NFL 2021 Supplemental Draft – Cancelled

The NFL will not hold a Supplemental Draft in 2021 it was announced prior to the 4^th of July break. It was the 2^nd year in a row there was not a Supplemental Draft. Over the past 10 years, no players have been chosen in 6 of those 10 years.

Under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, the NFL has the right to decide whether to conduct a supplemental draft each year. Last year, the league cancelled mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the league cancelled last year’s supplemental draft, those potential draft picks did not gain free-agent status, but could instead be entered into the 2021 NFL Draft. Expect the league to deliver the same directive to those hoping to enter the supplemental draft this year.

Supplemental drafts operate differently than the annual draft, with teams instead submitting bids on prospects based on the round in which they’d like to select a player. If they are awarded the player, they then forfeit their equivalent pick in the traditional draft in the following year.

The last player chosen in a recent supplemental draft (2019) saw one player selected in Washington St safety Jalen Thompson by the Arizona Cardinals in the 5th round.

With such little interest by NFL clubs, this special player selection process should be cancelled for a few reasons. First, no significant player has been chosen since wideout Josh Gordon by the Browns in the 2nd round of the 2012 Supplemental Draft. He actually set a new NFL record for 200 yard receiving games and high short term production in a few seasons. He has struggled qualifying for many seasons with testing positive repeatedly. LB Ahmad Brooks was chosen in the 3rd round of the 2006 Supplemental Draft and he had a productive career starting for the Bengals.  Virtually every other selection over the past 20 year period was at best marginal starters or short term backups. Drafted players obviously miss Rookie and Veteran mini camps and have only two or three weeks to prepare for training camp where they enter the process at a distinct disadvantage to earn a roster spot.

NFL Draft 2021 – Review

Overview

      The 2021 NFL Draft was the 86th annual meeting of National Football League teams to select newly eligible players for the upcoming NFL season. The first round was held on April 29, followed by the second and third rounds on April 30. The draft concluded with rounds 4–7 on May 1. The NFL held the event live in Cleveland, Ohio with limited attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. All team selections took place from Cleveland with league commissioner Roger Goodell announcing the early selections from the podium.

 Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round – Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. It was the second highest number of first-round QB selections (tied with the 1999 & 2018 drafts) after the record six selected in 1983. The draft also marks the third time the first three picks (Lawrence, Wilson, and Lance) were QBs, following the 1971 and 1999 draft classes. A total of eight QBs selected in the first three rounds, the most in NFL Draft history. Conversely, however, only two QBs were taken in rounds four through seven. The 2021 class also marked the lowest position for the first defensive player selected in a given draft in the common era, with the Carolina Panthers’ selection of Jaycee Horn at the eighth overall choice.

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In addition to the high number of QBs, six Alabama players were taken in the first round, which tied with the six Miami players in 2004 for the most 1st-round selections from an individual school. Conversely, no Big 12 Conference players were drafted in the first round for the first time since the conference’s 1994 establishment. The draft also saw no Michigan State players selected for the first time in 80 years.

 The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility and an opt-out option for athletes because of the shortened season, resulting in many prospects returning to school instead of declaring for this draft class.

 2020 Resolution JC-2A picks
         In November 2020 the NFL passed that year’s Resolution JC-2A, which rewards teams for developing minority candidates for head coach and/or general manager positions. The resolution rewards teams whose minority candidates are hired away for one of those positions by awarding draft picks. These draft picks are at the end of the third round, after standard compensatory picks. If multiple teams qualify, they are awarded in draft order from the first round. These picks are in addition to, and have no impact on, the standard 32 compensatory picks. Four picks have been awarded for the draft pursuant to the resolution.

 San Francisco received 2021, 2022, and 2023 third-round selections when its defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was hired by the New York Jets as head coach and its vice president of player personnel Martin Mayhew was  hired by Washington as general manager.

 Los Angeles Rams received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when their college scouting director Brad Holmes was hired by Detroit as general manager.

 Baltimore received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when its assistant head coach and passing game coordinator David Culley was hired by Houston as head coach.

 New Orleans received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when its director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot was hired by Atlanta as general manager.

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Overview
259 Total selections in 7 rounds
First selection – Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence
Last selection – ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ – Tampa Bucs – LB Grant Stuard
Most selections (11) – Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys & Minnesota Vikings
Fewest selections (3) – Seattle Seahawks

The following is the breakdown of the 259 players selected in NFL Draft 2021 by position:
38 cornerbacks
36 wide receivers
34 defensive ends
25 offensive tackles
21 linebackers
21 safeties
19 defensive tackles
18 running backs
13 offensive guards
11 tight ends
10 quarterbacks
8 centers
2 long snappers
1 fullback
1 placekicker
1 punter

Selections by NCAA Conference
A new record-high 65 players were drafted from the SEC, the most in NFL history, surpassing the previous number of selections, 64, in 2019 which was also the set by the SEC.

