The highly anticipated 2021 NFL draft is due to start on April 29th. This year's class is stacked with defensive talent, especially with pass rushers. It's been nearly impossible to project where each pass rusher will go, as they're all so close talent-wise.
For that reason, there will be some very happy franchises this year taking a solid pass rusher later in the draft. However, the guys projected to go in the first round will likely make an immediate impact wherever they go.
Although there are a plethora of talented prospects this year, only a handful stand out as the absolute best. With that said, here are the top five pass rushers in the 2021 NFL draft.
5. Joe Tryon, Washington
Joe Tryon has been steadily rising draft boards recently as more of his tape has come to fruition. Originally graded as a second or third-round talent, rumors are swirling that front offices around the league view him more as a first-round selection. Tryon opted out of the 2020 season, however, his stat line in 2019 is more than impressive. He finished his sophomore year with 41 total tackles (12.5 for a loss) and eight sacks.
At 6-5, 262 pounds, Tryon is built for the NFL. He's the perfect fit for a 3-4 scheme and playing as the outside linebacker. NFL scouts have been drooling over his high motor. The kid doesn't give up on any play and uses his power and athleticism to get around the edge. His lack of experience is the only reason why he's lower on draft boards, but Tryon has the potential to be the best pass rusher in the entire NFL Draft class.
4. Joseph Ossai, Texas
Coming out of Texas, Joseph Ossai enters the 2021 NFL draft as one of the better pass-rushing prospects available. The former Longhorn spent three years in college, playing valuable reps most of the time. He wound up with 165 total tackles (30 for a loss), 11.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles throughout his collegiate career.
Ossai is another high-motor player, but it's his explosiveness off the line that has NFL teams eying him. His quickness from the snap gives him an advantage, as he's capable of getting around the offensive tackle before he's ready. However, due to his small frame (6-4, 253 lbs), scouts are unsure if he'll be able to maintain a long career. If Ossai can bulk up in his first two years in the league, he could become a star defender in the NFL.
3. Kwity Paye, Michigan
Many have Kwity Paye at the top of their list, as he's projected to be the first pass rusher taken off the board. He spent four years playing for the Michigan Wolverines, however, Paye only has one year of high-quality production. After his time in college, Paye racked up 97 total tackles (23.5 for a loss), 11.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Kwity Paye is the definition of “boom or bust” potential. 2019 was easily the best year of his career so far, as COVID-19 restrictions prevented Paye from proving his consistency. It'll be interesting to see where he goes as his lack of experience could prevent him from being drafted sooner. However, his potential to become a premier pass-rushing threat in the NFL is hard to be ignored and some have him as the top option in this NFL Draft class.
2. Jaelan Phillips, Miami (Fl.)
After struggling with injuries for two years at UCLA, Jaelan Phillips transferred to Miami where he played for the Hurricanes. It's been speculated he is injury prone, however, he was able to put together a solid year to wrap up his college career. In the 2020 season, Phillips finished with 45 total tackles (15.5 for a loss), eight sacks, and one interception.
His speed and versatility are what stand out the most. He's fast enough to consistently beat the edge, and the Hurricanes moved him around the front seven quite often. This put him in different positions to focus on his pass rushing, as he's not the best in pass coverage. For any franchise searching for a pure pass rusher, they'll surely have one in Jaelan Phillips, who could easily be the first one taken in this year's NFL Draft.
1. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
At 6-3, 240 pounds, Azeez Ojulari is on the smaller side of things when compared to other pass rushers. Even so, this kid is a monster that causes fits on the edge. He's quick off the snap and can beat the offensive lineman consistently. To end his collegiate career, Ojulari recorded 31 total tackles (12.5 for a loss), 9.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
The Georgia Bulldog will likely stick to the edge, as his size prevents him from rushing up the middle. One of the only knocks on his play is that he struggles against bigger linemen. Ojulari would benefit to join a team that would allow him to rotate throughout the year until he's ready to become a starter. Wherever he goes, Azeez Ojulari will have a great chance to become a star in the league and should be the first one taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Follow Us
Subscribe