2021 NFL Draft: Top prospects to watch for each ACC team
By Kyle Edmond
Duke – Victor Dimukeje, Defensive End, Senior
In the 2020 NFL Draft, Duke was the only team from the ACC to not have a draft pick after seeing Daniel Jones go in the 2019 draft at the sixth pick. However, looking ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft, Victor Dimukeje should play a big role in making sure the Blue Devils don’t repeat their misfortune in the draft.
When looking at Dimukeje’s 2019 campaign, the stat that sticks out the most is his sack total. Registering a total of 8.5 sacks, Dimukeje led the Blue Devils in the stat, also placing him fourth in the conference and 17th in the nation. Additionally, Dimukeje logged 9.5 tackles for loss, which was third on the team, as well as 10 quarterback hurries which were second on the team. He also was able to force a fumble.
To make a comparison, Dimukeje’s 2019 season was almost a mirror of Michigan’s Josh Uche, who went to the Patriots in the second round. Uche had just one more tackle for loss and one fewer sack than Dimukeje. They also each forced a fumble and Dimukeje tallied eight more tackles than Uche.
There are other variables that might have made Uche so appealing in the draft process that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, but the comparison is still valid. If Dimukeje continues to grow, then he should very easily be drafted in the 2021 NFL Draft.