Selections by NCAA Conference
  NCAA Division I FBS Conference  Totals
American – 19
ACC – 42
Big 12 – 22
Big Ten – 44
C-USA – 4
Ind. (FBS) – 15
MAC – 4
MW – 3
Pac-12 – 28
SEC – 65
Sun Belt – 4

Schools with multiple draft selections
    Selections Schools
10 Alabama, Ohio State
9 Georgia, Notre Dame
8 Florida, Michigan
7 LSU
6 Kentucky, Penn State, Pittsburgh
5 BYU, Clemson, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford, Texas, UCF, USC
4 Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida State, Iowa, Miami (Fl), Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Texas A&M,
Virginia Tech, Washington
3 Houston, Northwestern, Wisconsin
2 Arizona, Boise State, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Louisville, Minnesota, Mississippi State,
Nebraska, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Purdue, SMU, Syracuse, TCU,
Tennessee, Texas Tech, Tulane, UCLA, Western Michigan

Selections by Position
Position Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Total
Center –  8
Cornerbacks – 38
Defensive end – 34
Defensive tackle – 19
Fullback –  1
Guard – 13
Kicker –  1
Linebacker  – 21
Long snapper – 2
Offensive tackle – 25
Punter – 1
Quarterback – 10
Running back – 18
Safety –  21
Tight end – 11
Wide receiver – 36

Ravens – Chiefs Trade Changes Late First Round Selections

The Ravens pulled off a recent major trade with the Chiefs dealing OT Orlando Brown for the KC #1, #3 and #4 picks and another future late choice. Baltimore now will have two #1 picks while surrendering their #2 and #6 picks along with the massive Brown. Ravens will most likely address the offensive line early and probably with one of their two top selections. The Chiefs addressed their huge problem at tackle with both veteran starters Fisher and Schwartz unsigned and recovering from health issues. Ravens have a few openings along the line and it becomes their highest need area and possibly with a few early draft choices.

AFC North

       Baltimore Ravens – 11-5 – Head Coach John Harbaugh – 14th Year

         Key Team Needs:  1. OL      2. WR     3. LB     4. DL      5. TE
          1st Round Pick – (2)  #27 & #31 selections – 9 total picks 

1. Offensive Line – The Ravens’ signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a three-year contract. They have had problems on the interior in recent years. Center is a huge void inside and starter Matt Skura left in FA. They look to add quality interior linemen with both center and guard important. They have weak depth and need to address this unit by the middle rounds. They like a few tackles, Teven Jenkins and Liam Eichenberg in the late first and both are NFL ready to fill the right tackle position. OL Alex Leatherwood is a prospect they like and feel he can line up at both tackle and guard and a possibility. They also like centers Landon Dickerson or Creed Humphrey in the 1st round. They will consider guards Wyatt Davis and Trey Smith on the 2nd day.

 2. Wide Receiver – The Ravens have had major issues at this position with aging veterans and yearly turnover. They signed Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal. He is a player who got buried in the Chiefs potent passing game and struggled with career injuries. He could be a major surprise here. Young vets, Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin show interesting promise. They will consider Kadarius Toney and Terrace Marshall with a late first round pick. They also like Amari Rodgers and Dyami Brown in the 3rd round. Both are high-quality athletes who shows impact ability and good after the catch ability. They will most likely address this position at least once and probably early in the process.

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 3. Linebacker – The Ravens resigned many veteran defensive players including Tyus Bowser. They lost edge rusher Matt Judon in FA and he leaves a huge void. They are looking for a difference maker off the edge with three down versatility. They will probably consider LBers, Azeez Ojulari and Zaven Collins. Both would be good fits here. Collins is a natural here and a kid with a big upside going forward. They like Joseph Ossai, a three-down defender with playmaking ability. They look to young LBers to continue to develop.

   Ravens – Short List Players

1st Round Prospects (2) – #27 & #31
Teven Jenkins                     OT           Oklahoma State
Kadarius Toney                   WR          Florida
Liam Eichenberg                OT           Notre Dame
Zaven Collins                      LB           Tulsa
Azeez Ojulari                       LB           Georgia
Terrace Marshall                 WR          LSU
 
2nd Day Prospects  
2nd Round  – No pick
 
3rd Round (2) – #94 & #104
Amari Rodgers                    WR          Clemson
Rashad Weaver                   DE          Pittsburgh
Jackson Carman                 OT           Clemson
Quincy Roche                      OLB        Miami
Ihmir Smith-Marsette       WR          Iowa
Josh Myers                           C             Ohio State

Insiders’ Insights

The Ravens’ finished 2nd in the AFC North with a 11-5 record behind star QB Lamar Jackson. The Ravens led the league in rushing, but finished dead last in the passing game. Jackson is a magical athlete, though his passing from the pocket is still inconsistent. He is the best dual threat in the game. His season ended abruptly in the postseason with another loss. His scrambling ability plus rookie JK Dobbins helped the Ravens lead the league in rushing. They will continue to build around Jackson with both line and skill positions being key areas. Their front office continues to be one of the best in the league under the direction of GM Eric DeCosta who gets consistently good value for his selections. He is one of the most astute talent evaluators in the NFL and has built the Ravens’ culture. They need a strong class this spring to compete in the tough North division. They will consider the offensive line early with both tackle and interior positions major need areas. They look to improve their pass pressure with new rushers and like Collins very much. They will probably address the front seven mainly on the edges a few times among their selections. They have had the willingness to move up and back in the early rounds for the right prospect. They usually address need and value very well and effectively.

1st Round Pick – Teven Jenkins – Physical right tackle would be great fit, though currently out of reach at #27.
Alternate Pick – Liam Eichenberg – Tough technician would give them Irish bookend tackles.
 1st Round Pick – Zaven Collins – Athletic versatile LB would be a great addition behind their tough front line.
Alternate Pick – Terrace Marshall – Tough possession receiver fits in here very well.

Pro Days Added for QBs, Justin Fields & Trey Lance

QB Justin Fields will throw today again for NFL teams at Ohio State’s second pro day. It gets another chance to showcase his talent in front of scouts with a number of teams in the top half of the first round present. Fields will perform in front of the San Francisco 49ers who have the 3rd pick overall at this month’s draft, in addition to the Falcons, Panthers and Broncos, all holding top ten selections. The Patriots will be in attendance and may inquire about moving into the top ten selections for a young passer.

Draft Insiders’ 2021 Pro Day Report is Available for Subscribers

49ers’ G.M. John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will be there after they missed Fields’ first pro day on March 30^th to attend Mac Jones’ pro day performance at Alabama’s pro day. The Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick also missed Field’s first workout at the Bama Pro Day and could be present today.

All the interested teams will probably commit to attending Trey Lance’s workout at North Dakota State’s second pro day on Monday, April 19^th. He performed well on his first pro day on March 12^th. Both Fields and Lance are marginal top five selections according to the team’s system and coaching staffs. Each QB hopes to leave a last late impression after other prospects Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Mac Jones all performed very well in their scripted drills that improved their stock.

LSU linebacker Jabril Cox will also have a late pro day on Monday April 26^th. He missed the Tigers’ pro day on March 31th due to hamstring tightness which kept him sidelined. Cox started his college career at North Dakota State before transferring to Baton Rouge for the 2020 season. He played well and handled the SEC competition weekly. He is a rangy defender who has agility, speed and range to be a coverage backer in the NFL. At 6’3” and 232 pounds, he has the frame to put on weight and has shown he can take on tight ends at the line and in space.

NFL Free Agency 2021 – Top 100 Players

          Free Agents – Unrestricted & ‘Street’ – 

                            Trades and Signings To be Announced March 17th

   Top 100 Free Agents – Unrestricted & Street Players
Rank /    Player /   Position / Age                           

#1 Trent Williams OT – Age 33
49ers trying to put together contract. Colts are pressing for this future Hall of Fame-caliber left tackle.

#2 Allen Robinson WR – Age 28
Bears’ franchise tagged this playmaker m and hope to provide him a new veteran passer.

#3 Leonard Williams DE – Age 27
Williams was tagged again after a huge full season. Long term 3-year contract allows GMen to pursue other FAs.

#4 Justin Simmons S – Age 27
The Broncos won’t let this Pro Bowl safety leave. Hope to resign to a long-term contract.

#5 J.J. Watt DE – signed Arizona Cardinals – Age 32
Three-time DPY joins an emerging team after seeing the Texans to fall apart in recent seasons.

 #6 Shaquil Barrett LB – Age 28
Impact defender during the playoffs and Super Bowl run. Still in his prime and good resigning for Bucs on this road to repeat.

#7 Aaron Jones RB – Age 26
Highly productive back was resigned after another excellent well-rounded performance.

#8 Dak Prescott QB – Age 28
Cowboys resigned to a long-term contract, though overrated in some respects. Marginal top ten starter.

#9 Chris Godwin WR – Age 24
Emerging playmaker looks to sign a long contract to work with Tom Brady again.

#10 Trey Hendrickson DE – Age 26
Bengals stepped to the table to land this edge rusher. Excellent addition.

#11 Taylor Moton OT – Age 27
Franchise tagged right tackle is just entering prime and a key blocker whom Panthers must resign.

#12 Brandon Scherff OG – Age 29
Four-time Pro Bowler gets the Franchise tag again and probably stays in the Capital.

#13 Bud Dupree Edge – Age 28
Late-season torn ACL still merited a big contract with Titans.

#14 Joe Thuney OG – Age 28
Quality veteran guard plugs inside to give Mahomes an anchor in the middle.

#15 Matt Judon Edge – Age 29
Pats sign this edge rusher quickly to give them a missing impact front seven defender.

#16 William Jackson CB – Age 28
Big young cornerback signed with the WFC to give them a shutdown cover man on this talented unit.

#17 Corey Linsley C – Age 30
Chargers quickly signed this pivotman filling a huge need on the interior.

#18 AJ Green WR – Age 33
Veteran playmaker might come cheaper after the first week of FA.

#19 Hunter Henry TE – Age 26
One of top 5 in the league and goes to the Patriots where they focus on playmakers here.
 
#20 Kenny Golladay WR – Age 27
Highly productive receiver is the real deal. Consistency and well-rounded game will merit top dollars.
 
#21 JuJu Smith-Schuster WR – Age 24
One of the best #2 receivers in the game but not a true #1 playmaker. Contenders hoping to close the deal.

#22 Carl Lawson LB – Age 26
Quick edge pass rusher with a ton of QB pressures and hits. Good fit for the Jets.

#23 Corey Davis WR – Age 26
Former high #1 pick finished with a strong 2020. Shows #1 potential and excellent addition for the Jets.

#24 John Johnson S – Age 25
Well-rounded safety landed with the Browns and gives this secondary a quality three down centerfielder.

#25 Will Fuller WR – Age 27
Fast young veteran might be a second tier FA bargain after the first week.

#26 Matt Milano LB – Age 27
Well-developed three down backer excels in Sean McDermontt’s system and resigned here.

#27 Jonnu Smith TE – Age 26
Tough blocker and top movement TE fits well in the Patriots offense and a top red-zone weapon.

#28 Leonard Floyd Edge – Age 29
Comes off a career performance outside of Aaron Donald. Resigns here with Rams taking a run at the title.

#29 Marcus Williams S – Age 25
Saints used the Franchise tag here and see him as a cornerstone piece on this changing unit.

#30 Yannick Ngakoue Edge – Age 26
Four teams in two years are a Red flag here. He may sit to after the first wave to get his best offers.

 #31 Jadeveon Clowney DE – Age 28
High priced veteran has never become a sack artist off the edge, though certainly a disruptive force and scheme diverse to help a contender as an important front seven piece.

#32 Curtis Samuel WR – Age 25
Playmaker from the slot had a breakout season, though slot receivers have been overpaid in recent years.

#33 Haason Reddick Edge – Age 26
Young edge rusher finally settled into the right position on the outside. Risky, though emerging playmaker.

#34 Marcus Maye S – Age 28
Looks to finalize a big long-term deal here after getting the Franchise tag.

#35 Mitchell Schwartz OT – Age 32
Released Pro Bowl veteran is coming off a back operation, but will get attention from contenders with medical clearance.

#36 Dalvin Tomlinson NT – Age 27
Anchor the middle got his payday in Minnesota as the GMen lose another young second contract DT.

#37 Lavonte David LB – Age 31
Fast veteran resigned with Bucs and looks to repeat here late in his impressive career.

#38 Daryl Williams OT – Age 29
Tough veteran comes off a strong effort after a serious knee injury. Resigns with Bills.

#39 Cam Newton QB – Age 32
Resigns with Patriots and has a nice group of new weapons to work with to dispel a weak 2020 effort.

#40 Ryan Fitzpatrick QB – Age 38
‘Fitz Magic’ takes his game to the Capital where he looks to take his final road show.

#41 Eric Fisher OT – Age 32
#42 Shaquill Griffin CB – Age 26
#43 Romeo Okwara Edge – Age 26
#44 Anthony Harris S – Age 29
#45 T.Y. Hilton WR – Age 31
#46 Shelby Harris DE – Age 30
#47 Justin Houston Edge – Age 32
#48 Jason Verrett CB – Age 30
#49 Nelson Agholor WR – Age 28
#50 Marvin Jones WR – Age 31
#51 Trai Turner OG – Age 28
#52 Melvin Ingram Edge – Age 32
#53 Sammy Watkins WR – Age 28
#54 Kwon Alexander LB – Age 27
#55 Chris Carson RB – Age 26
#56 Rob Gronkowski TE – Age 32
#57 Patrick Peterson CB – Age 31
#58 Gabe Jackson OG – Age 30
#59 Tanoh Kpassagnon DE – Age 27
#60 Cameron Sutton CB – Age 25
#61 Lamarcus Joyner S – Age 31
#62 Malcolm Butler CB – Age 31
#63 Carlos Dunlap DE – Age 32
#64 Ronald Darby CB – Age 27
#65 Jayon Brown LB – Age 26
#66 Jaquiski Tartt S – Age 29
#67 Denico Autry DE – Age 31
#68 Jameis Winston QB – Age 27
#69 David Andrews C – Age 29
#70 Andy Dalton QB – Age 33
#71 Mike Hilton CB – Age 27
#72 K.J. Wright LB – Age 32
#73 Richard Sherman CB – Age 33
#74 Kenny Vaccaro S – Age 30
#75 Kenyan Drake RB – Age 27
#76 Riley Reiff OT – Age 32
#77 Nick Martin C – Age 28
#78 Jalen Mills, S – Age 27
#79 Rodney Hudson C – Age 32
#80 Casey Hayward CB – Age 32
#81 John Brown WR – Age 31
#82 Ndamukong Suh DT – Age 34
#83 Adoree Jackson CB – Age 26
#84 Xavier Woods S – Age 26
#85 Desmond King DB – Age 26
#86 Michael Davis CB – Age 26
#87 Keanu Neal S – Age 26
#88 Tyrell Williams WR – Age 29
#89 Mitchell Trubisky QB – Age 27
#90 Leonard Fournette RB – Age 26
#91 Shawn Williams S – Age 30
#92 Chidobe Awuzie CB – Age 26
#93 Sheldon Rankins DT – Age 27
#94 Malik Hooker S – Age 25
#95 Jacoby Brissett QB – Age 28
#96 Antonio Brown WR – Age 33
#97 DeQuan Jones NT – Age 29
#98 K’Waun Williams CB – Age 30
#99 Larry Ogunjobi DT – Age 27
#100 Austin Reiter C – Age 29

NFL War Rooms Open for Business
Salary Cap Boosted to $182.5 Million Per Team

The NFL told teams this week they will be allowed to operate from their team War Rooms both during the upcoming 2021 NFL Free Agency and the April NFL Draft. This returns the teams to their annual format that was interrupted last year due to the Pandemic. The 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the entire NFL Draft was held virtually with every team’s personnel executives, coaches and scouts working privately from their homes, offices or third-party, offsite facilities.

Teams must still follow firm protocols like physical-distancing and wearing masks in rooms. Every team must submit a plan for its 2021 draft operations to the league by March 26^th and approval by Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer. Currently, it is unlikely that fans will be permitted to attend this year’s NFL Draft.

The 2021 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Cleveland from April 29-May 1. As of now, it’s still on as planned with safety precautions. Teams are excited about the ability to get back to normal and gather in-person to discuss pro prospects who could shape their clubs for years.

The NFL office also informed teams that their salary cap will be officially set at $182.5 million. The NFL had previously set the salary cap floor at $180 million. Clubs were expecting the final figure to come somewhere between $180 million and $185 million.

The expected decrease is primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced teams to compete in front of no or limited fans in stadiums throughout the season to accommodate safety protocols. With no or limited ‘Live Gate” for teams, the salary cap was cut by more than $15 million off the previous salary cap, which sat at $198.2 in 2020. The cap was $188.2 million in 2019 and $177.2 million in 2018. In addition to the salary cap, franchise tag values for the 2021 season were confirmed Wednesday. Ten players received the Franchise tag prior to the March 9th deadline.

The result of the huge decline in the 2021 salary cap, NFL teams have already begun a quick roster reduction of high-priced veterans. Many veteran players have been released ahead of the new league year, which begins on March 17, as clubs must get below the $182.5 million salary cap number. Despite a broad-based release of veterans leaguewide, the player movement of free agent veterans may be the slowest in years with many clubs very limited to pursue the new available talent.

NFL Announces 36 Compensatory Draft Choices to 17 Clubs

​​​​Revised list of 2021 compensatory draft selections. The previous list incorrectly indicated that the San Francisco 49ers would receive two special compensatory draft selections in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. A club that loses two minority employees to other clubs, as did San Francisco, will receive a special compensatory draft selection in the next three drafts. The revised list correctly indicates that San Francisco will receive one such selection in Round 3 of the 2021 Draft.

A total of 36 compensatory draft selections in the 2021 NFL Draft have been awarded to 17 teams. Under the rules for compensatory draft selections, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents (“CFA”) than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. The compensatory picks will be positioned within the third through sixth rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost.

Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The formula was developed by the NFL management council. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula. No club may receive more than four compensatory picks in any one year. If a club qualifies for more than four compensatory picks after offsetting each CFA lost by each CFA gained of an equal or higher value, the four highest remaining selections will be awarded to the club.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement limits the number of compensatory selections to the number of clubs then in the League (32). This year, seven clubs, the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers qualified for a compensatory selection under the net loss formula but will not receive that pick because the final numerical value of the CFA who was lost ranked 33rd or lower among the final numerical values of all compensatory selections. Each of those clubs except Indianapolis will receive compensatory selections for other CFAs lost whose final numerical values ranked within the top 32.

In addition to the 32 compensatory selections awarded under the net loss formula, four special compensatory selections were awarded to four clubs: the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints under a recent amendment to the League’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, which was agreed upon by the NFL and the NFLPA to promote equal employment opportunities and an inclusive workforce within NFL clubs. This initiative provides that the prior employer-club of a minority employee who has been hired by another club as its head coach or primary football executive (general manager) will receive compensation in the form of a special compensatory draft selection in the third round of each of the next two drafts, or in each of the next three drafts if two minority employees from the employer-club are hired for these positions by another club or clubs. Special compensatory selections are awarded in draft selection order after all other compensatory selections in round three.

The following 2021 compensatory draft picks have been awarded for the 2021 NFL Draft, which will be held on April 29-May 1 in Cleveland:

Round/Round Choice/Overall Selection / Team
* – Compensatory Picks for Coaching/ Front Offices losses
3 33-96 New England
3 34-97 Los Angeles Chargers
3 35-98 New Orleans
3 36-99 Dallas
3 37-100 Tennessee
3 38-101 Los Angeles Rams
* 3 39-102 San Francisco
* 3 40-103 Los Angeles Rams
* 3 41-104 Baltimore
* 3 42-105 New Orleans

4 33-138 Dallas
4 34-139 New England
4 35-140 Pittsburgh
4 36-141 Los Angeles Rams
4 37-142 Green Bay
4 38-143 Minnesota
4 39-144 Kansas City

5 33-177 Green Bay
5 34-178 Dallas
5 35-179 Atlanta
5 36-180 San Francisco
5 37-181 Kansas City
5 38-182 Atlanta
5 39-183 Baltimore

6 33-216 Tampa Bay
6 34-217 New Orleans
6 35-218 Atlanta
6 36-219 Green Bay
6 37-220 Chicago
6 38-221 Carolina
6 39-222 Minnesota
6 40-223 Philadelphia
6 41-224 Philadelphia
6 42-225 Carolina
6 43-226 Dallas
6 44-227 Chicago

Pro Prospect Rankings – NFL Draft 2021

February 2021 Rankings
Offensive Players – Top 10 Rankings

* underclassmen
          Player              Ht/Wt     School
Quarterbacks
1 * Trevor Lawrence 6-6, 215 Clemson
2 * Zach Wilson 6-3, 210 Brigham Young
3 * Trey Lance 6-4, 225 North Dakota State
4 * Justin Fields 6-3, 225 Ohio State
5 * Mac Jones 6-3, 215 Alabama
6 Kyle Trask 6-5, 240 Florida
7 Kellen Mond 6-3, 215 Texas A&M
8 Jamie Newman 6-4, 230 Wake Forest
9 Sam Ehlinger 6-3, 225 Texas
10 K.J. Costello 6-5, 225 Mississippi State

Running Backs
1 Travis Etienne 5-10, 205 Clemson
2 Najee Harris 6-2, 230 Alabama
3 * Javonte Williams 5-10, 200 North Carolina
4 * Chuba Hubbard 6-0, 210 Oklahoma State
5 Michael Carter 5-8, 200 North Carolina
6 * Jaret Patterson 5-9, 195 Buffalo
7 * Kenneth Gainwell 5-11, 195 Memphis
8 * Khalil Herbert 5-9, 210 Virginia Tech
9 Trey Sermon 6-1, 215 Ohio State
10 Rhamondre Stevenson 6-0, 245 Oklahoma

Tight Ends
1 * Kyle Pitts 6-6, 245 Florida
2 Pat Freiermuth 6-5, 255 Penn State
3 * Hunter Long 6-5, 250 Boston College
4 Tony Poljan 6-7, 265 Virginia
5 * Brevin Jordan 6-3, 245 Miami
6 Tre McKitty 6-5, 245 Georgia
7 Tommy Tremble 6-4, 245 Notre Dame
8 Matt Bushman 6-5, 240 Brigham Young
9 Luke Farrell 6-6, 255 Ohio State
10 Noah Gray 6-4, 240 Duke

Wide Receivers
1 * Ja’Marr Chase 6-0, 205 LSU
2 DeVonta Smith 6-1, 175 Alabama
3 * Jaylen Waddle 5-10, 185 Alabama
4 Kadarius Toney 6-0, 195 Florida
5 * Tutu Atwell 5-9, 165 Louisville
6 * Rashod Bateman 6-2, 210 Minnesota
7 * Rondale Moore 5-9, 180 Purdue
8 * Terrace Marshall 6-3, 200 LSU
10 * Elijah Moore 5-9, 185 Mississippi

Senior Bowl 2021 Game

    Draft Insiders’ Staff

QB Mond and DE Sample Earn Game MVP Honors

The 2021 Senior Bowl game was played after an impressive effort by the All-classic staff led by Director Jim Nagy. The condensed week of practices prior to the Saturday game came off without a glitch from the benefit of strict Pandemic guidelines and an expanded player roster.

With an interesting roster of pro prospects who completed the week of practices, physicals and interviews the All-star classic was a competitive contest that ended with a National team win over the American squad 27-24.

QB Kellen Mond of Texas A&M walked off with the MVP award after a clutch effort directing several drives to lead the National team throughout the second half when they scored all their points. Mond helped his cause, showing a strong arm, fine mobility and sound decision making. He heads the second tier of QB prospects entering the interview process prior the NFL Draft 2021.

         Draft Insiders’ 2021 January Newsletter is available now

The February Newsletter will be available this week with extensive coverage of the Senior Bowl plus Mock Draft and new Top 100 prospects

Runners Michael Carter and Rhondae Stevenson were featured often and produced. Carter displayed big play ability as both a runner and receiver and helped his cause immensely. Wideouts Amari Rodgers, Frank Darby and Shi Smith had nice performances and elevated their stock.

The NFL Draft usually benefits from the Senior Bowl defenders and this game featured several impact pass rushers in Cam Sample, Quincy Roche, Janarius Robinson and Patrick Jones. LB KJ Britt of Auburn had a strong game and picked up his keys quickly and had a burst to the ball to finish. Sample had an impressive game and earned Defensive MVP honors.

Linebackers, Jordan Smith and Baron Browning also made big plays during the game after a strong week of practices. Corner Aaron Robinson displayed fast developing coverage skills in the practices and joined the elite cover men in this class after an impressive overall week.

This was the final football action for the year with the offseason workout portion in disarray with both the NFL Combine and school Pro Days terminated or significantly curtailed. They could be completely closed out due to the Pandemic as teams face stiff limitations completing the scouting process. Zoom sessions may be the only interaction with players in many cases, between prospects and any perspective NFL teams.

Senior Bowl Game Players

Offensive Players
12 Mond, Kellen                        QB       Texas A&M       6024     205
11 Ehlinger, Sam                       QB       Texas               6014     222
7 Carter, Michael                       RB        North Carolina   5077     202
29 Stevenson, Rhamondre         RB        Oklahoma         5115     227
3 Rodgers, Amari                      WR       Clemson           5094     211
10 Felton, Demetric                   WR       UCLA               5085     189
13 Fitzpatrick, Dez                     WR       Louisville           6021     202
84 Darby, Frank                        WR       Arizona State    6001     194
13 Smith, Shi                            WR       South Carolina 5100     186
75 Radunz, Dillon                      OL        North Dakota St   6055 304
72 Hainsey, Robert                    OL        Notre Dame      6044     302
55 Hudson, James                    OL        Cincinnati          6043     302

