Michigan Football: Top 5 NFL Draft prospects for Wolverines in 2021
By Ryan Kraus
Jalen Mayfield
Jalen Mayfield is the youngest player on this list. The 6-foot-5 offensive lineman from Grand Rapids will be entering his redshirt sophomore season in 2020. Take one look at the 2020 draft and you will realize why Mayfield is in this position.
Ed Warinner works magic with offensive lineman and that showed in the NFL draft. Michigan football had all four eligible offensive lineman drafted.
Mayfield will have an opportunity to be the next offense lineman to get to the NFL. Jalen has appeared on CBS sports way to early 2021 mock draft as a first-round pick, going to the Eagles at pick 25.
Obviously a lot of things can change over the course of a season but that is a good sign for Mayfield. Appearing on those mock drafts says a lot about the player you are.
Under the tutelage of Warinner, Jalen should continue to ascend as a player. He played right tackle this year but he could make the move to left tackle next season. Covering the quarterback’s blindside is an important task but one that Mayfield is ready for.
Another year of game film will be able to solidify Mayfield’s position among the talented offensive tackles in college football.
There were six offensive tackles taken in the first round of this year’s draft. It is a position of need in the NFL seemingly every season, so Mayfield could be in position for a major payday if he decides to enter the 2021 NFL draft.