2021 NFL Draft: Key storylines, top quarterbacks to watch and more

Multiple first-round prospects for Alabama

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide continually recruit excellent high school talent in the United States, with several prospects traveling across the continent for a chance to play in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Every year they field one of, if not the most impressive roster in the entire FBS.

The 2020 season will be no different as Saban has amassed an impressive roster, full of future NFL talent across the offense and the defense. According to PFF’s latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft, the Crimson Tide is projected to have six players in the first round, the most out of any team in college football.

While that list of the top-32 players in college football will likely change based on how the season goes, it is impressive to see how well-regarded the Alabama roster is going into the 2020 season. As the team prepares to enter a post-Tua Tagovailoa era in the SEC, let’s look at some of the best Crimson Tide prospects that will likely declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Like the 2020 NFL Draft, Alabama is projected to have a pair of wide receivers who will compete for the top wide receiver pick in next year’s draft class. The current front runner is Devonta Smith, a senior who will likely be the top target in Alabama’s offense this season. He had a fantastic junior season in 2019, racking up 14 touchdowns, 1,256 receiving yards for an impressive 18.5 yards per reception, per Sports Reference. That’s the most yards for any Alabama receiver in 2019.

Let’s remember that was with a roster that featured two 2020 first-round wide receiver talents. But despite this embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position, another wide receiver is likely to compete with Smith for the best wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jaylen Waddle will be a junior in 2020 but looks to be one of the top wide receiver prospects of next year’s draft class as well. In the last two seasons, Waddle has amassed 13 touchdowns and 1,408 receiving yards, good for 17 yards per reception. He hasn’t been used much in the offense during the last two seasons, with only 78 receptions since he joined the Crimson Tide in 2018.

But every time Waddle has lined up on the field, he has impressed scouts and looks to be one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft class. His speed has been on full display on special teams plays the last two seasons, ranking number one in punt return yards and punt return yards per return in the entire NCAA, according to Sports Reference. In 2020, he’ll have his first chance to show NFL scouts and general managers who he can be as a projected full-time starter.

On defense, the Crimson Tide will likely produce the top cornerback in the 2021 NFL Draft. Patrick Surtain II will be entering his junior year in 2020 but has seen consistent action on the field since his freshman season. In those two years, Surtain has 15 passes defended, three interceptions and five fumbles, according to Sports Reference.

At 6-foot-2, 203-pounds, he has just the right blend of speed, size and strength to impress NFL defensive coordinators. Surtain can play all parts of the field and keep his receiver on an island. Heading into next season, he’ll be an interesting prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft to keep an eye on. If he can build on his first two seasons and show scouts he is NFL-ready, he will likely declare for next year’s draft.

Finally, the last Crimson Tide player we’ll look at is linebacker Dylan Moses as the biggest sleeper on the roster in 2020. After tearing his ACL in 2019, this season will be a comeback story for the Alabama senior and could lead to a promising career in the NFL in 2021

Measuring in at 6-foot-3, 235-pounds, Moses shows a high-football IQ, as he is hardly taken off his spot by play-action or misdirection. As a tackler, he is as a solid as they come. His first season as a consistent starter came in 2018, bringing in 10 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and 86 total tackles, per Sports Reference. Coming out of high school, Moses was considered one of the premier talents in the country, ranking 13th in the 2017 recruiting class and second overall at his position, per 247 Sports.

His final season in Tuscaloosa will be an important one if he hopes to be a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite being a great run-blocker, his coverage skills leave a little to be desired. With just one interception and one pass defended in 23 games, Moses will need to show he can be disruptive in the passing game.

His 6-foot-3 size should lend itself well to coverage duty in 2020. If he continues to be a presence on the defense and challenges tight ends and slot receivers at the catch point this season, there is a strong possibility he’ll be the first linebacker drafted in 2021. With an impressive defensive line and secondary unit to back him up, Moses should have ample opportunities to prove his first-round bona fides this season.