2. Oregon’s Penei Sewell is better than any offensive tackle drafted in 2020 and might just be the best prospect at the position since Laremy Tunsil
When comparing the 2020 and 2021 offensive tackle classes, there really is no comparison. The 2020 group was completely loaded, featuring Andrew Thomas (Georgia), Jedrick Wills (Alabama), Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Tristian Wirfs (Iowa), Austin Jackson (USC), and Isaiah Wilson (Georgia), all of whom were selected in the first round of the 2020 Draft. The 2021 group does not offer anywhere near the firepower of the 2020 group. However, it does feature the best offensive tackle prospect in either draft class in Oregon’s Penei Sewell.
It’s no secret that Sewell is the best prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class not named Lawrence. In NFL circles, scouts are gushing over Sewell as a prospect. According to PFF, in 466 pass-blocking snaps this past year, Sewell allowed just seven pressures and no sacks. His play in 2019 was nothing short of brilliant, and there is nothing in the way of him having an encore in 2020.
Related – Penei Sewell leads top-heavy group of tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft
Sewell, who stands 6’6″ and weighs in around 335 pounds, possesses impressive strength and breathtaking athleticism. He plays the game with a nasty temperament and is a completely devastating run blocker. His movement skills are unparalleled, as is his overwhelming power and his ability to move defenders out of the way.
In the clip below, you will see how quick Sewell is, and his ability to serve pancakes at will.
Another one from @oregonfootball LT Penei Sewell…drops a shoulder n a LB for a pancake. 🥞 pic.twitter.com/DxQeacxVuC
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 23, 2019
The 2020 offensive tackle group was strong, but none of those prospects are of the caliber of Sewell. In fact, Sewell might be the best left tackle prospect we have seen since Laremy Tunsil in 2016. There is zero doubt that Sewell will be the first non-quarterback selected in the 2021 NFL Draft. It won’t be long until he becomes the best left tackle in the NFL.
3. Penn State’s Micah Parsons is a better linebacker prospect than Isaiah Simmons
The best way to describe the Arizona Cardinals’ first-round pick Isaiah Simmons is by calling him what he is: a unicorn. We have not seen a player bring the variety of skills and versatility that Simmons posses in quite some time — maybe never. He was the clear-cut best linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft.
It would be fair to say that Simmons is quite the hybrid, as he can line up at the line of scrimmage as a linebacker and wreak havoc, or he can play safety and cover the most athletic tight ends in the NFL. Simmons is going to be fun to watch and should develop into a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball.
There are some in the draft community who think Simmons could be a “boom-or-bust” prospect, with concerns stemming because he is “light”, only weighing in the range of 230 pounds. Despite being extremely athletic, concerns of him holding up over the course of a full NFL season due to his lightness do exist.
Related – 2021 NFL Draft: Ranking Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons
The best draft-eligible linebacker in 2021 is Penn State’s, Micah Parsons. In fact, I think he just might the best linebacker to enter the NFL ranks since Luke Kuechly in 2012. Last season, Parsons was the highest-rated run defender in college football, and as a sophomore, he was recognized as the “Big Ten Linebacker of the Year”. He tallied 109 tackles, 5.0 sacks, five passes defended, and four forced fumbles. This is absolutely insane production from the talented linebacker.
Parsons possesses tremendous size, standing 6’3″ tall and weighing in the ballpark of 245 pounds. He has an impressive combination of speed and range, paired with his ability to locate the football. When you watch film on Parsons, one thing that consistently shines is his ability to shed blockers, find the football, and finish. Also, Parsons plays with tremendous power, has the ability to cover, and is a play-maker.
The clip below will provide evidence that Parsons is a game-changer and will highlight his speed and ability to finish.
In a game full of offense Micah Parsons makes a huge sack that turns into a Penn State touchdown! pic.twitter.com/IKoESG3vrx
— Sports Daily (@SportsDGI) December 28, 2019
Here is another clip that shows Parsons’ tremendous instincts and his ability to scrape laterally to find the football.
Micah Parsons (@Micah_Parsons11) played a heck of a game against Michigan. 11 tackles, his instincts and speed to the ball is next level, he is just a playmaker. He was a force Saturday night.#WNSFilm pic.twitter.com/J3ovoYGFQO
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) October 21, 2019
While Isaiah Simmons is a superior athlete and provides more versatility, Parsons is a better overall prospect. He is built like the prototypical linebacker, completely chiseled and powerful. He is a three-down player, who has the potential to blossom into one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Provided that he plays at the same level as he did in 2019, there is no doubt in my mind that Parsons will be a top-10 selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.