2021 NFL Draft: Two Miami Hurricanes listed as top defenders on CBS Sports Big Board
The first CBS Sports Big Board for the 2021 NFL Draft is out, and a pair of Miami Hurricanes are ranked as the top defensive prospects.
The 2020 NFL Draft isn't even a week into the rearview mirror, but the NFL has announced the dates of the 2021 event in downtown Cleveland: April 29-May 1. The Browns will be celebrating their 75th anniversary next year, so that's why they were given the draft. It will be held at locations around FirstEnergy Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Might be a bit chilly outdoors in Cleveland that time of year.
The first CBS Sports Big Board for the 2021 draft has been released, and to no surprise the top two players are Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State signal-caller Justin Fields. They are the two Heisman Trophy favorites at William Hill sportsbook as well. Lawrence is the clear-cut favorite to go No. 1 – expect plenty of "Tanking for Trevor" for the bad teams in the NFL this year like the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell is listed third followed by LSU receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner.
Miami (Fla.) used to be an NFL Draft factory and annually produce first-round picks. Alas, things have gone largely downhill for that once-powerhouse program. The highest Hurricanes pick in the 2020 draft was linebacker Shaquille Quarterman in the fourth round by the Jaguars. The last Miami first-rounder was tight end David Njoku to the Browns at No. 29 overall in 2017.
However, the top defensive prospects on the first Big Board are Hurricanes ends Quincy Roche (No. 5 overall) and Gregory Rousseau (No. 7). Roche is a transfer from Temple who is eligible immediately. He was the 2019 AAC Defensive Player of the Year with the Owls after totaling 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.
Rousseau was a rare bright spot for the Hurricanes last year as a redshirt freshman. He finished with 54 tackles (34 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in being named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-ACC and a Freshman All-American.
Miami (Fla.) could be dangerous in 2020 with those two and Houston transfer quarterback D'Eriq King, another Heisman candidate. The Hurricanes are given an Over-Under win total of 8.5, with the Over favored.