In one of the strangest college football seasons ever, I'm back with updated rankings for the 2021 NFL draft. I have a new Big Board with my top 25 prospects overall, plus the top 10 prospects at every position, from quarterback to long-snapper (although I have only seven of those -- sorry).
You shouldn't be surprised about my top-ranked prospect. I don't expect it to change with Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence looking like a superstar. But Ohio State signal-caller Justin Fields isn't that far behind him. This is shaping up to be a really fun 2021 draft class, with elite quarterback and receiving talent, plus wild-card pass-rushers and even a few dominant offensive linemen.
A few notes before we get started, as usual:
These aren't detailed scouting reports just yet and there is a lot of projection involved. Some of these prospects have made only a handful of starts. But that's what makes following the draft fun, right?
Height and weight for each prospect are based on the data we get from schools, so it's not official yet. We don't get official numbers until the 2021 NFL combine. And because of the coronavirus, I'm not sure what the combine is going to look like next year.
This is a strange year in which the NCAA has thrown out eligibility clocks, so seniors who play this season could be seniors again in 2021. That still means underclassmen who are three years out of high school can enter the draft, but it also means we could see some upperclassmen return to school. It's going to be an interesting class.
Jump to: Position rankings
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
HT: 6-6 | WT: 220 | Previously: 1
Lawrence missed Clemson's previous two games because of a positive COVID-19 test, but he was on the sideline at Notre Dame and will reportedly be ready to go the rest of the season. That could include a potential rematch with the Fighting Irish in the ACC title game on Dec. 19. In six games this season, Lawrence has improved his completion percentage to 70.7%, and he has 17 touchdown passes and two interceptions. He has made some highlight-reel throws and limited his mistakes. He makes it look easy. Lawrence has everything NFL teams want in a starting quarterback, from size to arm talent to the ability to process reads and make the right throw.
2. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 223 | Previously: 3