2021 NFL Draft: 7 Prospects who need a college football season

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 30: Running back Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks for an opening against the Oklahoma Sooners in the fourth quarter on November 30, 2019 at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OU won 34-16. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

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Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest

Who doesn’t want a 6-5, 275-pound end who can get to the quarterback? That’s exactly what Carlos Basham Jr. brings to the table off the edge. Aside from having an excellent football name, the redshirt senior is an experienced player who could help a team in year one. He returned to school to prove he’s more than just a power edge rusher.

Last season, he lined up as a wide-9 from time to time. He showed good bend around the edge, and enough short-area quickness to close in on the quarterback. He’s a sound technician at the start but the problem comes when it’s time to counter.

When you think about the best rushers in the NFL, they have excellent counter moves. Basham is limited in terms of raw athleticism, so he has to make up for it with pop and late rush moves.

As of now, he’s one of the top edge rushers available in a class that isn’t overly impressive. Still, the NFL is always thirsty for pass rushers. With Gregory Rousseau opting out of the season, there’s an opening at the top. Basham needs this season to prove he deserves to hear his name called at some point in the first round.

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