2021 NFL Draft ILB rankings: Alabama’s Dylan Moses leads a deep group
By John Blair
11. Nick Niemann, Iowa
6-foot-3, 234 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
One of the most underrated players in the 2021 NFL Draft is Iowa linebacker, Nick Niemann. Niemann is both a productive and athletic linebacker yet is still receiving a free agent grade from some media members. Last season, Niemann led the Hawks in tackles with 77 and also had 2.5 tackles for loss last season. In terms of athletic ability, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds and also had a 6.67 three-cone drill time at Iowa’s pro day.
As a prospect Niemann has the ability to play either inside or outside linebacker in the NFL, having played both at Iowa. In pass coverage, he shows the ability to hold up well in zone coverage and has the loose hips needed to succeed at this in the NFL. While he might not be the most physical linebacker he is a sound tackler who can play sideline-to-sideline. It would not be a surprise if Niemann developed into a starting linebacker in the NFL in a year or two.
12. Isaiah McDuffie, Boston College
6-foot-1, 220 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fifth round
A productive underrated linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft is Isaiah McDuffie of Boston College. This past season he finished fifth in the FBS with 107 tackles and also registered 6.5 tackles for loss. As a prospect, he is your old school run-stuffing middle linebacker. He shows good insects when defending the run and has a non-stop motor to go along with it. He is a high character kid as well who will work to his butt off to make it in the NFL.
While McDuffie is one of the better run stuffers in the 2021 NFL Draft, he does have his share of struggles in coverage. He lacks great agility and has trouble sticking with the guy he is covering due to this deficiency. He is also not the biggest linebacker in the draft which is another concern NFL teams have with him.