Solving their quarterback dilemma with a trade for Eagles number two overall selection Carson Wentz, the Indianapolis Colts look to reinvigorate their offense by returning to their former success of a hearty offensive line. With running back Jonathan Taylor breaking out as a lead ballcarrier for the club, placing another violent mauler alongside guard Quenton Nelson could prove to be troublesome for the AFC South.
Potentially the most violent player within the entirety of the 2021 NFL Draft, Oklahoma State offensive tackle Teven Jenkins was an integral piece within the rushing attack led by record-breaking halfback Chuba Hubbard. Displaying his strength at his pro day with 36 bench reps, Jenkins premises his game around applying this strength as effectively as possible. This often leads to the hug technique (getting a solid grip on the chest pads) and driving the opposing defender back into their own bench.
Paired with respectable movement skills from his lower half, Jenkins would create one of the most feared offensive line pairings in the NFL upon entry to the league with Quenton Nelson. With options to debate in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts have to give a look to the offensive tackle capable of elevating their running game to that of division rival Tennessee.
Following the loss of the majority of their secondary through free agency and a sticky cap situation, the Tennessee Titans must start from scratch in their defensive backfield with athletic youth who can challenge opposing wideouts from day one. Currently inhabited by LSU product Kristian Fulton and journeyman Janoris Jenkins, the Titans will be looking to compliment Fulton’s aggressive & athletic coverage style with a similar prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Fluid with a great feel on the hip of the receiver, Geg Newsome II is a pure cover-corner with an adept feel in man coverage. Although he won’t be jamming receivers off of the line of scrimmage, Newsome slots in behind the receiver in trail coverage and then uses his quick-turning hips and 4.38 speed to often run the route better than the receiver. Even in off-coverage, Newsome shows impressive instincts breaking down on the ball.
Although not fitting the current conventional mold for an NFL cornerback, Newsome offers similar value and a high-ceiling turnover-oriented profile. He may struggle in coverage against more physical veteran receivers upon entry but will continue to physically develop into a true number one cover-corner.
With new head coach Robert Saleh now in command of the New York Jets, the defensive side of the ball will undergo major transformations not only in personnel but in schematics. Transitioning to a 4-3 front, the Jets front office will be looking to develop a robust defensive line in order to support the rest of the defense. Headlined by Quinnen Williams and a combination of free-agent additions, the New York Jets will be looking to add athleticism and youth to the group.
A physical specimen, Michigan’s Kwity Paye is the most athletic defensive end to come into the NFL since Myles Garrett. Measuring in at six-foot-two, 261 pounds, Paye has the conventional build for a 4-3 defensive end and still managed to run a 4.52-forty and post a 35.5-inch vertical. Capped off by 36 bench reps, in any other year, Paye would be the talk of the combine alongside the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Dontari Poe.