Big shoes to fill: Meet the replacements for every 2021 NFL Draft first round pick

9. Replacing Patrick Surtain II at Alabama: Josh Jobe

This is one of the easiest replacements to peg of any first-round pick as Josh Jobe is clearly the man in waiting. He manned the No. 2 spot opposite of Surtain last year and performed extremely well. Jobe doesn’t necessarily have the top-end potential of the top-10 pick but he has the talent to be a first-round pick in 2022, especially if he can continue to stay locked in and put out more consistent play on film.

10. Replacing DeVonta Smith at Alabama: John Metchie

After seeing an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver over the past four seasons in Tuscaloosa, there is definitely a slight drop-off heading into 2021. However, John Metchie is not a question mark for the Crimson Tide as he proved his merit last season when asked to step into a larger role, totaling over 900 receiving yards on the year in the prolific Alabama offense.

He likely doesn’t have the upside to put up the numbers Smith did but, all told, he can be an effective top option moving forward.

11. Replacing Justin Fields at Ohio State: CJ Stroud

As we saw throughout the spring, it does appear that head coach Ryan Day is giving three quality options at quarterback — CJ Stroud, Jack Miller and Kyle McCord — the opportunity to take the starting job. However, no one in that trio truly separated themselves from the pack, so the competition will likely last through the fall. The safe bet, however, is on Stroud to end up winning out given his recruiting pedigree and experience within the program to this point.

12. Replacing Micah Parsons at Penn State: Curtis Jacobs

Much like Chase and Sewell, we’ve already seen the replacement for Parsons at Penn State due to the linebacker’s decision to opt out of last season. Curtis Jacobs was a bit inconsistent when he saw snaps as a true freshman last year but the former top-40 recruit in the country is a terrific athlete as it pertains to the traits necessary to be a standout outside linebacker. With a year in Happy Valley under his belt, he’s in a position to step into a starring role now.