2021 NFL Draft stock watch: Pac-12 risers and fallers – USC receivers show out

Several Pac-12 football players made their mark in their season openers.

The Pac-12 returned last weekend, and with that, more future NFL stars were on the field. One particular group of note was the USC wide receivers. This is a group of elite wide receivers. They might not be Alabama, but the Trojans crew of receivers are not that far down the list. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns are upperclassmen that could be enticing picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Pac-12 running backs had an outstanding weekend as well. Oregon State junior Jermar Jefferson played well in a losing effort against Washington state rushing for 120 yards and three touchdowns. Oregon Junior running back CJ Verdell had 135 total yards and a touchdown in the Ducks’ win against Stanford.

2021 NFL Draft stock rising

Jermar Jefferson, Oregon State, RB (4th Round)

If Jermar Jefferson feels it is a bit too crowded at running back, the junior could decide to return to Corvallis for on last year to improve his draft stock. Jefferson had a disappointing season after setting the school record for rushing yards by a freshman, but he had a solid debut despite the loss.

There are three things you like about Jefferson. First, he possesses tremendous vision. He knows where the hole is supposed to be but can adjust if something more advantageous opens up. Second, he doesn’t go down on initial contact. In their loss to the Cougars, Jefferson routinely ran through arm tackles. Finally, he has an NFL frame. At 5-foot-10 and 217 pounds, that is compact but powerful enough to get to the second level. Showing improvement as a pass blocker and receiver this season could help Jefferson move up draft boards.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC, WR (3rd Round)

Junior wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a fine opening game against Arizona State with seven catches and 100 yards. St. Brown was not the top target for quarterback Kedon Slovis last season and he will not be this season either. St. Brown’s role is to get open and move the sticks. St. Brown’s willingness to work the slot as a possession receiver is why the junior receiver will not just play in the NFL, but St. Brown will also play a long time in the league. St. Brown has the ideal size (6-foot-1 and 195 pounds) to play at the next level. More importantly, St. Brown knows how to get open when the sticks need moving.

CJ Verdell, Oregon, RB (2nd-4th Round)

Oregon Ducks running back CJ Verdell proved against Stanford that he is one of the more complete backs in the country. Verdell is physical enough to run between the tackles yet fast enough to run wide, and turn the corner. Verdell is a competent route-runner and blocker in blitz pickup. Verdell’s compact  5-foot-9 frame allows him to hide behind his linemen when he gets the ball and pops up in the second level. Like interstate rival Jermar Jefferson, Verdell does not go down with just arm tackles. Verdell might have a lower ceiling than many other running backs in this draft, but he is one of the more draft ready running backs in this draft.

2021 NFL Draft stock dipping

Tyler Vaughns (2nd Round) WR

Anytime you play with a trio of receivers, there are some weeks you are not going to get the football as much. This was Tyler Vaughns against Arizona State last week. Vaughns had a pedestrian seven receptions and 53 yards. Vaughns did not have the season debut his two receiver mates St. Brown or Drake London had. This does not mean Vaughns is not a good receiver, he is. Saturday was simply not his day to have the big game. Vaughns has all of the measurable to be an NFL receiver. At 190 pounds, Vaughns has a frame that has room to grow. The junior receiver also needs to show an ability to separate from defensive backs on a consistent basis.

Frank Darby, Arizona State, WR (6th Round)

With Brandon Aiyuk in the NFL, Frank Darby is the logical choice to become Arizona State’s go-to receiver. Last season, as the Sun Devil’s primary big-play threat, Darby averaged 19.9 yards per reception. Darby did not have the most spectacular debut with just 1 reception for two yards. Last season, Darby proved to be dangerous as a deep threat and a red zone threat scoring eight touchdowns.

What the senior needs to prove this season is if he can be consistent as a high target receiver. Darby has to prove he can get open and be a safety net for sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels. If Darby wants to move up the draft board, he needs to get healthy and put together some big games for the Devils.

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