2021 NFL Draft: 5 Pac-12 prospects most affected by cancelled season

4. Frank Darby, WR, Arizona State

Some 2021 NFL Draft prospects were finally ready for a featured or starting role in 2020 to boost their stock, and now won’t get the chance to show what they can do as the number one option or with more starting reps. One of those guys is Arizona State wide receiver Frank Darby.

Darby played behind two first-round picks in his time with the Sun Devils, N’Keal Harry and Brandon Aiyuk. While he hasn’t put up gaudy numbers, Darby has slowly become more of a focal point in the offense in his time in Tempe. His 31 catches for 616 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019 were his biggest numbers to date.

The 2020 season was going to be Darby’s chance to shine and gain some ground against some of the top wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Now, he will have to hang his hat on what he’s shown on tape up to this point.

Darby is a true threat in the passing game, as he wins initially off the line of scrimmage with good quickness. He’s flashed the ability to win deep with good double moves, and he shows great prowess at the top of his route to create separation.

His biggest question marks right now are sustaining separation on deeper routes and instances of body catches. It would have been fun to see him develop in his senior season, and it could’ve paid dividends for his stock.