Trevor Lawrence leads list of 2021 NFL Draft’s top 100 players

The 100th selection of the 2021 NFL Draft will be made sometime around 11 p.m. Friday.

And then there still will be one day, four rounds and 159 picks to go.

The Post ranked the top 10 players at each of 11 positions over the past two weeks. Now we offer our Top 100 overall prospects comparing players across positions.

The final board – based off reporter Ryan Dunleavy’s observations and insight gathered in conversations with NFL personnel – includes 18 offensive linemen, 15 cornerbacks, 15 wide receivers, 13 edge rushers, 10 linebackers, eight quarterbacks, six running backs, six defensive linemen, five tight ends and four safeties.

NFL Draft 2021’s top 100 players

1. QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, 6-6, 213 pounds

Held in the same regard as John Elway, Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck as the can’t-miss prospects of the last 40 years. Combined 86-4 record as a starter in high school and college.

2. TE Kyle Pitts, Florida, 6-6, 245

Maybe the best tight end prospect of all time. Serviceable as a blocker, but at his best streaking down the seam and making contested catches. True matchup nightmare who could be a team’s top pass-catcher as a rookie.

NFL Draft 2021 Kyle Pitts
Florida tight end Kyle Pitts averaged 17.9 yards per catch and had 12 touchdowns last season.
AP

3. WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU, 6-0, 201

Opted out of the 2020 season after he – not Vikings rookie sensation Justin Jefferson — was LSU’s No. 1 receiver during the 2019 national championship run. Gains separation in press coverage and breaks tackles. 

4. OT Penei Sewell, Oregon, 6-5, 331

Three first-round tackles played well as Day 1 starters last season — and Sewell would have been picked ahead of all of them. Powerful upper body and nimble feet. One sack allowed on 1,376 career snaps. Opted out of the 2020 season.

5. QB Zach Wilson, BYU, 6-2, 214

Thanks to Patrick Mahomes, Wilson’s knack for making off-script throws is now seen as a bonus to his pocket accuracy and not as unnecessary risk-taking. Long injury history includes surgery on his throwing shoulder.

6. WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama, 6-0, 166

Heisman Trophy winner is a nightmare to cover because of speed and route-running savvy. But he is paper thin – he declined to weigh in until just last week – and durability concerns are real.

7. QB Justin Fields, Ohio State, 6-3, 227

Ran for 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Ohio State, but should use his legs more often, like a bigger Kyler Murray. Because Ohio State’s system creates so many easy throws, he needs work on getting through progressions. Played best in big games.

8. CB Patrick Surtain III, Alabama, 6-2, 208

Fundamentally sound beyond his years – not a surprise after his father played 11 seasons in the NFL. Should make easy transition to Pro Bowl-caliber player because of his press man-to-man coverage ability.

9. WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama, 5-10, 180

A different kind of fast: Think Tyreek Hill-game-breaking speed. Versatile enough to line up outside or in the slot and returns kicks and punts. Coming off broken ankle surgery.

10. LB Micah Parsons, Penn State, 6-3, 246

Top-two defensive prospect in the draft. Character concerns from incidents earlier in his high school and college careers. Elite blitzer and run-stuffer who can cover, too. Plays any linebacker spot.

NFL Draft 2021 Micah Parsons
Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons recorded 52 solo tackles in 2019, when he last played.
AP

11. OT/OG Rashawn Slater, Northwestern 6-4, 304

Some say he should move to guard because he has short arms and the athleticism to pull. He says he’s the best tackle in the draft. That perceived slight should only add to his nastiness.

12. OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC, 6-5, 308

Played left tackle last season but is considered a future All-Pro guard, maybe closer to Pro Bowler Brandon Scherff than Hall of Fame-track Quenton Nelson. Wins with his hands.

13. EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan, 6-2, 261

Ran a lightning-fast 6.71-second three-cone drill to test agility in 2020. Played 4-3 end and showed good closing speed and edge-setting against the run. Never lost the motor expected from an undervalued recruit.

14. CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, 6-1, 205

Son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn took to the other side of the ball. Only two career interceptions, which is fewer than his sacks (three). Traveled with opponents’ No. 1 receivers.

15. CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 197

Converted wide receiver who used length-speed combination to lead ACC with 16 passes defended in 2019. Might be the No. 1 CB on this list if not for two back surgeries, including one in March since he last played in ’19.

16. QB Mac Jones, Alabama, 6-3, 217

Never drew the same hype as ex-teammates Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen Hurts because his tools aren’t jaw-dropping. But he is a clinical at dissecting defenses, and his intangibles draw Tom Brady comparisons.

17. LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame, 6-1, 221

Is the Butkus Award winner too small to play NFL linebacker? Not as valuable as a safety, even with cover skills. Sideline-to-sideline game-changer with first-one-in, last-one-out mentality.

18. RB Travis Etienne, Clemson, 5-10, 215

Stunning for a back to run up his odometer to four seasons, especially when Etienne could have been a second-rounder in 2020. After nearly 700 career carries, he still has one-cut home-run speed.

NFL Draft 2021 Travis Etienne
Clemson running back Travis Etienne played four seasons in college, a rarity for NFL-caliber runnng backs.
Getty Images

19. EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami, 6-5, 260

Twitchy athlete with the best physical tools and excellent production (15.5 tackles for loss last season). But he briefly retired pre-transfer to pursue a music career after reportedly suffering three concussions at UCLA.

20. QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State, 6-4, 224

Made only 17 career starts because North Dakota State cancelled its 2020 fall season after one game. Best served in the early going in small packages with a play-action pass emphasis, like a rookie Lamar Jackson.

21. WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota, 6-0, 190

Opted out, opted back in and opted out again after playing in five games last season. All-around receiver who doesn’t have a “wow” tool, but knows how to use size and strength to his advantage on 50/50 balls. 

22. RB Najee Harris, Alabama, 6-1, 232

Another product of the Running Back Factory. Can be a 300-touch back and pass-protector because he has the size to deliver and withstand punishment. Fumbled twice (lost one) in his entire college career.

23. WR Kadarius Toney, Florida, 6-0, 193

Next of the new-age weapons to enter the NFL who will come in motion, catch pseudo-handoffs on sweeps or screens and slip through small cracks. Not an every-down receiver yet.

24. OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech, 6-5, 322

Received only one FBS scholarship offer out of high school. Smooth technique throughout his career at left tackle (35 starts), and answered some questions about his inconsistent effort in 2020.

25. EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia, 6-2, 249

Led SEC in tackles for loss (12.5), sacks (8.5) and forced fumbles (five), and led team in quarterback pressures (35) in 2020. Best suited as a stand-up linebacker with first-step burst in a 3-4 front.

26. CB Greg Newsome, Northwestern, 6-0, 192

Not lacking confidence, calling himself the best cornerback in the draft. Is he? Probably not. But he might be the most scheme-versatile. Led the FBS in passer rating against and the Big Ten in passes defended (10).

NFL Draft 2021 Zaven Collins
Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins was named the best defensive player in college football last season.
AP

27. LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa, 6-4, 259

A 96-yard pick-6 showed rare size-and-speed combination. Big for an inside linebacker, but not much edge experience. Won 2020 Nagurski Award as college football’s best defensive player.

28. EDGE Greg Rousseau, Miami, 6-7, 266

He and Chase Young were the only college players with at least 15.5 sacks in 2019. Opted out of 2020, so limited experience gives him “boom-or-bust” label. Former wide receiver still learning finer points.

29. DL Christian Barmore, Alabama, 6-4, 310

Named Defensive MVP of the 2021 National Championship Game, finishing the best stretch of his career. Explosive first step, but was a late bloomer in high school and a one-year starter for the Tide.

