2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: PAC-12 Conference
By Kyle Edmond
![SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Running back CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks carries the ball against the Utah Utes during the second half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Running back CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks carries the ball against the Utah Utes during the second half of the Pac-12 Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 06, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c02f387fccc4680248de9197b31f705ba3aa89e37e8bc32987f9668d78df63d2.jpg)
Washington – Elijah Molden, Defensive Back, Senior
Similar to Paulson Adebo at Stanford, Elijah Molden has a lot of hype around him heading into the 2020 season. Coming off a 2019 All-PAC-12 First Team selection, Molden is being recognized around the country as a top defensive back. He was named a 2020 Preseason Walter Camp All-American First Team while also being put on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list as well as the Jim Thorpe watch list.
Over 13 games, Molden led the Huskies in tackles during the 2019 season, registering 79. He also added 5.5 tackles for loss, which was fifth on the team. As for play in the secondary, Molden snagged four interceptions on the season, a team-high, and broke up another 13 passes. He also contributed three forced fumbles, recovering one as well, to fill out the rest of the stat sheet.
What will set Molden apart from the rest of the class is his ability to do it all. He has shown that he can make tackles, break into the backfield, create turnovers in more ways than one, and be a reliable pass defender. Having all those tools is a rare thing to find and teams will absolutely be curious to see what he does in the 2020 season and the rest of the path to the 2021 NFL Draft.