College football's conference championship week has arrived. Bowl season is around the corner, and the College Football Playoff national title game is in under a month. It's been a very different season, but we're nearing the end. And that means the 2021 NFL draft is drawing closer.
With shortened seasons and multiple player opt-outs, it hasn't been the easiest year to evaluate prospects. But we've started to get a clearer picture of the 2021 class. Of course, plenty still lies ahead, including the Senior Bowl and NFL combine. There is more than enough time for prospects to climb up -- or fall down -- draft boards.
Here is my most recent evaluation of the top 32 players in the class, updated from my Nov. 9 edition. Rankings will continue to be updated right through draft time.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson*
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 220
Grade: 97 | Previous rank: 1
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I've seen come out of college since Andrew Luck was drafted by the Colts in 2012. Lawrence's intangibles are high-end, and I love his huge arm and the mobility he brings at his size. He'll need a little refining with his pocket presence, and his footwork is still progressing, but this kid is the real deal. The junior has already amassed 20 passing touchdowns, 2,431 yards through the air and a 69.2% completion percentage while throwing only three interceptions in eight games this season, all wins. He also has another six scores on the ground.
2. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 228
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 2
Fields starred in 2019 with 41 touchdown passes and only three interceptions, and he has really progressed under Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. So far in 2020, he has 15 passing touchdowns, a 78.1% completion rate (best in the FBS) and 1,407 passing yards in five games. He is very accurate throwing downfield and throws effectively off-schedule and off-platform. There is some zip on his ball, too, and he displays a quick release. Fields is mobile in the pocket and has already rushed for five scores this season. The Indiana game raised some eyebrows -- he completed 18 of 30 passes and tossed three interceptions -- but he is dynamic and grades out as a good NFL starting QB, as his 94.8 Total QBR (second in the nation) might suggest.
3. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 3
Sewell gave up only one sack during 2018 and 2019 combined, starting 20 games along the way, but he opted out of this season. The only sophomore offensive lineman to win the Outland Trophy, Sewell is massive in pass protection and plays a disciplined game. He has the feet to excel as a zone blocker and the power to move defenders in the run game. Sewell has rare upside and can be a starter from day one in the NFL.
4. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
HT: 6-0 | WT: 170
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 6
Over the past two seasons, it has been difficult to stand out among Alabama wide receivers. Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy were both top-15 picks last April, and Jaylen Waddle probably will join Smith as a high pick in 2021. But Smith continues to find ways to pop. He rarely drops anything in his vicinity and displays some jump after the catch, compiling 83 catches (second in the country) for 1,327 yards (first) and 15 touchdowns (second) through 10 games this season. He has six games with at least 140 receiving yards and five with multiple scores. Smith explodes off the line, is crisp in his route running and tracks the ball well vertically.
5. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU*
HT: 6-0 | WT: 208
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 4
The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner set SEC records in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, tallying 1,780 yards and 20 scores through the air for LSU. He is explosive off the line, a smooth route runner and tough in the open field. His body control stands out, and his speed is solid. Despite opting out this season, he is among the best of another talented wide receiver class.
6. Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 244
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 5
Parsons had 109 tackles in 2019, including 14 for loss, and forced four fumbles. He's long and is pretty good in coverage, with plenty of range. He is an above-average tackler and shows the burst to shoot gaps and be disruptive in run defense. Parsons has the instincts and speed to blitz, tallying five sacks last season. Another 2020 opt-out, he will need work in getting off blocks at the next level, but consider him a day one starter in the NFL.
7. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 213
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 8
Bateman opted out, then opted back in to the 2020 season and then opted back out after five games. He compiled 36 catches for 472 yards and two touchdowns. Bateman will work the middle of the field, uncovers quickly and then has the soft hands to haul in the pass. He is a crafty route runner, and while his speed isn't game-breaking, he will make an impact thanks to his versatility, ability to gain separation and terrific ball skills.
8. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 206
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 9
Surtain, a true shutdown cover corner, has a pick-six, eight passes broken up and 29 tackles in 10 games. I love his instincts and the way he quickly diagnoses wide receivers' routes and funnels them where he wants them to go. He is also a natural playmaker, with good ball reaction skills and soft hands. His father, Patrick Surtain Sr., was a Pro Bowl corner in the NFL and a second-round pick in 1998.
9. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama*
HT: 5-10 | WT: 177
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 10
Waddle is out for the rest of the 2020 season because of an ankle injury, finishing his junior campaign with 25 catches for 557 yards and four TDs. His 22.3 yards-per-reception average stands at fifth in the country. Waddle's game is all about elusiveness, part of the reason he also pops in the return game. Put the ball in his hands and let things happen. He tracks the deep ball well, isn't afraid to work the middle of the field and shows excellent lateral agility and field vision.
10. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 239
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 11
Pitts sets up as a versatile matchup in the NFL with great size, a big catch radius and the hands to produce. In only seven games this season, he has 641 receiving yards on 36 catches and has found the end zone 11 times, the fourth-most scores in the FBS. The junior amassed 170 yards and four end zone trips in the Gators' opener in September, and he piled on three TDs in November's meeting with Kentucky. He flashes as a route runner and possesses above-average separation skills for a tight end. He has some speed to be a threat downfield, and he figures to be a real coverage problem for opponent defenses in the NFL.
11. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami*
HT: 6-7 | WT: 253
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 12
Rousseau is tall, long and quick off the edge. He has power to overwhelm blockers and works back inside once he is even with the quarterback. He opted out of the 2020 season, but he had 15.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes -- which ranked him No. 2 in the country behind Chase Young -- and he totaled 19.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh). As a run-defender, Rousseau can set the edge and make plays. He has future Pro Bowl talent.
12. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 224
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 7
Lance has size and toughness at the quarterback position. He played only one game in 2020, a win against Central Arkansas in which he completed half his passes for south of 150 yards, but he shined last season. In 2019, he didn't throw a single interception, picked up 1,100 rushing yards and combined for 42 scores in all. He has only one career 300-plus-passing-yard game, and we never saw him in action against an FBS foe. But the third-year sophomore is effective dropping from under center and selling play-action, and his downfield touch is strong, despite some inconsistent placement on shorter throws.
13. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas*
HT: 6-7 | WT: 313
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 13
Cosmi shows some quick feet for a big lineman and can redirect really well in pass protection. He isn't overpowering, but his hand placement is very good and he doesn't fall off many blocks. As a run-blocker, his angles are strong, and he frequently walks defensive linemen off the line. Cosmi has played both left and right tackle. He recently opted out of the remainder of the 2020 season.
14. Rashawn Slater, C, Northwestern
HT: 6-4 | WT: 308
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 14
Slater had significant starting time both at right and left tackle before opting out of the 2020 season, but his frame and athletic ability lend themselves to a better trajectory inside, probably at center. He gives up ground too much and speed rushers cause him problems at tackle. But I really like his feel for angles, and he is smooth getting set. Power is there in the run game, and his body control in pass protection is strong.
15. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 210
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 16
What a rise for Wilson. He has navigated his Cougars to 10-1 by completing 73.2% of his passes for 3,267 yards (fifth in the country), 30 touchdowns (second) and three interceptions. If that weren't impressive enough, Wilson also has eight rushing TDs. I love his competitiveness and toughness in the pocket, and he has a high-end ability to extend plays. His deep-ball accuracy is also outstanding.
16. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 191
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 15
Wade has two interceptions on the season, including a pick-six. He played primarily inside for the Buckeyes in 2019 with Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette on the roster, but he slid outside this year. He shows quick feet, fluid hips and good closing burst. His recognition skills are stronger in zone than man coverage, and he is still improving his finishing ability when playing the ball. But he is a strong open-field tackler and brings versatility to the table.
17. Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
HT: 6-3 | WT: 270
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 17
Paye can slip blocks and make plays in the backfield. He is still developing as a pass-rusher -- though he had 6.5 sacks last year and has 2.0 in four games in 2020 -- but the ceiling is high. I like his range, and he has a professional approach to the game. Paye is probably a 3-4 OLB candidate in the NFL.
18. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 208
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 18
Moehrig is a playmaker. He breaks quickly on the ball, times his jump and has the ball skills to haul in interceptions -- he has two through 10 games after grabbing four in 2019 and has broken up nine additional passes this season (tied for 18th in the country). Moehrig is above average as a tackler (47 in 2020) and even has some return game experience.
19. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 207
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 19
The first high-end draft prospect to opt out of the 2020 college season, Farley broke up 12 passes and intercepted four in 2019. His blend of size, length and speed is rare, and he has burst to his game. A former wide receiver, he has strong ball skills and flashes the ability to recognize route combinations. Farley is still developing, but the toolbox is there.
20. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 20
I love Owusu-Koramoah's tape. He is fast, he is instinctive and he is only getting stronger as he develops. His recognition skills are very good, too, as he always seems to be around the ball. Owusu-Koramoah is fluid in coverage and even flashes the ability to get home on the quarterback, thanks to his suddenness. He does it all: In 2020, he has 49 tackles (9.0 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble return TD, 3 passes broken up and an interception.
21. Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 315
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 21
Davis' size and mobility are pretty ideal for a guard prospect. His foot quickness is above average, and his awareness is very good. In 2019, he did not give up a sack or hit on the quarterback in 400-plus pass pro reps, and he has allowed just one sack in 2020. He takes good angles and has the strength to consistently get movement in the run game.
22. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson*
HT: 5-10 | WT: 212
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 23
Etienne has above-average speed with an explosive second gear when he hits daylight. He's a real home run hitter in space, breaking off 17 plays for 20-plus yards already this season. I like his contact balance, too. Etienne has 68 career rushing touchdowns, including 12 in 2020 (tied for eighth in the country), and he bested 1,600 rushing yards for the second straight season in 2019 before gaining 758 through 10 games this year. The one big area to continue to watch: He already has 512 receiving yards this season, better than his totals in any of his other three seasons, showing massive improvement in that area. That includes a huge seven-catch, 140-yard receiving day against Boston College in October.
23. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 232
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 24
Harris has great size and speed, and he has shown good ball security. He is strong on contact, but he does run a little high. I was previously a bit concerned he danced too much, looking for the home run, but Harris is staying in his lane more this season. Alabama has had quite a few productive runners enter the NFL draft over the past 10 years, and Harris is the next in line, averaging 6.1 yards per carry over his career. His 22 rushing touchdowns rank No. 1 in the country this season, and his 1,084 rushing yards are No. 7. He looks improved in pass protection, too, and remains underrated as a pass-catcher.
24. Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest
HT: 6-4 | WT: 274
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 25
Quickness, power, active hands and length are what you get with Basham off the edge. He has 5.0 sacks this season (11.0 last season), along with 28 tackles and a forced fumble. I've seen him still be disruptive against double-teams, too. He can set the edge against the run, but his gap discipline is inconsistent.
25. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 314
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
Darrisaw entered the season with 25 career starts, a mainstay at left tackle for the Hokies. Over the past two years, he has allowed just three sacks on 620 pass-blocking snaps. Darrisaw is powerful as a pass protector and smooth working to the second level as a run blocker. His technique is a little inconsistent, but he has a high ceiling and the tools to be a Day 1 starting left tackle.
26. Nick Bolton, ILB, Missouri*
HT: 6-0 | WT: 232
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 27
Bolton is a solid off-the-ball linebacker with great instincts and a good motor. He is very good in coverage, has pop at the point of attack and plays faster than his straight-line speed would suggest because he locates the ball quickly. Bolton is a bit undersized, but it hasn't stopped the production. In nine games, he has 88 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 passes broken up, 2.0 sacks and a fumble recovery.
27. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 214
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 28
Jones is a big riser in the QB class, and I really like his touch, ball placement and trajectory on vertical shots. He anticipates really well, leading receivers and throwing them open. Jones also processes quickly and has really fast eyes in getting through progressions. In the pocket, he has poise and toughness, and while he isn't a dangerous runner, Jones has a good feel for how to extend plays all while keeping his eyes downfield. This season, he is completing 76.4% of his passes (second in the country), gaining 3,321 yards through the air (fourth) and throwing 27 touchdowns (fifth) to three interceptions. And his 96.0 Total QBR is the best in the FBS.
28. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 185
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 29
Olave is explosive and fast. In high school, Olave ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash and posted a 23-foot, 6-inch long jump. It helps him generate vertical separation, something he does better than any other receiver I've watched on tape for this class. Olave also has soft hands and transitions upfield well after the catch. All that has led to 36 catches for 528 yards and five TDs in five games this season. Only once has Olave been south of 100 receiving yards this year.
29. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 310
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 30
Barmore has emerged this season, with six sacks and two forced fumbles from the interior of Alabama's defensive line. He is still developing as a pass-rusher, but he can get home. Against the run, Barmore shows strong gap control. As an added bonus, he is versatile along the line, too. But keep in mind that Barmore is a third-year sophomore and entered the year with only one career start.
30. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 259
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 26
Freiermuth has 310 receiving yards in four games, and while he has found the end zone only once in 2020, he did have 15 TDs over his previous two seasons. He can make plays over the middle or box out defenders when lining up outside. The speed is there to produce down the seam, and he has the toughness to make contested grabs. Don't expect Freiermuth to make many defenders miss, but his frame and speed make him a problem for opponents. He is an adequate blocker, too.
31. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 208
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 31
A talented open-field tackler with the ball skills to make plays, Holland had four or more interceptions in each of the past two seasons (nine total). An opt-out for 2020, he reads routes and closes well, helping him reduce yards after the catch from opponents. And he is productive as a punt returner.
32. Joseph Ossai, ILB, Texas*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 253
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 32
Ossai does a little bit of everything, and does it all well. In nine games, the hybrid linebacker has 55 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss (tied for second in the country), 5.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles (tied for fifth) and 2 passes broken up. He can play off the ball, can cover as an overhang and can blitz. He makes plays when he is turned loose upfield, thanks to good closing burst. And Ossai is instinctive as a pass-rusher and disciplined as a run defender. He opted out for the rest of the 2020 campaign.