30. S Trevon Moehrig, TCU, 6-1, 202

Jim Thorpe Award winner as nation’s top defensive back in 2020. Versatility is the top asset coveted for NFL safeties right now, and Moehrig has it: reliable tackler in the box, good instincts in the deep post and speed to cover in the slot.

31. RB Javonte Williams, North Carolina, 5-10, 212

Looks thick and runs behind his pads between the tackles, drawing Nick Chubb comparisons. Highlights stand out because of how often he runs through tacklers.

32. OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State, 6-6, 317

Prototypical NFL frame with good tape at the four non-center positions (mostly right tackle). Wouldn’t win the Combine Olympics because of short arms, but handles a bull rush.

33. DL Levi Onwuzurike, Washington, 6-2, 290

Needs to turn the corner from pass pressures to sacks. Opted out of the 2020 season and was limited by injury at the Senior Bowl. Undersized, but can be dominant in a weak draft class.

34. LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky, 6-3, 234

Only 11 career starts, but filled the stat sheet in 2020, including a blocked kick. Reads the quarterback’s eyes, reacts to what’s about to happen and follows the scent of the ball.

35. EDGE Jayson Oweh, Penn State, 6-5 257

Zero sacks in 2020, playing without Parsons to draw away attention. Added 30 pounds at Penn State, but seemed to get more explosive. Faith-based projection because he remains raw after good coaching.

36. WR Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU, 6-3, 205

Marshall didn’t explode as expected in his only season playing without the help of Jefferson and Chase. Uses his length and physicality well in 1-on-1 vertical routes and in the red zone.

37. OT/OG Jalen Mayfield, Michigan, 6-5, 326

Played in just 18 games, including two last season, so this is a pick based on potential. You can’t teach his toughness, but he is going to need to be taught some fundamentals.

38. CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State, 5-10, 180

Of the four cornerbacks who are NFL legacies, he moves most like his father. Is he as good of a ballhawk? Dad had 51 NFL interceptions. Junior had three picks (24.7 yards per return) and two fumble recoveries in 2020.

39. LB Nick Bolton, Missouri, 5-11, 237

Knack for shedding blocks. Stands up ball-carriers despite being undersized by NFL standards. Always communicating – like a true middle linebacker.

NFL Draft 2021 Elijah Moore
Mississippi’s Elijah Moore had 86 catches last season, including eight touchdowns.
AP

40. WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss, 5-10, 178

Undersized playmaker who should have a big yards-per-touch average out of the slot. Fourteen of his 100 touches from scrimmage were rushes. Reliable hands in traffic.

41. CB Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky, 5-11, 197

Good ball skills and physicality, but needs proper coaching to rein in some of the aggressiveness and inconsistent effort that leads to mistakes. Suspended at LSU and opted out before the end of lone season at Kentucky.

42. OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State, 6-4, 301

Played under an increased spotlight thanks to teammate Lance. Better run blocker than pass protector, but earned Practice Player of the Week honors at the Senior Bowl.

43. C Landon Dickerson, Alabama, 6-6, 333

Rimington Trophy winner as the best center in the nation in his one season after transferring from Florida State. Advanced-level technique, but coming off late-season ACL injury.

44. EDGE Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest, 6-3, 274

Streak of 23 consecutive games with a tackle for loss during college. Best suited as a 4-3 end with the body to be durable. Chase-down tackler who goes for the strip, especially on quarterbacks.

45. EDGE Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma, 6-2, 253

Some scouts say he is close to his ceiling. Tackles for loss and sheer toughness showed up on film. So did versatility as a stand-up or hand-in-dirt rusher. Six-game suspension in 2020 reportedly for a failed drug test.

46. S Jevon Holland, Oregon, 6-1, 207

One of only four FBS players with at least four interceptions in both 2018 and 2019 – he will high-point 50/50 balls – before opting out of 2020. Also a dangerous punt returner who thinks “touchdown” when the ball is in his hands. 

