As college football's bowl season gets rolling, I'm taking another look at the best prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class. And that includes a new No. 2 quarterback in the class and some big risers.
With shortened seasons and multiple player opt-outs, it hasn't been the easiest year to evaluate prospects. But we've started to get a clearer picture of the 2021 class. Of course, plenty still lies ahead, including the Senior Bowl and NFL combine, meaning this list is far from finished.
Here is my most recent evaluation of the top 32 players in the class, updated from my Dec. 15 edition. Rankings will continue to be updated right through draft time.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson*
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 220
Grade: 97 | Previous rank: 1
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I've seen come out of college since Andrew Luck was drafted by the Colts in 2012. Lawrence's intangibles are high-end, and I love his huge arm and the mobility he brings at his size. He'll need a little refining with his pocket presence, and his footwork is still progressing, but this kid is the real deal. The junior has already amassed 22 passing touchdowns, 2,753 yards through the air and a 69.2% completion percentage while throwing only four interceptions in nine games this season, all wins. He also has another seven scores on the ground.
2. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 3
Sewell gave up only one sack combined during 2018 and 2019, starting 20 games along the way, but he opted out of this season. The only sophomore offensive lineman to win the Outland Trophy, Sewell is massive in pass protection and plays a disciplined game. He has the feet to excel as a zone blocker and the power to move defenders in the run game. Sewell has rare upside and can be a starter from day one in the NFL.
3. Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 244
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 6
Parsons had 109 tackles in 2019, including 14 for loss, and forced four fumbles. He's long and is pretty good in coverage, with plenty of range. He is an above-average tackler and shows the burst to shoot gaps and be disruptive in run defense. Parsons also has the instincts and speed to blitz, tallying five sacks last season. Another 2020 opt-out, he will need work in getting off blocks at the next level, but consider him a day one starter in the NFL.
4. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
HT: 6-0 | WT: 170
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 4
Over the past two seasons, it has been difficult to stand out among Alabama wide receivers. Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy were both top-15 picks last April, and Jaylen Waddle probably will join Smith as a high pick in 2021. But Smith continues to find ways to pop. He rarely drops anything in his vicinity and displays some jump after the catch, compiling 98 catches (most in the country) for 1,511 yards (also first) and 17 touchdowns (second) through 11 games this season. He has seven games with at least 140 receiving yards and six with multiple scores. Smith explodes off the line, is crisp in his route running and tracks the ball well vertically.
5. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU*
HT: 6-0 | WT: 208
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 5
The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner set SEC records in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, tallying 1,780 yards and 20 scores through the air for LSU. He is explosive off the line, a smooth route runner and tough in the open field. His body control stands out, and his speed is solid. Despite opting out this season, he is among the best of another talented wide receiver class.
6. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 239
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 10
Pitts sets up as a versatile matchup in the NFL with great size, a big catch radius and the hands to produce. In only eight games this season, he has 770 receiving yards on 43 catches and has found the end zone 12 times, tied for the third-most scores in the FBS. The junior amassed 170 yards and four end zone trips in the Gators' opener in September, and he piled on three TDs in November's meeting with Kentucky. In his two most recent games, he has gone over 120 yards on seven catches in each.
Pitts flashes as a route runner and possesses above-average separation skills for a tight end. He has some speed to be a threat downfield, and he figures to be a real coverage problem for opponent defenses in the NFL. He has declared for the draft and will not play in Florida's bowl game.
7. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 206
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 8
Surtain, a true shutdown cover corner, has a pick-six, 10 pass breakups and 32 tackles in 11 games. I love his instincts and the way he quickly diagnoses wide receivers' routes and funnels them where he wants them to go. He is also a natural playmaker, with good ball reaction skills and soft hands. His father, Patrick Surtain Sr., was a Pro Bowl corner in the NFL and a second-round pick in 1998.
8. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 210
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 15
What a rise for Wilson, now my No. 2 quarterback in the class. He navigated his Cougars to an 11-1 record by completing 73.5% of his passes for 3,692 yards (third in the country), 33 touchdowns (second) and three interceptions. If that weren't impressive enough, Wilson also has 10 rushing TDs. He threw for 425 yards and three scores in the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl, and now he has a decision to make about the draft. I love Wilson's competitiveness and toughness in the pocket, and he has a high-end ability to extend plays. His deep-ball accuracy is also outstanding.
9. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 228
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 2
Fields starred in 2019 with 41 touchdown passes and only three interceptions, and he has really progressed under Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. So far in 2020, he has 15 passing touchdowns, a 72.6% completion rate (fourth best in the FBS) and 1,521 passing yards in six games. He is very accurate throwing downfield and throws effectively off-schedule and off-platform. There is some zip on his ball too, and he displays a quick release. Fields is mobile in the pocket and has already rushed for five scores this season.
