 season, showing good pass-catching ability for the next level with 57 receptions for 785 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 253-pounder has good size and some athleticism, and he could turn into a quality backup who is a solid No. 2 or 3 tight end. Long’s big 2020 season as a receiver landed him an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Kylen Granson, TE, SMU Granson was a nice receiving tight end for SMU as a senior and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. In 2020, he made 35 receptions for 536 yards and five touchdowns. He recorded 43 catches for 731 yards and nine scores in 2019. Granson is an undersized receiving tight end for the next level, and it would help him to show well as a blocker in Mobile.
2020 NFL Draft Stock Down
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina Team sources like the tape Horn produced over 2020 and 2019. The talented corner impressed teams with his coverage skills, but they have speed concerns for him in the NFL and believe that he will run the 40 in the 4.55-second range, which is a slow time for a pro cornerback. Horn has received some second-round grades due to the speed concerns, as some teams feel he will need to be protected from certain matchups in the NFL.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State In hindsight, Hubbard probably would have been better off declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry in 2019 for 2,094 yards with 21 touchdowns while catching 23 passes for 198 yards. In 2020 though, he did not run as hard, dealt with some injuries, and showed poorly as a pass blocker. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry for 625 yards and five touchdowns. Prior to the start of the 2020 season, Hubbard called out his head coach on social media and started internal turmoil for the program. Hubbard entered 2020 as a potential second-round pick, but now looks like a mid-rounder who could slip to Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas As we reported last week in the Hot Press, Ossai has received grades on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft thanks to some limitations sources believe he has for the NFL. Some in the media have projected Ossai to be a first-rounder, but teams don’t see him that high.
“[Ossai is] undersized and lacks instincts,” said one area scout. “A lot of the big-play production came in one game.”
Team sources feel Ossai, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, is not a good fit in a 4-3 defense given his size. They feel he is a better fit for a 3-4 defense, which could limit his options in the early rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.
“[Ossai] improved throughout the season,” said a director of college scouting. “First round is too rich for my taste though.”
Perhaps there are teams that grade Ossai in the first round, and that could be more of a possibility with teams that run 3-4 schemes, but the team sources WalterFootball.com spoke with all had Ossai graded on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft.
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