47. CB Eric Stokes, Georgia, 6-1, 194

Did he really run a 4.25-second time in the 40-yard dash? Unofficially, yes. The fastest-ever Combine time is 4.22. He also has a 38.5-inch vertical. High character – a welcome change after some recent Georgia busts.

48. TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State, 6-5, 251

Big drop-off from Pitts, but still an every-down in-line or slot tight end. Former basketball player can box out defenders and sky for the tough catch.

49. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC, 6-0, 197

Youngest of three brothers to play receiver in major-college football and second to be drafted. Instinctually knows how to find holes in zone coverage and move the chains.

50. QB Kellen Mond, Texas A&M, 6-3, 211

Could a sixth quarterback sneak into the first round? Mond was more inconsistent than expected from a senior, but made huge throws against Florida and Alabama and won Senior Bowl MVP.

51. RB Michael Carter, North Carolina, 5-8, 201

Strange to see two running backs who were college teammates (Williams) ranked this high. Carter led the ACC in rushing last season, averaged 6.6 yards per carry in his career and returned kicks.

52. OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame 6-6, 302

Three-year starter at left tackle, following in the footsteps of Mike McGlinchey, Ronnie Stanley and Zack Martin. Considered a safe second-round pick who will be a longtime starter.

53. EDGE Joe Tryon, Washington, 6-5, 259

NFL-ready situational pass-rusher who needs to develop as a run defender to gain more snaps. Checks all the boxes for physical traits, but needs development after opting out of 2020.

NFL Draft 2021 Joe Tryon
University of Washington defensive end Joe Tryon had eight sacks in 2019 before opting out of last season because of health concerns.
AP

54. OG Wyatt Davis, Ohio State, 6-4, 315

Grandson of Hall of Famer Willie Davis, Wyatt often is described as a “people mover.” Could really shine in a power-based rushing attack, but he’s almost too eager for contact as plays develop.

55. LB Jabril Cox, LSU, 6-3, 232

Three-time FCS national champion at North Dakota State who fit in seamlessly as LSU’s leader. Change-of-direction quickness to keep up with the best pass-catching backs.

56. CB Tyson Campbell, Georgia, 6-1, 193

Day 1 starter in the SEC who flashed 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash. Looks the part of an NFL press man-to-man cover cornerback, but needs to make more plays on the ball.

57. WR Rondale Moore, Purdue, 5-7, 181

First true freshman in Big Ten history to be named a Consensus All-American after making 114 catches (and dominating Ohio State) in 2018. Excels at accummulating yards after catch by reading the field well.

58. CB Elijah Molden, Washington, 5-9, 192

Is he a cornerback or a safety? Best suited in the slot, where his instincts and scrappiness will win some 1-on-1 battles. Father was a first-round draft pick in 1996.

59. EDGE Joseph Ossai, Texas, 6-4, 256

Former inside linebacker who is natural on the outside. Motor never stops – 145 tackles combined the last two seasons – so old-school scouts and coaches will score him high on his “love of the game.”

60. EDGE Payton Turner, Houston, 6-5, 270

Three-year starter who broke out when healthy during an injury-plagued five-game 2020 season. Ridiculous 84-inch wingspan – equal to LeBron James’ – and long-stride runner.

NFL Draft 2021 Payton Turner
In five games last season, Houston defensive end Payton Turner made 25 tackkles and registered five sacks.
Getty Images

61. WR Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State, 5-11, 194

Three straight productive seasons, including one after recovering from a torn ACL in October 2019. Plays with a swagger and won’t back down from trash-talking corners

62. DL Daviyon Dixon, Iowa, 6-3, 313

Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after a breakout season with 13.5 tackles for loss, leading all FBS interior linemen. One-year starter after junior college who has some consistency issues.

63. CB Aaron Robinson, Central Florida, 5-11, 186

Maybe best suited for the slot, where he can factor into stopping the run. Rare redshirt senior who transferred after playing at Alabama as a true freshman.

