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2021 NFL Draft punter rankings: Drue Chrisman leads the group

By John Blair

Nov 21, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes punter Drue Chrisman (91) punts during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes punter Drue Chrisman (91) punts during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the last position breakdown of the 2021 NFL Draft, we look at the top punters in the draft. While this position will get very little interest from the media leading up to the draft, we could see several players from this group playing on Sundays.

The unit is led by one of the more athletic punters in college football in Drue Chrisman who was both a quarterback and standout basketball player in high school.

Drue Chrisman, Ohio State
6-foot-3, 209 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Sixth round

The top punter in the 2021 NFL Draft is Drue Chrisman of Ohio State. While Chrisman may not have the strongest leg in the class he is the most well-rounded punter. Plus, when it comes to leg strength he averaged 44 yards per punt so it’s not like he has a weak leg.

The top trait with him is his directional kicking ability and his ability to consistently place the ball inside the 10-yard line. One other positive with Chrisman is he is an outstanding holder on field goals.

Pressley Harvin III, Georgia Tech
6-foot, 263 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade; Seventh round

Georgia Tech’s Pressley Harvin III had an outstanding 2020 season and became the first African American punter to win the Ray Guy award. He finished the year averaging 48 yards per punt and had 47% of his punts fair caught.

When looking at how his game translates to the NFL he definitely has the leg strength and hang time to be a starting punter. Some issues he will need to work on though include his ability to directional punt and possibly losing a few pounds.

Max Duffy, Kentucky
6-foot-1, 196 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Seventh round

A player who has consistently put up strong numbers is Max Duffy of Kentucky. He has never finished a season averaging less than 44 yards a punt and finished his college career as Kentucky’s all-time leading punter with a 46.0-yard career average.

Overall he has a strong leg and also has the touch to pooch punt. Unfortunately, he has a history of concussions and will be 28 next season and both of these issues could push him down the draft board.

Players with free agent grades

James Smith, Cincinnati
Adam Williams, Memphis
Oscar Bradburn, Virginia Tech
Will Hart, Michigan

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