2021 NFL Draft: Players whose stock rose from National Championship

Jeremy Ruckert

The tight end class is much improved in the 2021 NFL Draft from 2020, with a few expected to come off of the board in the first couple of rounds. The group also has quite a few sleepers that could go in the later rounds. It just so happens that a pair of them play for Ohio State.

Luke Farrell got a bit more hype in summer scouting, but Jeremy Ruckert has been the tight end on the rise from his performances this season. Ruckert gained household name status in the Sugar Bowl, catching two touchdowns and helping the Buckeyes get revenge on Clemson.

In the title game, he only caught one pass, but it was a spectacular one, a one-handed grab up the seam against tight coverage. Obviously, his market share could raise questions, but it seems more and more commonplace with college tight ends, especially on a team with top-tier wide receivers.

Ruckert’s straight-line speed and receiving skills are quite impressive for his frame, and he’s no stranger to making plays against tight coverage and in traffic over the middle of the field. It takes more time for prospects at his position to adjust to NFL speed, but Ruckert is a prospect who has risen up boards this year.