64. OT Sam Cosmi, Texas, 6-6, 314

Scouts say he moves like a big tight end (he scored a catch-and-run touchdown) in open space. Critics say he is penalized too often and too reliant on technique to physically dominate.

65. LB Chazz Surratt, North Carolina, 6-2, 229

Played quarterback until 2019. Not a position change you see every day. Still learning linebacker fundamentals, but has athleticism, football IQ and willingness to initiate contact.

66. S Richie Grant, UCF, 6-0, 197

Center fielder with 10 interceptions and six forced fumbles over his final three years. Played special teams –a bonus for NFL teams – throughout his 46-game career. Improved tackler in 2020.

67. OG/OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama, 6-5, 312

Made 41 straight starts, including two years at left tackle and one at right guard. Allows plays to develop. Good at identifying edge blitzers.

68. WR Dyami Brown, North Carolina, 6-1, 189

Averaged more than 20 yards per catch in each of the last two seasons with 20 total touchdown grabs. Numbers would’ve been bigger without recurring drops. Watch out for double moves.

69. RB Trey Sermon, Ohio State, 6-0, 215

Inconsistent at Oklahoma and Ohio State, but with massive games (331 rushing yards in Big Ten Championship) mixed in. Big yards-after-catch possibilities. Season ended with a January shoulder injury.

70. CB Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse, 6-2, 205

Older brother Obi was second-round pick in 2017. Big-time competitiveness paired with the right upper- and lower-body length to challenge bigger receivers. 

71. C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma, 6-4, 302

Two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year who didn’t allow a sack in 37 career starts. Checks two important boxes at center: leads teammates, backs down from no opponent. 

72. WR D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan, 5-9, 190

Started two ways at wide receiver and cornerback in injury-shortened 2019 before turning his focus to offense. In and out of his routes in a flash.

73. QB Davis Mills, Stanford, 6-4, 225

Another year at Stanford would’ve helped, especially after a truncated five-game season. He completed 65.8 percent of his passes as a sophomore and junior. 

NFL Draft 2021 Davis Mills
Davis Mills threw for 3,468 yards and 18 touchdowns in two years as the starting quarterback at Stanford.
Getty Images

74. TE Hunter Long, Boston College, 6-5, 254

Showed a knack for moving the sticks because he knows how to find space underneath for a scrambling quarterback. Functional blocker, but not much of a second-level receiving threat.

75. C Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater, 6-3, 320

It seems every year a Division III offensive lineman stands out at the Senior Bowl and becomes a Day 2 pick. Scouts love his toughness, work ethic and textbook low center of gravity.

76. RB Kenny Gainwell, Memphis, 5-8, 201

Four family members died of COVID-19, prompting Gainwell to sit out the season. Only FBS player to top 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in 2019. Left three years of eligibility on the table.

77. DT Marlon Tuipulotu, USC, 6-3, 305

Overcame injury-plagued start to his career to become three-year starter. Could be a dominant run defender who flashes as a pass-rusher because of nimble feet.  

78. CB Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas, 6-0, 193

Superior athlete to the competition he faced in the FCS ranks, where he had five interceptions in 2019 before injury limited him to only seven of Central Arkansas’ abbreviated nine-game schedule last season. Former unranked college recruit.

79. OT Walker Little, Stanford, 6-7, 313

Started at left tackle as a true freshman, but played in one game over the last two seasons because of a knee injury and an opt-out. Is he ready for the wear-and-tear of a 16-game season?

80. OT Brady Christensen, BYU, 6-5, 302

Turns 25 years old in September but broke Pro Football Focus’ record for highest single-season overall grade by an offensive tackle. Three pressures allowed in 2020.

81. OG Deonte Brown, Alabama, 6-3, 344

Overcame weight issues to get “down” to this size. Best single-game performance was stifling top-10 draft pick Derrick Brown in 2019. Suspended six games by the NCAA for undisclosed reasons.

