With the NFL Draft just about a month away now prospects are starting to finalize their positions on teams’ draft boards. People everywhere are finishing their boards and making top prospect lists. Many of these lists are released every year, by every platform known to mankind, often times met with much debate. As pro days are full swing and Zach Wilson’s pro day in the books with just one top quarterback left to throw, it is time to release the top 10 draft prospects in this years draft.
1. Trevor Lawrence – QB, Clemson
Trevor Lawrence is the surefire no. 1 prospect in this years draft. He has withstood the mulling period where analysts have nitpicked and overthought the flaws. With Trevor’s biggest competitor Zach Wilson’s pro day concluding today, Trevor remains at no. 1. One National Championship and three straight playoff years, regardless of the state of the ACC, is impressive. Standing as one of the larger quarterbacks in the class, his body should be able to withstand the lack of an offensive line that teams with a top pick usually have. The Jaguars are getting an franchise guy as their center piece at no. 1 this year.
2. Penei Sewell – OT, Oregon
Penei Sewell.
That is all that is needed to be said.
Much like Lawrence, he has been nitpicked as a perceived top pick over the greater part of two years. After opting out of the 2020 season as a junior at Oregon it was all but certain Sewell would be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft. Sewell has ideal size and athleticism for a LT and unless a team has a Trent Williams on the roster, any team could use Sewell. The Oregon product in his 22 career starts gave up zero sacks, and at 20 years old has much more upside to give.
He is an exciting prospect and will be a day one starter, and Sewell will be able to show case his talents and athletic ability on April 2nd at Oregon’s pro day.
3. Zach Wilson – QB, Birmingham Young
Zach Wilson has lit the world on fire since September. After his more than 70 percent completion rate in 2020, Wilson skyrocketed up draft boards, many of which has him potentially going no. 1. His on the move and creation capabilities are impeccable and are arguably the best in this draft class. With Lawrence at no. 1, he has solidified himself at the no. 2 quarterback in this very good draft class. He showed off today during his pro day and made the Jets decision very easy. The 49ers/Dolphins trade happened momentarily after his pro day provided the decision the Jets have made on what they are doing at 2…. Zach Wilson.
4. Ja’Marr Chase – WR, LSU
Going into the 2020 season, Ja’Marr Chase was the clear cut no. 1 wideout in this years class. However, after opting out of LSU’s season, the race to be no. 1 got much closer. Devonta Smith put up one good argument, including winning the Heisman Trophy, but Chase remains no. 1. After recording 1,750 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns with Joe Burrow at the helm, he showed out. Justin Jefferson helped Chase out after having one of the best rookie years in NFL history, and Jefferson was the second option in 2019.
5. Kyle Pitts – TE/WR, Florida
Where does Kyle Pitts play in the NFL? A tight end at Florida with 97 catches over the last two seasons Pitts has shown just how dynamic a player that he is. With Florida’s pro day on March 31st, Pitts will be able to answer some of those questions and prove to teams where he fits in the NFL. At 6’5 he has the size to play tight end, but with a reported 4.46 40 time, it raises the question if teams will push him out to the edge. Regardless of position, Pitts will be a top 10 pick and a team will have a steal with the projected run on quarterbacks early in the draft.
6. Rashawn Slater – OT, Northwestern
Slater going into the 2020 season was not a definitive day one draft pick, but continued to opt out of the season anyways. It is very rare that a player who does not play his last season sees such a stock rise as Slater has had. The biggest question that has arose for Slater is if he is a tackle or a guard. Regardless he showed out at his pro day with the events that he did. Between his 33 reps at the bench, the 4.88 40 time, and his 2019 tape Slater is a top 10 pick and will likely be the second offensive lineman off the board after Sewell.
7. Justin Fields – QB, Ohio State
Justin Fields has had an up and down draft season. Going into 2020, Fields was the no brainer no. 2 option for NFL teams looking for their next franchise guy. After an at times rough 2020 season, Fields left teams desiring more. As the last quarterback to have their pro day, Justin has the most to gain and the most to lose with his performance. His performance against Clemson in the 2020 College Football Playoff Semi Finals proved his strength and perseverance. Here Fields is the no. 3 quarterback on the board with Jones and Lance close behind him.
8. Micah Parsons – LB, Penn State
Back to back Big Ten players, Micah Parsons had himself a day at his pro day. At 246 pounds Parsons ran a sub 4.4 40 time and 126′ Broad Jump after opting out of the 2020 season, Parsons showed why he is still a top 10 talent. With possible off-field questions holding him back, he might slip outside the top 15 in April but with the right off-field system a team will be getting one talented player that can be both a side-to-side linebacker or an outside edge rusher.
9. Jaylen Waddle – WR, Alabama
The top Alabama product in this years draft is Jaylen Waddle. Waddle should be the first Alabama player of many off the board in the first round of the draft. After missing most of 2020 due to an ankle injury, Waddle made attempt to come back to help the Crimson Tide to yet another National Championship. Before his injury, Waddle was on a terror much with his teammate, Devonta Smith, was. Many have forgotten how dynamic Waddle was in previous years, but should fit in nicely with any team with his quiet demeaner.
10. Patrick Surtain II – CB, Alabama
The cornerback position has become incredibly intriguing over the past two months. At the beginning of the 2020 season the top corners where, Wade and Surtain II. In past weeks, Farley and Surtain II, and most recently, Farley, Surtain II, Horn. With Farley getting a second back surgery and raising medical questions, the one constant from the beginning has been Patrick Surtain II. Arguably the best zone cover corner, the 6’2 cornerback ran a 4.42 40 time at Alabama pro day solidifying his spot. The biggest question about Patrick is his man press coverage, but with the right scheme, has a chance to be a great pick.