2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: PAC-12 Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Colorado – Nate Landman, Linebacker, Senior
Like Cal, Colorado doesn’t turn out top talent at every position, but there are always a few that stand out. Last year it was Laviska Shenault and this coming year it might be Nate Landman.
Landman was a stronghold in the middle of the Colorado defense a year ago, logging a team-high 137 tackles, nearly 70 more than the second-most on the roster. Landman was also able to create pressure for Colorado. He tallied six sacks as well as two tackles for loss. The high amount of tackles helped him earn First-Team All-PAC-12 recognition as well as being an All-American Honorable Mention.
The accolades didn’t stop there as Phil Steele also slotted him as the No. 22 linebacker in the nation with even more labels heading into the 2020 season, including being a preseason All-American by College Football America.
It’ll be interesting to see how Landman follows up such a strong junior season. Those numbers will be hard to match but should be able to, then he should be a solid draft choice. His value could be around where Zack Baun was this past year. Depending on how Baun plays this coming year, his value could rise even higher with the hope of replicating the production of that type of pick.