82. LB Dylan Moses, Alabama, 6-1, 225

Five-star recruit who never put it all together like expected. Returned from missing 2019 season as a team captain who makes others better, but he doesn’t play behind the line of scrimmage often enough.

83. WR Amari Rogers, Clemson, 5-10, 212

Three-year starter who had 181 career catches, mostly out of the slot and off of quick throws. Not afraid to go over the middle despite his size. Fearlessness translates as punt returner.

84. TE Brevin Jordan, Miami, 6-3, 247

Former top recruit endured an injury-plagued career as a three-year starter. Just starting to learn the intricacies of route-running, but a tempting amount of raw athleticism.

85. S Andre Cisco, Syracuse, 6-1, 216

New York native ended his career as the FBS active career leader in interceptions with 13 in just 24 games. Appeared in only two games last season before an ACL injury. Played one year of high school football.

86. DT Jay Tufele, USC, 6-2, 305

Played alongside Tuipulotu for two years until opting out of the 2020 season after COVID-19 impacted his family. High motor and loads of upside. Born in American Samoa.

87. EDGE Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh, 6-4, 259

Returned from missing 2019 season (torn ACL) to register 14.5 tackles for loss, including 7.5 sacks in 2020. Gets the most out of his ability.

88. WR Nico Collins, Michigan, 6-4, 215

Top weapon for a pass-challenged offense in 2018-19 before opting out of 2020. Intriguing athleticism and size combination.

89. LB Monty Rice, Georgia, 6-0, 233

Toughed it out through a foot injury last season, but might have done more harm than good for his stock. Hard-hitter who makes ball-carriers want to step out of bounds.

90. DT Marvin Wilson, Florida State, 6-5, 304

Consensus No. 1-ranked defensive tackle in the nation with first-round draft potential out of high school. Three blocked kicks in an otherwise disappointing 2020. Plays with power.

91. EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt, 6-5, 285

Dropped down boards because of an Achilles injury suffered while training in January. Could be a steal for a team with patience and a need for inside-outside versatility.

92. CB Thomas Graham Jr., Oregon, 5-10, 192

Made 39 straight starts from true freshman season until opting out in 2020. Rises to a challenge but speedy receivers could pose a problem.

93. TE Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame, 6-3, 241

Best blocking tight end of the top five as a result of playing in the shadow of Cole Kmet and future NFL tight end Michael Mayer. Play-action pass weapon.

94. CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford, 6-1, 198

Led FBS with 24 passes defended in 2018, before a less productive 2019 and an opt-out in 2020. Lanky former receiver who still is learning to wrap up open-field tackles.

95. OG/OT Jackson Carman, Clemson, 6-5, 317

Two-year starter at left tackle who projects as a guard. Held his own versus Chase Young, college football’s best pass-rusher of the last two years. Coming off back surgery in January.

96. CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State, 6-1, 196

Father protested against the Big Ten’s initial decision to cancel 2020 football season. First-Team All-American, but a closer look showed he allowed 39 completions and didn’t develop into Cornerback University’s next first-rounder.

97. EDGE Jordan Smith, UAB, 6-6, 255

Transferred from Florida after being suspended over his involvement in an alleged credit card scam. Had 17.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in 2019. Room to grow into his frame in an NFL weight room.

98. LB Pete Werner, Ohio State, 6-2, 238

Three-year starter who looked comfortable in various linebacker spots and on special teams. Will quickly understand not only his own responsibility but 10 others’ on any given play.

99. QB Kyle Trask, Florida, 6-5, 236

A Heisman Trophy finalist after a breakout season, but how much was because he played with first-round weapons Pitts and Toney? Prototypical size and good in the pocket, but lacks mobility.

100. WR Tutu Atwell, Louisville, 5-8, 149

Alarm bells sounded when he stepped on the scale for an NFL medical recheck. Will take the top off the defense from the slot, but might have to be more of a gadget weapon to survive.

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