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2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: SEC

By Kyle Edmond

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Kylin Hill #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs dives for a touchdown over Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The touchdown was called back on an offensive penalty. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Kylin Hill #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs dives for a touchdown over Shyheim Carter #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The touchdown was called back on an offensive penalty. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft, Jamar Watson
2021 NFL Draft prospect Jamar Watson #31 of the Kentucky Wildcats (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Kentucky – Jamar Watson, Linebacker, Senior

Here are a couple of junior season stat lines from Kentucky.

Stat Line A – 66 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks. Stat Line B – 36 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks. Outside of tackles, pretty similar, right? Stat Line A is the junior season of Josh Allen, the seventh pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Stat Line B is Jamar Watson.

The argument can definitely be made that Allen’s draft stock was because of his monster senior season, but an argument can also be made that Watson is setting up for something similar in his final season at Kentucky. The overall tackles could be a concern, but the ability to create pressure in the backfield is something teams are always looking to add.

Watson also led the Wildcats in quarterback hurries a year ago, registering seven. Additionally, he forced a fumble and recovered another, making for a strong stat line across the board.

If Watson can increase his tackle total he could very well be in the same conversation as Micah Parsons and other top linebacker talent that will enter the 2021 NFL Draft. Even if he repeats last season, he will still receive enough attention to hear his name called come April.

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