This new section highlights which players have improved or worsened their 2021 NFL Draft stock as the draft approaches.
By Charlie Campbell.
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2021 NFL Draft Stock Up
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida At the Florida pro day, Pitts gave further proof that he is a generational talent for the tight end position and confirmed the lofty projections around the league. Pitts is the consensus second-rated player in the 2021 NFL Draft in the scouting community, grading out behind only Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Pitts put up an amazing time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which would be a fast time for a wide receiver, but its an incredible time for a tight end. He also recorded a 33.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-9 inches in the broad jump, and 22 reps on the bench press – in spite of his extremely long arms. Pitts has tremendous wingspan of 83.38 inches.
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky Davis had an amazing pro day that showed off his great skill set and athletic upside for the NFL. In the 40-yard dash, Davis ran shocking times, with unofficial marks of 4.41 and 4.37 seconds. Those are superb times for a wide receiver, but for a linebacker, they are incredible. Davis also illustrated his explosion with a 42-inch vertical leap and 11-foot broad jump. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound Davis has excellent size and strength to go along with that speed and explosion. Davis’ impressive 2020 season of tape in combination with his physical skills means he could end up a top-20 selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami Phillips is another players who really killed his pro day workout and impressed NFL evaluators. He showed an excellent combination of size, speed and athleticism. Thr 6-foot-5, 260-pounder ran very fast in the 40, at 4.56 seconds, which is a superb time for a defensive end. Team sources said Phillips looked good in the field drills as well and showed that he is just scratching the surface of his potential for the NFL.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU After sitting out the 2020 season, Chase needed to have a good pro day to show NFL teams that he had stayed diligent with his training during the long layoff. Chase came through with the workout he needed, blazing a fast 40-yard dash of 4.34 seconds. The 6-foot, 201-pounder looks like a lock to be a top-six pick after his pro-day performance.
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida Trask needed to have a good pro day after missing the Senior Bowl with an injury, and he came through with a strong outing that showed off his accuracy, ball placement, and overall pocket passing ability. Trask was in better shape and looked more athletic than last fall. His pro-day performance should him to end up as a second-day selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
2021 NFL Draft Stock Down
Jhamon Ausbon, WR, Texas A&M Team sources were expecting Ausbon to run a slow 40 at the Texas A&M pro day, as the Aggies staff had been clear about that for a long time, but Ausbon ran even slower than expected, putting up a time in the 4.7s. A slow time for a wide receiver prospect is in the 4.6s, so a time in the 4.7s is very alarming for pro evaluators. Ausbon also sat out the 2020 season, and that will hurt him with some teams as well. He had a shot at going on Day 2 during the 2021 NFL Draft, but this slow 40 might send him to Day 3.
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami While teammate Jaelan Phillips impressed at the pro day, team source said Rousseau disappointed. His times and jump numbers were nothing special, and his field workout did not win over skeptics. As one team source said, “Rousseau is a lower-tier athlete.” Teams do not see him as an explosive speed rusher and feel he is going to need to develop into a power player to be effective in the NFL.
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