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
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson Etienne probably would have been able to boost his draft stock if the league had held the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine, as his explosive speed and receiving ability would have looked impressive in that forum. While he was denied that opportunity because the NFL has a fear of lawyers and liability lawsuits, Etienne made up for it with an excellent pro day, during which he ran a fast 40-yard dash and looked good in the field drills. Etienne has cemented his status as a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford Mills is another prospect who created some media buzz with his pro-day performance. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder showed off a quality arm and some athleticism to go with his size.
Mills missed the start of the Pac-12’s season due to a COVID-19 positive test, and after he returned to the field, he completed over 66 percent of his passes for 1,508 yards, seven scores and three picks. He also notched 37 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Mills probably should have gone back to school, but his strong workout could push him into mid-round consideration in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky Some teams like Davis more than Penn State’s Micah Parsons, the consensus top linebacker for the 2021 NFL Draft, and Davis is a rising prospect around the league. A number of team sources think Davis has a chance to go late in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He only put together one big season at Kentucky, but he showed pass-coverage skills to go along with size and strength to defend the run. His rise could continue in the leadup to the 2021 NFL Draft if he interviews well with teams.
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU Cox is another linebacker who is rising with NFL teams. While they don’t like Cox’s lack of physicality and inability to take on blocks, he is receiving rave reviews for what he does in pass coverage. His tremendous career total of 23 passes broken up is no fluke, as he possesses phenomenal ball skills to break up passes and is a threat to pick them off. Cox looks safe to be a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and become a future starter in the NFL.
Jhamon Ausbon, WR, Texas A&M Ausbon has gone under the radar because he sat out the 2020 season, but scouts have not forgotten about him. While Quartney Davis and Kendrick Rogers disappointed for the Aggies in 2019, Ausbon stepped up and was a solid receiver for Kellen Mond, recording 66 receptions for 872 yards and five touchdowns. Ausbon then decided to sit out the 2020 season.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is put together well, showing some natural receiving ability and is dangerous after the catch. For a well-built receiver, he has more quickness than one would expect and plays with some juice, but those things probably won’t translate into good 40 times. Even though Ausbon is expected to have a slower 40, he stands a good chance to go on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State Some of the NFL.com draft analysts have Jenkins going late in the first round of their mock drafts, which is a real possibility. Some teams have Jenkins graded on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft, but some second-round graded players will be taken late in the first round. Teams see Jenkins as a future right tackle and also think he could be a really good guard. Jenkins is a well-balanced blocker who is strong, big and athletic. He could be a safe pick to develop into a solid starter. Hence, Jenkins has a shot at going on the opening night of the 2021 NFL Draft.
2021 NFL Draft Stock Down
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU Free agency moves can hurt some prospects, and Chase’s hopes of going early in the first round took a hit due to some of the veteran wide receiver signings. The Jets have invested big money in Corey Davis and the Dolphins have picked up Will Fuller to be their No. 2 receiver with DeVante Parker, sp the odds of Chase going as a top-three pick have grown more remote. While it isn’t impossible that Chase goes to one of those teams, it is more likely he will go off the board somewhere around fifth to seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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