So far, my 2020 Preseason Summer Scouting series has taken a close look at three of the Power Five conferences. This week, my early look at the prospects that may be available in the 2021 NFL Draft moves forward with the next Power Five conference – the Big 12, where I give three prospects first-round grades entering the 2020 college football season.
2020 Preseason Summer Scouting Series
AAC | ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten | MAC | MW | Pac-12 | SEC
The entire Big 12 conference is now included below. To view my grades and projected draft rounds for Big 12 draft-eligible prospects, scroll to the end of the article.
Page 1: Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State
Page 2: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas
Page 3: TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia
2020 Big 12 Preseason Summer Scouting
Baylor Bears
Baylor had a string of skill players selected during the second day of the past two drafts, including wide receiver Denzel Mims, who could be one of the steals from the 2020 event. Skill players will be first off the board for Baylor in 2021, although it will be much later in the draft.
Running back John Lovett is slightly underrated in my opinion. He’s a decent-sized ball carrier with above-average speed and terrific burst. Lovett can beat defenders into the open field and is a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield. I think he’ll be a solid Day 3 pick who could make an NFL depth chart as a fourth running back.
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Scouts I’ve spoken with grade Charlie Brewer as a late-round pick, but I believe the quarterback will be an undrafted free agent. He’s a terrific college signal-caller who plays smart football. But when projecting him to the next level, Brewer lacks size, arm strength and upside.
Reminder: To view my grades and projected draft rounds for Big 12 draft-eligible prospects, scroll to the end of the article.
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State has one of the nation’s better head coaches in Matt Campbell, someone who gets the most from his players and is a next-level coaching prospect that NFL teams like. Despite this, the program only occasionally breaks through into the second day of the draft, something I don’t project to happen any time soon.
Charlie Kolar is a solid next-level prospect, though I don’t see him as anything other than a No. 2 tight end. He’s a fluid pass catcher with terrific hands. Kolar also does a solid job blocking, but he comes with minimal quickness and speed and can’t split the seam or beat defenders downfield in a foot race.
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There are a lot of people on the outside who like the next-level potential of Brock Purdy, but I’m not one of them. Purdy is a terrific college signal-caller, but he’s more of a sandlot quarterback whose game does not project well to the NFL, at least in my opinion.
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas showed signs of life last season during Les Miles’ first year. Bad recruiting has led to a sparse number of draft picks coming from Kansas, something that won’t change any time soon.
Pooka Williams Jr. is a favorite of mine. He’s a small, swift ball carrier who plays big football. Williams has the speed to turn the corner, the foot quickness to make defenders miss, and the toughness to pound it out on the inside. He has growth limitations, but his home run hitting speed and ability to create when the ball is in his hands set him up nicely as a third-down back or situational ball carrier at the next level.
Related | 2021 NFL Draft: Kansas RB Pooka Williams is a top sleeper
There are some in the scouting community who have stamped Andrew Parchment as a Day 3 pick, which is a bit premature in my opinion. Parchment has adequate size and speed and he flashes next-level ability, but he needs a lot more consistency and polish in his game.
Reminder: To view my grades and projected draft rounds for Big 12 draft-eligible prospects, scroll to the end of the article.
Kansas State Wildcats
Since the start of the decade, KSU has made little impact in the Big 12 or in the NFL Draft. Looking at my board, this won’t change any time soon.
Elijah Sullivan is a linebacker I like; he’s small, but he’s fast, fierce and very quick. He covers a lot of area on the field, goes sideline to sideline in pursuit and plays with great intensity. The question for Sullivan, who has safety size, is where he will line up at the next level.
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Wayne Jones is a terrific safety with big upside. He’s a tough run defender with solid ball skills.
A.J. Parker lacks classic size and speed for the next level, but he’s been a consistent college corner the past two years and has enough skill to line up as a dime back and special teamer on Sundays.
Page 1: Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State
Page 2: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas
Page 3: TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia