[PFF] PFF NFL Podcast: Previewing the 2021 NFL Draft

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Just in case anyone is in the mood to take an early look at some prospects. They also published their pre-season 2021 NFL draft positional rankings.

 

Some bonus - in the end of the podcast there is some Colts talk. Renner thinks the Colts are one of his sleeper teams to make the Superbowl. Palazzolo revealed that the Colts OL will be no.1 in their pre-season OL ranking. They loved the Pittman pick. Taylor is great fit behind that OLine. Rivers will have the best OL he's ever had. They love how Ballard is drafting - trading back and drafting big, long, fast athletes. No matter the position Ballard keeps throwing resources at the defense. Favorites in the AFC South. 

 

Some highlights on the draft:

 

QBs: 

- They think Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields are going to be 1 and 2 in the draft almost certainly. The most loaded QB draft since the Luck draft. 

- Trey Lance they think can easily be top 5 too. Special physical talent. Has cannon. Probably runs in the 4.5s. 900 yard on designed runs. Not polished, but great accuracy at all levels of the field. Avoids mistakes - 0 picks last season, only 4 TO-worthy plays all last season. They protected him a bit - only 18 throw attempts per game. 

- Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State - another potential R1 QB, he had very little help from his teammates.  Has good armstrength, mobility. Very good playmaking. Creating plays for himself - manipulate LBs, manipulate tight pockets. Throws with anticipation really well. He's a gamer... "the anti-Justin Herbert". 6'1" 201lbs

 

WRs

- WR class... IS BETTER than last year's class. More guys that are no.1 X-type receiver. 

- Ja'Marr Chase - might not test exceptionally well, but all the things you want a WR to do, playing with physicality, setting up routes, releases... he's doing at an elite level. 

- Rondale Moore - explosive, lines up everywhere. Great ball skills, good at contested catches. Short, but not small. Perfect modern weapon for an NFL offense. 

- Jaylen Waddle - plays as fast as Henry Ruggs. Ridiculously explosive. Will probably be R1 WR. 

 

OL

- Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon - watching him move you might think he's a small dude, but he's 330 pounds! And he moves like a TE. "Out of this world". Technically already very advanced. 

 

Defense:

 

LB - strong year for LB - might have 4 LBs in R1

- Micah Parsons, Penn State -  exceptional talent. All-around elite LB. Bet LB since... he can move, on Bruce Feldman's freak's list. 2nd highest season grade of everyone they've ever scouted at LB. 

- Dylan Moses, Alabama - explosive, great tackler, great balance. Still needs to improve in coverage. Physical attributes- off the charts. 

 

CB

- Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech - 6'2, 210... might run in the 4.3s... can fly... physical, had a dominant year 4 picks, 9 PBUs

- Shaun Wade - played slot only - will he be able to transition to outside CB? 

- Patrick Surtain, Alabama - starting since true freshman, big corner, 6'2 ,205lbs. Not too fast though?  

 

S

- Andre Cisco, Syracuse -  fun to watch. 12 picks and 13 PBUs in 2 years of play! Can be 4.3 guy. Reminds them of... Darnell Savage. 

 

EDGE

-Chris Rumph, Duke - best defensive lineman in college football - has the best pass-rushing moves set Renner has ever seen in a college player. The problem - he's very small... listed at just 6'2" 225lbs. Can he add some bulk and become a legitimate NFL prospect? Highest win-rate in the country last year(higher than Chase Young). Has to get bigger(240?)?

-Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL) - ideal built for a pass-rushe(6'7" 260lbs, 36 inch arms). Just switched up hed up to DL, raw, but incredible physical talent. Had 16 sacks last year. 

 

 

 

[BProland85]

I think Trey Lance could be a stud in the NFL if he's drafted to a quality team. I also really like Rashod Bateman, WR from Minnesota. 2 of my favorite prospects for this draft class so far. 

[EastStreet]

I love Lance as a CFB QB. Has exceptional athleticism. It'll be interesting to see if he translates coming from a lower level / small school. Definitely a gamble, but one that could pay off big.

 

Surprised a bit they didn't mention Newman. He could have an amazing year behind UGA's OL. If UGA is truly changing up the O, they have all the makings to be dangerous passing O. They've recruited WR extremely well the past couple years. We already know how they recruit RBs... I could see UGA finally getting over the SEC West hump and winning a SEC Championship.