2021 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects raising their stock this season

These 2021 NFL Draft prospects are raising their stock this college football season.

While the 2020 college football season looks different in many ways, one thing remains: the NFL is watching draft prospects intently. As with every season, NFL Draft prospects are trying to make a name for themselves. In this unique season, many of the top prospects opted out but that gave other prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft the opportunity to raise their stocks.

Don’t expect to see top names like Trevor Lawrence, Ja’Marr Chase or the Alabama Crimson Tide duo DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle on the forthcoming list of 2021 NFL Draft risers. Their stock is already set with a first-round grade. This is about the players who have taken the opportunity of this college season and run with it.

Though there are plenty of others who have done the same, these five 2021 NFL Draft prospects have been helping their stock climb this year.

2021 NFL Draft riser No. 5: Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh

The 2021 edge rusher class doesn’t have the strength of years past. Miami’ Gregory Rousseau isn’t playing in the 2020 college season after opting out but he’s currently sitting atop the draft class. However, the rising star of that position group is Pittsburgh edge rusher Patrick Jones II.

The Panthers edge rusher picked up where he left off in 2019, continuing to dominate the ACC. At one point, Jones led the nation with seven sacks through the first six games of the 2020 season. He has the size and length at 6-5, 260 pounds that NFL teams look for in a premier edge rusher.

What aids in his ability to get to the quarterback is his array of pass moves. Jones plays like a tactician in terms of his ability to shed blockers. He works counters wells and wins with initial explosiveness and bend.

The senior prospect is an ideal fit for a 4-3 defense. He’s worked himself into the conversation as one of the best edge rushers in the 2021 class and potentially a late first-round pick.