Top Non-QBs to Know Entering the 2021 NFL Draft

While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs focus on Super Bowl LV and fans and media members are locked in on Super Bowl storylines, Super Bowl ratings, and Super Bowl betting – 30 teams are in offseason mode, focusing on free agency and the NFL Draft.

The draft will be interesting in 2021 – with limitations and restrictions imposed on workouts and a whack of teams searching for a new franchise quarterback. Not everyone is looking for a QB, though, and for those lucky enough to have an early pick in the draft plus a franchise QB, you will want your team to grab one of the guys below.

Penei Sewell – Offensive Tackle – Oregon

Outside of Trevor Lawrence, Penei Sewell is the highest-graded player entering the 2021 NFL Draft. The Oregon product is a can’t-miss offensive line prospect and the perfect piece for a team looking to build upfront and protect their young signal-caller.

Teams To Draft Sewell: Miami Dolphins (via Texans 3rd overall pick), Cincinnati Bengals

Patrick Surtain II – Cornerback – Alabama

Patrick Surtain II – whose father was a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback – is one of the best defensive players in this year’s draft. Surtain played against a bunch of talented wide receivers in the SEC – putting him in a position to succeed as a team’s number one lockdown option.

Teams To Draft Surtain: Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers

DeVonta Smith – Wide Receiver – Alabama

At only 170lbs – DeVonta Smith‘s size does not scream NFL talent. However, everything else about the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner has him positioned to be the first wide receiver picked in the 2021 NFL draft. Route running, speed, slipperiness, and soft hands make him a dangerous weapon on a football field – almost as if Marvin Harrison and Tyreek Hill merged into one player.

Teams to Draft Smith: Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase – Wide Receiver – LSU

After opting out of the 2020 NCAA season, people may have forgotten about Chase. However, he is an all-world receiving talent and a lock to go in the first round. Chase is a perfect blend of size and speed to excel in today’s game.

Teams to Draft Chase: New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers

Micah Parsons – Inside Linebacker – Penn State

Parsons is the perfect mix of speed and athleticism – moving from sideline to sideline with ease and precision – which is why he is consistently graded as a top-five player entering the 2021 NFL Draft. He could help any team immediately on defense as a five-tool defensive star.

Teams to Draft Parson: Miami Dolphins (3rd pick via Texans), Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys

Kyle Pitts – Tight End – Florida

It is rare to see a tight end so highly-graded entering the NFL Draft, but when you have the size, speed, and the ability to stretch the field like a Kyle Pitts, it starts to make sense. Pitts is a two-time First-Team All-SEC tight end – who averaged 17.9 yards per catch in his final season. He also improved his blocking capabilities from 2019 to 2020 – making him a true four down tight end.

Teams to Draft Pitts:  Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers (if Henry leaves in the offseason)

Rashawn Slater – Center – Northwestern

As teams move to build upfront through the draft – a highly-graded center like Rashawn Slater increases in value – potentially moving into the top 16 picks of the 2021 NFL Draft. Slater is a high-IQ blocker who excelled in both run blocking and pass blocking plays – making him a perfect addition to any team with a subpar offensive line.

Teams to Draft Slater: Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears

Gregory Rousseau – Defensive End – Miami

Although Rousseau did not play in 2020 – he left a lasting memory on teams in 2019. The Miami product was arguably the second-best edge rusher in College Football that season (behind Chase Young), producing 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. His size is reminiscent of Calais Campbell – who was named to the 2010s NFL All-Decade team. Overall, he is the type of player any team would take.

Teams to Pick Rousseau: Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots

Trevor Moehrig – Safety – TCU

As the highest-graded safety entering the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Moehrig should not have to wait too long to hear his name called. The TCU product is a superb defender in the middle of the field – with excellent sideline to sideline speed and a knack for making plays on the ball. He can definitely help some teams who struggled against the deep ball in 2020.

Teams to Pick Moehrig: Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings