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

NFL Draft 2021 – First Round Draft Sequence –

January, 2021

* Underclassmen –   Selection order prior to Championship games

Pre-Championship Games

           All underclassmen had until Jan. 180^th to declare for the NFL Draft 2021. Players have three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility.

1st Round 

#   Team                     W/L

1 Jacksonville              1-15

2 NY Jets                      2-14

3 Miami (Houston)     4-12

4 Atlanta                       4-12

5 Cincinnati                 4-11-1

6 Philadelphia             4-11-1

7 Detroit                       5-11

8 Carolina                    5-11

9 Denver                      5-11

10 Dallas                      6-10

11 NY Giants               6-10

12 San Francisco        6-10

13 LA Chargers           7-9

14 Minnesota              7-9

15 New England         7-9

16 Arizona                   8-8

17 Las Vegas               8-8

18 Miami                     10-6

19 Washington            7-9

20 Chicago                  8-8

21 Indianapolis          11-5

22 Tennessee             11-5

23 NY Jets (Seattle)   12-4

24 Pittsburgh               12-4

25 Jacksonville (Rams)  10-6

26 Cleveland               11-5

27 Baltimore                11-5

28 New Orleans          12-4

29 Tampa Bay             11-5

30 Buffalo                   13-3

31 Green Bay              13-3

32 Kansas City           14-2

First Round Mock Draft for the NFL Draft 2020    

Frank Coyle / Head Scout –  Final Mock Draft

#    Team               Player /             Position / School
First Round
 1 Cincinnati         Joe Burrow                QB       LSU
2 Washington     * Chase Young           DE       Ohio St
3 Detroit            * Jeffrey Okudah     CB     Ohio St
4 NY Giants        * Tristan Wirfs           OT        Iowa
5 Miami             * Tua Tagovailoa       QB       Alabama
6 LA Chargers    Justin Herbert           QB       Oregon
7 Carolina       * Mekhi Becton            OT      Louisville
8 Arizona           * Jedrick Wills           OT        Alabama
9 Jacksonville   Derrick Brown          DT     Auburn
10 Cleveland   * Isaiah Simmons        LB    Clemson

Frank Coyle – DraftInsiders.com – 29 years 
         NFL Draft Yearbook 2020 & NFL Team Report (40 pgs ) – Available now 
      Update Report – Final Top 300/ 7 Round MD/ Top Small College Prospects – available
                          www.draftinsiders.com – Publication and Web Site

11 NY Jets                               * Andrew Thomas       OT    Georgia
12 Las Vegas                            * Henry Ruggs         WR       Alabama
13 San Fran (Indianapolis)     * C.J. Henderson        CB        Florida
14 Tampa Bay                         * CeeDee Lamb              WR       Oklahoma
15 Denver                                 * Jerry Jeudy                  WR       Alabama
16 Atlanta                                 Javon Kinlaw                  DT        South Carolina
17 Dallas                                   * Xavier McKinney         S          Alabama
18 Miami (Pitts)                      * A.J. Terrell                   CB        Clemson
19 Las Vegas (Chic)                 * Jaylon Johnson           CB        Utah
20 Jacksonville (LA Rams)     * Austin Jackson    OT        USC
21 Philadelphia                        * Kenneth Murray    LB        Oklahoma
22 Minnesota (Buffalo)             Kristian Fulton      CB        LSU
23 New England                       * Ezra Cleveland       OT        Boise State
24 New Orleans                        * Justin Jefferson       WR       LSU
25 Minnesota                            * Yetur Gross-Matos     DE       Penn State
26 Miami (Houston)                  * Tee Higgins                 WR       Clemson
27 Seattle                                   * A.J. Epenesa               DE       Iowa
28 Baltimore                             * Patrick Queen            LB        LSU
29 Tennessee                            Marlon Davidson          DE       Auburn
30 Green Bay                            * Cole Kmet                    TE        Notre Dame
31 San Francisco                      * Jordan Love                QB       Utah State
32 Kansas City                          * D’Andre Swift             RB        Georgia

NFL Scouting Combine 2020 –

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is here with the event scheduled to begin Feb. 23-March 2nd. The NFL committee invited 337 draft-eligible players to the annual event in Indianapolis, where they will go through the gauntlet of team and media interviews, physical and medical testing, and more.

The NFL Network channel will televise the NFL Combine 2020 event again for several days will workouts starting Thursday, Feb. 27th

On the NFL Combine list are all of the top prospects in the draft, as well as many players who will inevitably go undrafted. There will be additional players who are selected despite not being invited to Indy. Several top prospects were not invited to this year’s NFL Combine including offensive players, QB Tyler Huntley of Utah, RB Deshawn McClease of Virginia Tech, WR Diondre Overton of Clemson, OG Kevin Dotson of Louisiana-Laf, OG Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms of Missouri, Center Zach Shackleford of Texas. Defenders omitted from NFL Combine lister include OLB Oluwole Betiku of Illinois, DEs Jashon Cornell of Ohio St, Joe Gaziano of Northwestern, and Christian Rector of Southern Cal. Also defenders OLBs Marcel Spears of Iowa State and Jordan Glasgow of Michigan along with safeties Myles Dorn of UNC, Luther Kirk of Illinois St and David Dowell of Michigan St.

They will prep for the next stage of the scouting process at their pro days where they get probably with last chance to impress NFL personnel men.

             NFL Combine Player:     http://www.nfl.com/combine/participants

Senior Bowl 2020 Game Day

Frank Coyle – Head scout Draft Insiders’

The 2020 Senior Bowl game is here with an interesting roster of pro prospects who completed the week of practices, physicals and interviews.

        The Draft Insiders’ February Newsletter and 2020 Yearbook will have extensive coverage of the Senior Bowl and the entire All-star postseason.

Look for QBs Justin Hebert, Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts to get extensive playing time while wideouts Michael Pittman, Chase Claypool and James Proche are expected to be featured in the passing game. TEs Brycen Hopkins and Adam Tautman had impressive practice sessions and could be featured in the passing game.

Runners, Lamical Perine, Antonio Gibson and Ke’Shawn Vaughn may not be household names, but should be featured here and given a chance to display their natural talent and capable of being impact playmakers Saturday. Perine is a well rounded back who can be a difference maker here.

The NFL Draft 2020 is a class dominated by defensive front seven prospects and this game features several impact pass rushers. DT Javon Kinlaw of South Carolina had a dominant performance thru mid week, but will sit out the game due to a minor injury.  Marlon Davidson is primed for a huge effort and created continuous havoc in matchups. Look for edge rushers, Jason Strowbridge and Kenny Willekes to provide impact as outside rushers and possible difference makers in this game.

Linebackers, Malik Harrison, Evan Weaver and Anfernee Jennings showed speed, instincts and playmaking ability this week after fine careers. Look to them to be in the action throughout the contest to be the stars on their units. This will be the final real football action in these prospects for the year with the offseason workout portion of the NFL Draft process hitting full stride next week both with the NFL Combine and school Pro Days.

Senior Bowl Players to Watch

Offensive Players

Justin    Herbert                 QB          Oregon                 6061       227
Jalen      Hurts                     QB          Oklahoma           6010       218
Jordan  Love                      QB          Utah St.                 6035       223

Lamical Perine                 RB        Florida              5106     211
Antonio Gibson               RB        Memphis           6004     223
Ke’Shawn Vaughn           RB        Vanderbilt         5094     205

Michael Pittman, Jr.        WR         USC                        6037       219
Chase    Claypool               WR         Notre Dame       6043       229
Collin     Johnson              WR         Texas                    6056       221
James   Proche                  WR         SMU                      5105       196
Van        Jefferson             WR         Florida                  6014       197
Jauan    Jennings              WR         Tennessee          6030       206
Denzel  Mims                     WR         Baylor                   6026       206

Brycen  Hopkins               TE           Purdue                 6036       241
Adam    Trautman            TE           Dayton                 6050       251

Josh       Jones                      OL           Houston               6051       311
Lloyd     Cushenberry III    OL           LSU                        6032       312

Defensive Players

Javon Kinlaw                    DL           South Carolina   605        315    Injured
Marlon Davidson             DL           Auburn                 6032       297
Neville  Gallimore            DL           Oklahoma           6020       304
Jason     Strowbridge       DL           North Carolina   6042       267
Kenny   Willekes               DL           Michigan St.       6036       252

Malik     Harrison               LB           Ohio St.                 6025       246
Evan      Weaver                 LB           California             6021       234
Anfernee Jennings          LB           Alabama                 6017       252
Logan    Wilson                  LB           Utah                      6021       241
Terrell   Lewis                     LB           Alabama              6052       258

Darnay  Holmes                 CB           UCLA                     5101       192
Tony      Pride, Jr.               CB           Notre Dame       5113       193

Jeremy Chinn                    S              Southern Illinois 6031     219
Kyle Dugger                        S              Lenoir Rhyme      511       217

Tyler      Bass                       K             Georgia Southern 5100  183
Joseph  Charlton               P             South Carolina   6042       194

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

NFL Office Announces 99 Players Granted Special Eligibility For NFL Draft 2020

16 additional players who graduated and eligible

The National Football League announced the names of 99 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2020 NFL Draft and 16 players who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the April 23-25 draft in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Draft Insiders’ will have extensive Underclassmen reports in both upcoming Newsletters and the 2020 NFL Draft Yearbook.

The following 16 players have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements.  Consequently, they are eligible for selection:

Player /Position/ College
1 Benjamin, Eno RB Arizona State
2 Betiku, Oluwole DE Illinois
3 Cushenberry, Lloyd C Louisiana State
4 Davis, Quartney WR Texas A&M
5 Gilman, Alohi DB Notre Dame
6 Hennessy, Matt C Temple
7 Holmes, Darnay DB UCLA
8 Ismael, Keith C San Diego State
9 Johnson, Jaylon DB Utah
10 Jones, Tony RB Notre Dame
11 Lewis, Terrell LB Alabama
12 Love, Jordan QB Utah State
13 Lumor, Elorm DE Rutgers
14 Miller, Houston DE Texas Tech
15 Murray, Kenneth LB Oklahoma
16 Simmons, Isaiah  LB Clemson

Each of the 99 players listed below have met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and have renounced their college football eligibility by submitting written notification to the league office on or before the January 17 deadline.  Consequently, they are eligible for selection:

The players granted special eligibility for the 2020 NFL Draft:

Player /Position /College
1 Ahmed, Salvon RB Washington
2 Akers, Cam RB Florida State
3 Arnold, Grayland DB Baylor
4 Asiasi, Devin TE UCLA
5 Bandy, Trajan DB Miami (Fla.)
6 Becton, Mekhi T Louisville
7 Biadasz, Tyler C Wisconsin
8 Blacklock, Ross DT Texas Christian
9 Bowden, Lynn WR Kentucky
10 Brown, Marcus DE Missouri Western
11 Bryant, Hunter TE Washington
12 Cephus, Quintez WR Wisconsin
13 Chaisson, K’Lavon LB Louisiana State
14 Charles, Saahdiq T Louisiana State
15 Cleveland, Ezra T Boise State
16 Coe, Nick DE Auburn
17 Colon-Castillo, Trystan C Missouri
18 Coulter, Isaiah WR Rhode Island
19 Curl, Kamren DB Arkansas
20 Dallas, DeeJay RB  Miami (Fla.)
21 Dantzler, Cameron DB Mississippi State
22 Davis, Gabriel WR Central Florida
23 Davis, Kyle WR Florida Atlantic
24 Delpit, Grant DB Louisiana State
25 Dillon, AJ RB Boston College
26 Dobbins, J.K. RB Ohio State
27 Eason, Jacob QB Washington
28 Edwards-Helaire, Clyde RB Louisiana State
29 Elliott, Jordan DT Missouri
30 Epenesa, A.J. DE Iowa
31 Evans, Darrynton RB Appalachian State
32 Fromm, Jake QB Georgia
33 Garvin, Jonathan DE Miami (Fla.)
34 Gay, Willie LB Mississippi State
35 Gross-Matos, Yetur DE Penn State
36 Guerriero, Pete RB Monmouth, N.J.
37 Guidry, Javelin DB Utah
38 Hamler, K.J. WR Penn State
39 Hand, Harrison DB Temple
40 Henderson, C.J. DB Florida
41 Higgins, Tee WR Clemson
42 Hodgins, Isaiah WR Oregon State
43 Igbinoghene, Noah DB Auburn
44 Jackson, Austin T  Southern California
45 Jackson, Trishton WR  Syracuse
46 Jefferson, Justin WR Louisiana State
47 Jeudy, Jerry WR Alabama
48 Keene, Dalton TE Virginia Tech
49 Kindley, Solomon G Georgia
50 Kmet, Cole TE Notre Dame
51 Lamb, CeeDee WR Oklahoma
52 Leake, Javon RB Maryland
53 Lynch, James DT  Baylor
54 Madubuike, Justin DT  Texas A&M
55 McDonald, Cole QB Hawaii
56 McFarland, Anthony RB Maryland
57 McKinney, Xavier DB Alabama
58 Moss, Thaddeus TE Louisiana State
59 Muti, Netane T Fresno State
60 Newman, Tomas DB Virginia-Lynchburg
61 Okudah, Jeff DB Ohio State
62 Okwuegbunam, Albert TE Missouri
63 Parkinson, Colby TE Stanford
64 Peoples-Jones, Donovan WR Michigan
65 Phillips, Jacob LB Louisiana State
66 Pierre, James DB Florida Atlantic
67 Queen, Patrick LB Louisiana State
68 Reagor, Jalen WR Texas Christian
69 Renfro, Debione DB Texas A&M
70 Robertson, Amik DB Louisiana Tech
71 Robinson, Kenny DB West Virginia
72 Rogers, Kendrick WR Texas A&M
73 Ruggs, Henry WR Alabama
74 Ruiz, Cesar C Michigan
75 Salomon, Darnell WR South Florida
76 Samuels, Stanford DB Florida State
77 Scott, Josiah DB Michigan State
78 Shenault, Laviska WR Colorado
79 Siposs, Arryn P Auburn
80 Stone, Geno DB Iowa
81 Swift, D’Andre RB Georgia
82 Tagovailoa, Tua QB Alabama
83 Taylor, Jonathan RB Wisconsin
84 Taylor, Tabyus RB Virginia Union
85 Terrell, A.J. DB Clemson
86 Thomas, Andrew T Georgia
87 Thomas, Jeff WR Miami (Fla.)
88 Turk, Michael P Arizona State
89 Warren, Michael RB Cincinnati
90 Watkins, Quez WR Southern Mississippi
91 Weaver, Curtis DE Boise State
92 White, Cody WRMichigan State
93 Wills, Jedrick T Alabama
94 Wilson, Isaiah T Georgia
95 Winfield, Antoine DB Minnesota
96 Wirfs, Tristan T Iowa
97 Woodward, David LB Utah State
98 Young, Chase DE Ohio State
99 Young, Toren RB Iowa

The following players inquired about their draft status and are eligible for selection without the need for special eligibility:
Player /Position /School
1 McClease, Deshawn RB Virginia Tech
2 Strickland, Carlos WR Texas-San Antonio
3 Taylor, J.J. RB Arizona
4 Williams, Ty’Son  RB Brigham Young
5 Uche, Josh LB Michigan

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