The Indiana game raised some eyebrows -- he completed 18 of 30 passes and tossed three interceptions -- as did an underwhelming showing in the Big Ten championship game (two interceptions, only 114 passing yards and zero touchdowns). But he is dynamic and grades out as a good NFL starting QB, as his 89.5 Total QBR (third in the nation) might suggest.
10. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 213
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 7
Bateman opted out, then opted back in to the 2020 season and then opted back out after five games. He compiled 36 catches for 472 yards and two touchdowns. Bateman will work the middle of the field, uncovers quickly and then has the soft hands to haul in the pass. He is a crafty route runner, and while his speed isn't game-breaking, he will make an impact thanks to his versatility, ability to gain separation and terrific ball skills.
11. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama*
HT: 5-10 | WT: 177
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 9
Waddle is out for the rest of the 2020 season because of an ankle injury, finishing his junior campaign with 25 catches for 557 yards and four TDs. His 22.3 yards-per-reception average stands at fifth in the country. Waddle's game is all about elusiveness, part of the reason he also pops in the return game. Put the ball in his hands and let things happen. He tracks the deep ball well, isn't afraid to work the middle of the field and shows excellent lateral agility and field vision.
12. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 20
I love Owusu-Koramoah's tape. He is fast, he is instinctive and he is only getting stronger as he develops. His recognition skills are very good too, as he always seems to be around the ball. Owusu-Koramoah is fluid in coverage and even flashes the ability to get home on the quarterback, thanks to his suddenness. He does it all: In 2020, he has 56 tackles (11 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble return TD, 3 pass breakups and an interception.
13. Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 305
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: NR
I'm really impressed with Nixon's agility for his size, and he's a terrific tackler in the open field. He had 45 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss (tied for 15th in the FBS) and 5.5 sacks, along with an interception and a forced fumble in eight games. Nixon is a really instinctive player.
14. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 208
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 18
Moehrig is a playmaker. He breaks quickly on the ball, times his jump and has the ball skills to haul in interceptions -- he has two through 10 games after grabbing four in 2019 and has broken up nine additional passes this season. Moehrig is above average as a tackler (47 in 2020) and even has some return game experience.
15. Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 260
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: NR
What a season for Collins. A 3-4 outside linebacker, he has great versatility and can bring a lot to a defense. In eight games, Collins has 53 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 4 interceptions -- two of which were returned for touchdowns -- and a forced fumble. His closing burst to the quarterback and to ball carriers is tremendous.
16. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (Fla.)*
HT: 6-7 | WT: 253
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 11
Rousseau is tall, long and quick off the edge. He has power to overwhelm blockers and works back inside once he is even with the quarterback. He opted out of the 2020 season, but he had 15.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes -- which ranked him No. 2 in the country behind Chase Young -- and he totaled 19.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh). As a run-defender, Rousseau can set the edge and make plays. He has future Pro Bowl talent.
17. Rashawn Slater, C, Northwestern
HT: 6-4 | WT: 308
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 14
Slater had significant starting time both at right and left tackle before opting out of the 2020 season, but his frame and physical skills lend themselves to a better trajectory inside, probably at center. He gives up ground too much, and speed rushers cause him problems at tackle. But I really like his feel for angles, and he is smooth getting set. Power is there in the run game, and his body control in pass protection is strong.
18. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 207
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 19
The first high-end draft prospect to opt out of the 2020 college season, Farley broke up 12 passes and intercepted four in 2019. His blend of size, length and speed is rare, and he has burst to his game. A former wide receiver, he has strong ball skills and flashes the ability to recognize route combinations. Farley is still developing, but the toolbox is there.
19. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson*
HT: 5-10 | WT: 212
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 22
Etienne has above-average speed with an explosive second gear when he hits daylight. He is a real home run hitter in space, breaking off 18 plays for 20-plus yards already this season. I like his contact balance too. Etienne has 69 career rushing touchdowns, including 13 in 2020 (tied for ninth in the country). He bested 1,600 rushing yards for the second straight season in 2019, before gaining 882 through 11 games this year.
The one big area to continue to watch: He already has 524 receiving yards this season, better than the totals in any of his other three seasons, showing massive improvement on that front. That includes a huge, seven-catch, 140-yard receiving effort against Boston College in October.
20. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 310
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 29
Barmore has emerged this season with six sacks and three forced fumbles from the interior of Alabama's defensive line. He is still developing as a pass-rusher, but he can get home. Against the run, Barmore shows strong gap control. As an added bonus, he is versatile along the line. But keep in mind that Barmore is a third-year sophomore, and he entered the season with only one career start.
21. Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 253
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 32
Ossai does a little bit of everything and does it all well. In nine games, the hybrid linebacker had 55 tackles, 16 tackles for loss (tied for third in the country), 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles (tied for fifth) and 2 pass breakups. He can play off the ball, can cover as an overhang and can blitz. He makes plays when he is turned loose upfield, thanks to good closing burst. And Ossai is instinctive as a pass-rusher and disciplined as a run-defender. He opted out for the rest of the 2020 campaign.
22. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 224
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 12
Lance has size and toughness at the quarterback position. He played only one game in 2020, a win against Central Arkansas in which he completed half his passes for south of 150 yards, but he shined last season. In 2019, he didn't throw a single interception, picked up 1,100 rushing yards and combined for 42 scores in all. He has only one career game of 300-plus passing yards, and we never saw him in action against an FBS foe. But the third-year sophomore is effective dropping from under center and selling play-action, and his downfield touch is strong, despite some inconsistent placement on shorter throws.
23. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 314
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 25
Darrisaw entered the season with 25 career starts, a mainstay at left tackle for the Hokies. Over the past two years, he has allowed just three sacks on 620 pass-blocking snaps. Darrisaw is powerful as a pass protector and smooth working to the second level as a run blocker. His technique is a little inconsistent, but he has a high ceiling and the tools to be a Day 1 starting left tackle.
24. Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 315
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 21
Davis' size and mobility are pretty ideal for a guard prospect. His foot quickness is above average, and his awareness is very good. In 2019, he did not give up a sack or a hit on the quarterback in 400-plus pass pro reps, and he has given up only one sack in 2020. He takes good angles and has the strength to consistently get movement in the run game.
25. Joe Tryon, DE, Washington*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 252
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
Tryon opted out of the 2020 season, but he tallied 12.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks for Washington in 2019. He has some versatility to his game, lining up as a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker. Tryon exhibits a quick first step as a pass-rusher, showing a fluid swim move and flashing a quick spin maneuver on blockers. And against the run, he is strong and can fight through double-teams, though he loses outside contain a bit too often.
26. Trey Smith, G, Tennessee*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 333
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
After two seasons at left tackle, Smith kicked inside for 12 starts at left guard in 2019, which is where he remained in 2020 and where he projects long term. He has some injury history but is explosive on the inside, flashing the ability to push defenders right off the ball and overwhelm at the second level. Smith is a mauler, but he tends to fall off blocks too frequently.
27. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 232
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 23
Harris has great size and speed, and he has shown good ball security. He is strong on contact, but he does run a little high. I was previously a bit concerned he danced too much, looking for the home run, but Harris is staying in his lane more this season.
Alabama has had quite a few productive runners enter the NFL draft over the past 10 years, and Harris is the next in line, averaging 6.1 yards per carry over his career. His 24 rushing touchdowns rank No. 1 in the country this season, and his 1,262 rushing yards are No. 3. He looks improved in pass protection too and remains underrated as a pass-catcher.
28. Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss*
HT: 5-9 | WT: 184
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
Moore is undersized at 5-foot-9, but he is certainly productive. In just eight games this season, he was second in the nation in receptions (86) and yardage (1,193), and his eight touchdowns tied for 16th. Three times he went over 200 receiving yards, and only one showing left him short of 90. Moore is willing to work the middle of the field, and he shows quickness, speed and body control.
29. Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 200
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
Marshall is a big-bodied receiver who thrives in traffic and can pile on yardage after the catch. His 10 touchdowns this year rank tied for seventh in the country, and he made 48 catches for 731 yards in seven games before opting out of the rest of the season in late November.
30. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 259
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 30
Freiermuth had 310 receiving yards in four games before having season-ending surgery. And while he found the end zone only once in 2020, he did have 15 TDs over his previous two seasons. He can make plays over the middle or box out defenders when lining up outside. The speed is there to produce down the seam, and he has the toughness to make contested grabs. Don't expect Freiermuth to make many defenders miss, but his frame and speed make him a problem for opponents. He is an adequate blocker too.
31. Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (Fla.)*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 266
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
A transfer from UCLA, Phillips medically retired from football in 2018 after injury-plagued seasons with the Bruins. But he was able to return, deciding to join the Hurricanes. And wow, has he burst back onto the scene in 2020. In 10 games, Phillips has 8 sacks (tied for 11th in the nation), 15.5 tackles for loss (tied for third), 45 tackles and an interception. I love his length and suddenness.
32. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 214
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 27
Jones is a big riser in the QB class, and I really like his touch, ball placement and trajectory on vertical shots. He anticipates really well, leading receivers and throwing them open. Jones also processes quickly and has really fast eyes in getting through progressions. In the pocket, he has poise and toughness, and though he isn't a dangerous runner, Jones has a good feel for how to extend plays -- all while keeping his eyes downfield.
This season, he is completing a nation-leading 76.5% of his passes, and he has gained 3,739 yards through the air (second) and thrown 32 touchdowns (third) with four interceptions. His 95.6 Total QBR is the best in the FBS.