The projecting bust in the NFL Draft requires doubting talented players who can easily turn into stars because they can disappoint. If you call a potential third or fourth-rounder a bust, you’re wasting everyone’s time. “Bust” fans remember that they are first and sometimes second-round picks, especially players who flopped after being selected in the top 20.
There are a wide variety of prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, who have red flags for a number of reasons. Whether it is experience, size, level of competition, or history of injury, there are many factors that cause some players to be particularly risky.
With that in mind, Sporting News takes a closer look at some of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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2021 NFL draft candidates busted
QB in every first round
We want to highlight one QB in particular, but given how much the top-five signal-callers are expected to draft, they all have red flags. Trevor lawrence The first-overall pick was projected in 2021 since he set foot on the Clemson campus, but recent reports about his passion for the game are (very) minor concerns. It is likely that people are making this story too much as everything is leading to drafts of a much higher volume, but it is still worth noting that Lawrence is expected to go first overall.
The remaining top QBs have other concerns. Zach Wilson There has been little undersubscribed and only a good year in the non-power 5 conference. Thought something Mac jones Used to go in the top 15 until about 15 months ago due to his limited athleticism. Justin fields In addition to dealing with epilepsy is motivated by commitment and leadership issues. And Tray lance Not yet legally allowed to drink and have started just 17 career games against FCS competition.
Just based on experience and level of competition, many will tab Lance as the highest risk, but his overall skill set is just as good for anyone in this format. Wilson is not getting a lot of scrutiny right now, as he is actually the No. 2 pick for a while now, but will face more heat once the season starts, especially playing in New York. Jones will also hear more “bust” whispers if he goes to number 3 like many expected. Ditto for Fields. Worse, these players will be compared to each other, so even if third-drafted QBs are decent, they can be considered a bust if the fifth-drafted QB is significantly better.
In the end, quarterbacks will always be under more pressure, and everyone can be disappointed if their new teams don’t help them with enough offensive lines or weapons in the game they receive, especially if they dress up like these five players in the top 15 To be done.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
While many teammates are focused on Davonta Smith’s modest frame (6–0, 170 pounds), Waddle is not very large (around 5–11, 180 pounds). Wadle also never matched Smith’s overall production. He was posting big yards last year before his ankle injury, but he was not a consistent TD producer in his career. We have seen plenty of big play-speed struggles with consistency at the NFL level, and due to Wadle’s severe ankle injury, he is at risk for a slow start and future health issues. Wadle has plenty of talent and can easily excel in the right offense with the right QB, but given that he is hoping to be a top-10 pick and possibly overtake his Heisman Trophy-winning teammates Will, he also has a stirring ability.
Jaylen Phillips, EDGE, Miami
When you draft a player who has already retired once, it is difficult to be assured? This is also the reason whoever selects Phillips, who struggles with ankle, wrist and head injuries during his short college career. After sitting out of 2019, the Phillies transferred to Miami and put on a Stellar number (eight sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss), so once again we clearly see the upside … if he can stay healthy is.
Kaderius Tony, WR, Florida
Tony is slightly undersized (just under 6–0, 193 pounds), and he did not actually produce much in his first three years in Florida. He broke out last year as an all-around threat – catching passes, lining up in the backfield, and returning kicks – but he is the type of player who really needs the right fit to pay. We’ve seen the struggles of these versatile “athletes” in the past, so it’s all about getting in the right position for Tony.
Rondell Moore, WR, Purdue
Moore is similar to Tony, although she also risks her short frame (5-7, 180 pounds) and extensive injury history (hamstring, ankle, knee). He is an explosive athlete who is very much upside down, so his hustling ability has really come down to where he is ready. If he goes earlier than expected, expect some investigation; If he arrives in the third or fourth round, he will be considered to be a high-value connoisseur. Also, like Tony, landing in the right position will be important.
Jason Oveh, Edge, Penn State
Oweh put wear meterables in his workouts that always go out in scouts’ drawlings. However, he did not start playing football until 2016, and he was not particularly productive in college last year, recording zero sacks in seven games. Obviously, Oveh has plenty of room for growth, but if a team potentially falls in love and overdrafts him, it would not surprise him to be disappointed.
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Farley was a studio producer in his two years at V-Tech, but has clear red flags, with torn ACLs and two back surgeries under his belt. His talent is such that someone will give him a chance in the first round, but his health will be a concern.
Landon Dickerson, OL, Alabama
Dickerson had a decorated college career, but after tearing both ACLs and dealing with multiple ankle injuries, it would be hard for any team to rely on him. Dickerson has first-round talent if he can stay healthy, but will also be risky as a second-round pick.
Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Bolton was a steady builder for Mizzou, posting at least 95 tackles and eight sacks each in the last two seasons. His pace of edge is well-suited to the modern NFL stronghold, but at 5-11, over 237 pounds, Bolton may also have issues due to his size, making him a worrying pick in the second round as well Huh.
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