Cleveland Browns land playmaking linebacker in way too early look at the first round of the 2021 NFL draft
By Greg Newland
Justyn Ross. 6. player. 56. . Wide Receiver. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals appear to be moving in the right direction, but tough competition and the learning curve for a rookie quarterback will keep the Bengals early in the draft. Let’s not forget the AFC North could be one of the tougher divisions in football.
Look for the Bengals to help Burrow in next year’s draft with a wide receiver from Clemson. Justyn Ross is a big target who could fill the void of aging A.J. Green, who may or may not be on the team after next season. With Lawrence at quarterback, look for Ross to shine in 2020 driving up his stock even more.
31. . Cornerback. New York Giants. Patrick Surtain II. 7. player
The Giants drafted their quarterback in 2019, but I’m not sold that Daniel Jones is the guy who can turn the franchise around. The Giants are working to improve, but with a weak roster and new head coach, look for the Giants in the top ten once again for the 2021 draft.
With an NFL bloodline, Patrick Surtain II has the potential to go top ten. After an All-American junior year, Surtain could shine with his 6-2 frame. The five-star recruit will cement his spot running well at the combine next year.
player. 59. . Offensive Tackle. Miami Dolphins. Walker Little. 8
The Dolphins has three first-round picks in 2020, but unfortunately, with a rookie quarterback look for them to continue to struggle. Tua Tagovailoa may be the answer, but the Dolphins will remain in the top ten for one more season.
After seeing the potential in Tagovailoa, looks for the Dolphins to sure up protection with Stanford offensive tackle, Walker Little. After an injury that sidelined him most of 2019, Little looks to come back strong in 2020. At 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, Little has the NFL frame scouts dream of.
87. . Offensive Tackle. Carolina Panthers. Alex Leatherwood. 9. player
The Panthers look to start fresh in 2020 with a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback after cutting lose Cam Newton last month. Although Teddy Bridgewater shined at times in New Orleans, the system was a huge reason why. With a rookie offensive coordinator and fewer weapons, look for Bridgewater to take a step back next season and give the Panthers another top 10 pick.
After tightening up the defense in 2020, look for the Panthers to help keep Bridgewater comfortable by drafting the Alabama tackle, Alex Leatherwood. Alabama has produced multiple top ten linemen the last few years and the versatile Leatherwood won’t let that change.
Cornerback. Atlanta Falcons. Shaun Wade. 10. player. 44.
Atlanta simply hasn’t been right since blowing a huge lead to the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Quarterback Matt Ryan can still be productive, but he appears to be at the back end of his prime. The Falcons organization has kept head coach Dan Quinn even with a tough 2019 but look for there to be a new regime in 2021.
Ohio State has become knows as defensive back U and look for Shaun Wade to carry that tradition into the 2021 draft. Wade is an above-average cover guy with great tackling skills. With a strong 2020 season, Wade can be a top prospect for the 2021 draft.