Months of anticipation for Washington fans have led up to tonight, when Day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft kicks off. After dropping 22 Draft Player Prospect Cards, it's time again for our annual Top 25 Big Board (only fits in Washington). The first criteria for our Big Board is we left out prospects who we believe won't be available at #19, thus will not be listed. Second, positions like DT and DE won't be listed, for obvious reasons. The listed prospects draft rankings range between Round 1-3 (based on TDN rankings).
We don't envision a trade up for a quarterback either, but this team displayed that a few additions at key positions in this draft, could take this Ron Rivera team to the next level.
The MLB position is the obvious top need on this board, with 3 going in the top 10. PSU MLB Micah Parsons is a wildcard, with rumors of a 2020 incident involving hazing with other football players. He's viewed as a Top 10 prospect, so Washington would get the potential steal of the draft if he falls. The 3rd name on the Big Board, Nick Bolton could be viewed as a reach, but the narrative that he's not athletic enough to be a game changing MIKE LB seems short sighted. Some of the Mizzou linebackers best games came against SEC power house teams such as Alabama. Kentucky LB Jamin Davis is a name that has risen throughout the draft process based on his athleticism and speed, but questions remain if he can be a MIKE linebacker or if he's better suited to play WLB. Either way his ceiling is extremely high and his services will be in demand.
The Free Safety situation has been a mess since the death of Sean Taylor. The breakout rookie season from SS Kamren Curl after being drafted 216th overall in the 7th round, should prompt Ron Rivera to address FS early in the draft. Both Trevon Moehrig and Richie Grant are plug & play starters, with Oregon's Jevon Holland another ball-hawk that has the ceiling to be a starter fairly quickly.
The Left Tackle situation is another obvious need with 7 being on this Big Board. VaTech's Christian Darrisaw leads the way, but he's another prospect who could be off the board at #19. His issues in pass protection could lead teams to look at other well-rounded prospects, but in the end, seems too good to be available for Washington. With names like Radunz, Eichenberg, Jenkins and Jackson Carman, Washington will have options on Day 2 of the draft.
The Wide Receiver group could be the deepest position group in this class. With 6 WR's, listed, featured by Rondale Moore, Rivera will have options. N.Texas receiver Jaylon Darden has been a prospect projected to go on Day 3, but his ability just seems too good to fall that far (2nd in the nation in td's).
Miami's Brevin Jordan is a dangerous field stretching tight end, who can be used in a variety of ways, with with PSU's Pat Freiermuth offering more size, but still displays the talent and ability to be a dangerous pass catcher.
Last on the list is Running Backs, which could be a dark horse selection at #19, but unlike some out there, we believe Najee Harris could be the selection if they go that route. If available, UNC's Javente Williams could be the steal of Round 2.
Stay Tuned as we go into phase two of the Draft Process, as we outline each pick after the Draft. For some of the prospects mentioned on the Big Board, Just CLICK any of the Cards below for their evaluation, highlight video, fit in Washington and more.
