Sleeper 2021 NFL Draft prospects who could sneak into the first round
Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
There is a lot to like about the offensive linemen in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Penei Sewell clearly leads the way up front, but there is a lot of offensive line depth in this class with prospects coming in many shapes and sizes. While there are many different options of offensive linemen available, if a team is looking for power up front, they should look no further than Trey Smith out of Tennessee.
Smith is an incredibly powerful offensive lineman who is absolutely dominant at the point of attack. He fires off of the ball quickly, shows strong hands at all times and does a great job of keeping his feet moving to drive the defender down the field. Smith will likely be at his best if he sticks at offensive guard at the next level, but he did have success at left tackle early in his college career.
He brings impact power as both a run blocker and pass protector, and also has some possible inside/outside versatility that could be incredibly valuable to his team at the next level. Many teams are going to fall in love with Smith throughout the 2021 NFL Draft process and I would not be surprised if one of them takes him somewhere in the first 32 picks.
Daviyon Nixon, IDL, Iowa
Daviyon Nixon has come from seemingly out of nowhere to become one of the best defensive players in college football this season. Through eight games this year, Nixon has been credited with 45 total tackles (including a Big Ten-leading 13.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks and a 71-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
Nixon has already been named the Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten Conference and is a finalist for the Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman in college football. Simply put, he has been a dominant player this season and should be taken seriously as a premier interior defensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft class.
The Iowa product shows an incredible combination of quickness and power that makes him a consistent threat on the inside. He has an explosive first step, shows fantastic natural hand usage and can also win with raw power. Nixon also shows tremendous instincts on the field and can play disciplined football.
Make no mistake about it, Daviyon Nixon has massive upside at the next level and could easily be a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.