2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Big Ten Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Northwestern – Paddy Fisher, Linebacker, Senior
Northwestern isn’t exactly a team that turns out top NFL prospects every year, but Paddy Fisher could change that in the 2021 NFL Draft. After a strong 2019 campaign, he is looking to build on his resume for the draft.
Despite registering double-digit tackles for the first time last season (89) after totaling 111 and 116 his first two seasons, Fisher still was second on the team for tackles a year ago. He also added six tackles for loss and a sack on top of an interception and two fumbles forced.
With the top defensive player from the 2019 season moving on from Northwestern, the table is open for someone to step up and make a big impact. Given what Fisher has shown he is capable of, it would make sense that he would be the one to step up.
If Fisher can get back into the 100 tackles range and add a few more sacks to his total, he could be one of the better linebacker options in the 2021 NFL Draft. Every team can use a reliable tackler in the middle of the field and if Fisher can provide that, he should hear his name called at some point next April.