2021 NFL Draft: 4 players unaffected by Big Ten postponing the season

1. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

One of the easier evaluations in the 2021 NFL Draft class, Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth is a player that doesn’t need a final season.

After a 2019 season that included 43 catches, 507 yards, and seven touchdowns, Freiermuth had an opportunity to declare early for the 2020 draft (a rare instance for a second-year player) and likely be the top one selected. Instead, Freiermuth opted to return for the 2020 season.

Now that the Big Ten season will either be canceled or postponed to the spring, Freiermuth can instead prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s already getting a ton of first-round hype and is in contention for the top tight end in the class with Florida’s Kyle Pitts.

Freiermuth is such a well-rounded player that it would be a shock to see him be available on day two of the draft. He’s a good blocker at the point of attack, especially with his technique of a wide base and strong hand placement.

As a receiver, Freiermuth has a great pair of mitts and the frame to box out defenders at the catch point. He’s a good enough athlete to warrant reps in the slot and on the perimeter and will create mismatches for an offense in the NFL.