The NBA Draft is still several months away, but it’s never too early to start speculating about the 2021 class. Over the years, I’ve noticed that there are certain players that can be characterized as “do-it-all” guys, especially when you compare their numbers to the rest of their draft class. The following list includes these players, along with their respective team’s draft pick in 2021, and their projected NBA success under the age of 20.
Who is the best player in the 2021 draft, and who is the greatest prospect in the entire class? We’ll examine that here, as we lay out the 10 best prospects for the 2021 draft, with a dose of information on each prospect’s potential. This year’s draft class looks to be one of the best in recent memory, with high school stars across the board, and high school stars who are already at college, making the prospect pool one of the deepest ever.
The class of 2021 is arguably one of the most talented classes in college basketball, if not all of sports. With so many NBA prospects expected to come out of the draft in June, it is very possible that two or more players will be selected with the first overall pick in the draft. With that in mind, here are the 10 best players from the class of 2021.
The rookie season of the 2011 NFL Draft class will be remembered in the 2021 NFL season. Several players from the draft class have gone on to have successful NFL careers. Looking forward to the next season, several of those players are expected to play key roles for their respective clubs.
The top ten players from the 2011 NFL Draft class going into the 2021 NFL season are listed below.
LB tenth Las Vegas Raiders’ K.J. Wright
K.J. Wright, a linebacker, is one of the most well-known active players in the 2011 NFL Draft class | Abbie Parr/Getty Images
K.J. Wright was just signed by the Raiders to strengthen their linebacker group. In 2020, the defense failed to stop opposing attacks, but the front office has made defense a focus for 2021. On the Seahawks’ defenses, Wright was an underappreciated leader. Gus Bradley, the defensive coordinator, has rehired him. He’ll be a role model for the Raiders’ younger defenders.
OLB is number nine. Baltimore Ravens’ Justin Houston
For the Baltimore Ravens, Justin Houston was exactly what the doctor ordered. The club has one of the most feared defenses in the NFL heading into the 2021 season. Their defensive strategy is to generate a persistent pass rush and cause havoc in the backfield. For the last ten seasons, Houston has been doing just that. Along with Pernell McPhee and rookie Odafe Oweh, he’s a great match.
CB (#8) Baltimore Ravens’ Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith has been troubled by injuries during his Ravens career. He’s struggling with an ankle issue right now, so his Week 1 status is uncertain. He is, nevertheless, an essential player to this defense when he is healthy. Baltimore employs Smith to match up with tight ends and larger wide receivers since he’s a bigger cornerback. He’s also a capable tackler for the position. The Ravens need his return to the field.
Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos
Von Miller was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2011 NFL Draft | Chris Trotman/Getty Images
Von Miller hasn’t appeared in a game since 2019. Due to an ankle injury, he will miss the 2020 season. He wants to get back on track and contribute to a Broncos defense that has big expectations. In 2019, Miller only had eight sacks, his lowest season total since 2013. Miller has the potential to surpass this rating by the conclusion of the season if he can regain his form.
Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle
Tyron Smith established himself as one of the league’s top offensive tackles early. He has, however, been plagued by ailments in recent seasons. After having season-ending neck surgery, Smith only participated in two games in 2020. He told USA TODAY Sports, “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this wonderful.” Smith’s return comes at a crucial moment for the offensive line, which has struggled to start the season.
5. Place in the middle Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce isn’t as well-known as his brother, Travis, but he’s just as important to his squad. Kelce is the glue that keeps the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line together, with so many shifting pieces. He’s coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2020, and for the previous six seasons, he’s started every game. In today’s NFL, that sort of dependability is rare to come by. With a young quarterback and a new coaching staff, he’ll have his job cut out for him.
4. Defensive lineman Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cameron Heyward
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Joe Sargent/Getty Images Cameron Hayward is one of the finest current players from the 2011 NFL Draft class.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has always been one of the best in the league, and the 2020 season was no exception. In total defense, Pittsburgh was ranked third in the NFL. Cameron Heyward plays a significant role in this. In 2020, his sack totals were down, but he still had an impact in other ways. Heyward excels at creating interior pass rushes and compressing the pocket, allowing the secondary to make plays on the back end.
3. Defensive tackle Arizona Cardinals’ J.J. Watt
People seem to have forgotten how terrific J.J. Watt is. Watt, like many of the other players on this list, is no longer the player he once was. Playing in the trenches for ten seasons in the NFL will accomplish that. Watt’s influence, on the other hand, is recognized by his peers. On the NFL Top 100 list, he was ranked 66th. The five-time Pro Bowler has signed with the Cardinals and will wear a chip on his shoulder to show that he isn’t going away.
2. New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan
The New Orleans Saints defense, headed by Cameron Jordan, has been dominant for many seasons. Since 2012, the former Cal Bear has been one of the league’s most productive defensive ends. During that time, he has 514 tackles, 93.5 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles to his credit. Jordan is the emotional leader of this New Orleans defense, and his on-field performance proves it.
1. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones
Julio Jones, a wide receiver with the Tennessee Titans, stands on the sideline during a preseason game | Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Julio Jones is without a doubt one of, if not the best, wide receivers of his generation. He’s been dominating since the Falcons picked him out of Alabama. He’s caught 848 receptions for 12,896 yards and 60 touchdowns since 2011. Injuries plagued him in the 2020 seasons, but he now finds himself in a fantastic position in Tennessee. Jones, who is surrounded by A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry, seems to be on the verge of a comeback season.
The 2011 NFL Draft class is still going strong heading into 2021 after ten seasons.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
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