Defensive Players
5 Sample, Cam                         DL        Tulane             6026     274
92 Odighizuwa, Osa                  DL        UCLA               6020     280
96 Robinson, Janarius               LB        Florida State     6050     266
90 Jones, Patrick                       DL        Pittsburgh         6044     264
49 Graham, Ta’Quon                 DL        Texas               6030     290
55 Roche, Quincy                      DL        Miami               6027     243
33 Britt, KJ                                LB        Auburn             6001     239
47 Smith, Elerson                      LB        Northern Iowa   6064     262
55 Browning, Baron                   LB        Ohio State        6031     241
31 Robinson, Aaron                   CB        Central Florida 5114     190
25 St. Juste, Benjamin               CB        Minnesota         6033     200
8 Taylor, Keith                           CB        Washington       6023     191
27 Grant, Richie                        S          Central Florida 5115     8200

 Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2021

      NFL List of Official Underclassmen by Year

The list of 98 players granted special eligibility for entry to the 2021 NFL Draft was released by the NFL. Each of the players granted special eligibility has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and has submitted to a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility. The deadline for receiving applications was Jan. 18.

 The 98 players granted special eligibility for the 2021 NFL Draft:

    Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
    Calvin Ashley, OT, Florida A&M
    Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
    Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
    Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
    Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
    Larry Borom, OT, Missouri
    Bobby Brown, DT, Texas A&M
    Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
    Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan State
    Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
    Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
    Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
    Brady Christensen, OT, BYU
    Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
    Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
    Aashari Crosswell, S, Arizona State
    Drew Dalman, C, Stanford
    Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
    Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
    Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
    Brendan DeVera, LB, ASA JC
    Brennan Eagles, WR, Texas
    Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
    Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford
    Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
    Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
    Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
    Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
    Kendrick Green, OG, Illinois
    Olaijah Griffin, CB, USC
    Javian Hawkins, RB, Louisville
    Darius Hodge, edge rusher, Marshall
    Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
    Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
    Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
    Talanoa Hufanga, S, USC
    Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
    Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
    Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina
    Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
    Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
    Brenden Knox, RB, Marshall
    Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
    Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
    Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
    Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
    Isaiah McKoy, WR, Kent State
    Alim McNeill, DT, N.C. State
    Evan McPherson, K, Florida
    Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
    Dax Milne, WR, BYU
    Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
    Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
    Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
    Marcus Murphy, S, Mississippi State
    Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern
    Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
    Azeez Ojulari, edge rusher, Georgia
    Joseph Ossai, edge rusher, Texas
    Jayson Oweh, edge rusher, Penn State
    Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo
    Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
    Jaelan Phillips, edge rusher, Miami
    Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
    Gregory Rousseau, edge rusher, Miami
    Asante Samuel, CB, Florida State
    Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
    Stevie Scott III, RB, Indiana
    Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
    Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
    William Sherman, OT, Colorado
    Jamien Sherwood, S, Auburn
    Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
    Caden Sterns, S, Texas
    Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
    Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
    Tamorrion Terry, WR, Florida State
    Bryce Thompson, CB, Tennessee
    Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State
    Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame
    Joe Tryon, edge rusher, Washington
    Jay Tufele, DT, USC
    Christian Tutt, DB, Auburn
    Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
    Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
    Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
    Ar’Darius Washington, S, TCU
    Rachad Wildgoose, CB, Wisconsin
    Adam Williams, P, Memphis
    Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
    Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech
    Pooka Williams Jr., RB, Kansas
    Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
    Trill Williams, S, Syracuse
    Marco Wilson, CB, Florida
    Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
    Nahshon Wright, CB, Oregon State
 
The following 30 players have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. They are eligible for selection:

    Jack Anderson, OG, Texas Tech
    Aaron Banks, OG, Notre Dame
    Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
    Adrian Ealy, OT, Oklahoma
    Darren Hall, CB, San Diego State
    Trey Hill, C Georgia
    Anthony Hines, LB, Texas A&M
    Wyatt Hubert, DE, Kansas State
    James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati
    Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
    Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
    Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida State
    Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
    Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
    Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College
    Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
    Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
    Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
    Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
    Tre Norwood, CB, Oklahoma
    Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
    Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
    Blake Proehl, WR, East Carolina
    Chris Rumph, DE, Duke
    Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
    Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
    Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC
    Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
    Connor Wedington, WR, Stanford
    Pro Wells, TE, TCU
 
The following players inquired about their draft status and are eligible for selection without the need for special eligibility:

    Walker Little, OT, Stanford
    Foster Sarell, OT, Stanford
    Jordan Smith, LB, UAB
 

Year/ Players – Granted Special Eligibility
2021 – 98         2015 – 74  
2020 – 99         2014 – 98
2019 – 103        2013 – 73
2018 – 106        2012 – 65
2017 – 95          2011 – 56
2016 – 96         2010 – 53