2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: PAC-12 Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Oregon – C.J. Verdell, Running Back, Junior
Penei Sewell will be the top draft choice out of Oregon next year unless something drastic changes. However, he won’t be the only Oregon Duck receiving first-round consideration in the 2021 NFL Draft. Sewell will pave the way in the draft for C.J. Verdell after paving the way through the season for him as well.
Having rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, Verdell already has a strong case heading into the draft. He is one of just seven returning players in FBS to have done that while also being fourth among returners in FBS for career rushing yards with a combined 2,238 over the last two seasons. He also tallied eight touchdowns a year ago and 10 the year before as a freshman.
On top of his rushing accolades, Verdell was named All-PAC-12 second-team last year along with being named the PAC-12 Championship MVP. With Justin Herbert moving on to the NFL, Oregon might have to rely more on the run game now, meaning even more opportunities for Verdell to impress NFL scouts.
Considering Sewell, the heart of the offensive line is returning, Verdell shouldn’t have much difficulty repeating his success from the previous two seasons.