The 2021 NFL draft is set to kick back off today at 7 pm ET. In preparation for Day 2; here are 5 offensive players that could have an immediate impact next season.
1. Michael Carter/RB/North Carolina (5’8, 200 lb)
- One half of UNC’s “lightning and thunder” running back tandem (with Javonte Williams), Michael Carter is a complete back that can turn into a legitimate receiving threat in the NFL. Carter’s skillset is highlighted by is his patience making cuts, combined with his elusiveness and agility. He ran a 4.54, 40′ at his pro day, but is a classic case of exemplifying “game speed”, over “combine speed”, and showed a lateral quickness that would allow him to get separation in the passing game.
- Carter’s size is a potential concern (5’8, 200 lb), but if the right team drafts him, then he could be used in a similar role as Alvin Kamara or even Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The teams that would be the best fit for Carter include the Buccaneers, Chiefs, Rams, and the Giants.
2. Amari Rodgers/WR/Clemson (5’10, 211 lb)
- Being the main target at “Wide Receiver University” typically translates into success in the NFL As Trevor Lawrence ‘go-to’ pass catcher in 2020, Amari Rodgers reeled in 77 receptions and 1,020 receiving yards. Rodgers has the build of a running back, and plays receiver like one as well. The highlight of his skill set includes using his quick burst ability to get seperation after the catch.
- The knock on Rodgers is that he needs to improve as a route runner and extend his catch radius; but if he is drafted to a an offense that is a good fit, then he could have an impact similar to Calvin Ridley or Deebo Samuel. Teams that can utilize Rodger’s skillset the best include; the 49ers, Seattle, Packers (with Aaron Rodgers), and the Saints.
3. Jackson Carman/OL/Clemson (6’6, 328 lb)
- The 6’5, 335 lb left tackle started every game in the past two seasons for the Tigers, making him one of the key pieces to their success on offense. He has essential won matchups with top certified NFL talent that includes; Ohio State defensive standouts Chase Young, and Jonathon Cooper. Carman’s strength lies in his ability to run block. The offensive lineman has a killer instinct and plays to the whistle, which helped pave the way for Travis Etienne to gain the most rushing yards in ACC history.
- The biggest question mark that NFL scouts have for Carman pertains to his ability to recover; if he is initially beat on a play. His track record against NFL talent indicates that this should be a non-issue if he is drafted to the right team. Carman’s most accurate player comparison is Saints offensive lineman James Hurst, and the teams that would be the best fit for Carman include; the Bengals, Bears, and the Falcons.
4. Sage Surratt/WR/Wake Forest (6’2, 215 lb)
- The 6’2 215 lb sure handed wide receiver opted out of the 2020 season; but amassed 11 touchdowns, 66 catches, and 1,001 receiving yards for the Demon Deacons in 2019. He is a natural fit at wide receiver having played the position since high school; which translates to great extincts catching the ball in traffic. He is the younger brother of UNC linebacker Chazz Surratt; (projected 3rd round pick via profootballnetwork.com), which adds some healthy sibling rivalry to the 2021 draft. One of the best examples of Surratts game translating to the next level was his 2019 matchup against UNC (and his brother), where he finished with 9 catches, 169 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown.
- Speed and explosiveness is the biggest concern with Surratt. He was clocked with a official 4.7, 40′ at his pro day; but due to his natural instinct and athletic ability, can come in and be a threat in the slot. If he gets drafted to a system that knows how to utilize him, then he can have the same impact as JuJu Smith Schuster. Teams that can utilize Sage Surratt include; the Dolphins, the Patriots, and the Rams.
5. Dazz Newsome/WR/North Carolina (5’10, 190 lb)
- Dazz Newsome was one of the most consistent receivers in college football the last 4 seasons. He finished his college career with the 3rd most catches and the 5th most receiving yards in school history. In 2020, Newsome didn’t finish with the gaudiest stats in the country (6 touchdowns, 684 receiving yards), but his aforementioned career productivity is noteworthy for a team looking to add a wide receiver. Newsome also has a great instinct for the ball and has no fear exposing himself to make an acrobat catch in traffic. The most valuable factor for an NFL team will be his versatility. During his career at UNC he saw time at slot receiver, kickoff return, and punt return.
- Playing as fearless as Newsome does, brings up concerns regarding his size. If he can learn to ‘protect’ himself from taking unnecessary shots, while also improving his balance after the catch; then Newsome’s player comparison is slot receiver Calvin Ridley. Teams that have potential to utilize Newsome correctly include; the Chiefs, Panthers, Cowboys, and the Saints.
