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

25. Replacing Travis Etienne at Clemson: Lyn-J Dixon and Will Shipley

Though replacing a multi-time ACC Offensive Player of the Year isn’t easy, the obvious answer here is Lyn-J Dixon. He performed well in totality over the past few years as Etienne’s backup.

However, after looking a bit lackluster in 2020 with just 4.5 yards per carry, I wouldn’t be surprised if 5-star freshman Will Shipley makes some noise in the offseason work and possibly takes over the featured role in the Clemson backfield as his explosiveness more directly translates to what Etienne brought to the offense.

26. Replacing Greg Newsome II at Northwestern: Cameron Mitchell

Northwestern having to replace a pair of first-round picks is a tough ask for Pat Fitzgerald’s program. But while they have someone at the ready at tackle, the case is less clear at cornerback with Greg Newsome II now gone.

The Wildcats have a couple of options as to who can be the new top cornerback as A.J. Hampton stepped in as the starter opposite Newsome late in the year and as Cameron Mitchell filled in for Newsome in the bowl game. For me, though, Mitchell has the chance to be the better overall player, which is why he’ll ultimately take over.

27. Replacing Rashod Bateman at Minnesota: Daniel Jackson

Chris Autman-Bell is the leading returning receiver for P.J. Fleck’s program and, chances are, he’ll be the top guy at the end of the year. However, Daniel Jackson is going to play a much bigger role as he will likely step into the shoes of Bateman in the offense to some degree. After flashing with 12 receptions for 167 yards in 2020, the former 4-star recruit has the tools to be a real weapon for Tanner Morgan and establish himself as a dynamic threat.

28. Replacing Payton Turner at Houston: Derek Parish

So much of Houston’s defense, especially with Turner on the defensive line last season, is predicated upon movability and versatility. So while he’s a different body type, it would stand to reason that the Cougars would bring Derek Parish, someone who played both sides of the ball and at multiple positions defensively last year, in to replace the inside-out threat of Turner. It may not be a one-for-one role as they move Parish around but he’s the next-in-line defensive X-factor as part of the front seven.