The 2021 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Jalen Mayfield 2021 NFL Draft profile.
Position: Offensive Tackle
Size: 6-foot-5, 319 pounds
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
2019 stats: 13 starts at right tackle
After the Big Ten decided to cancel their fall season, Mayfield decided to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. When the Big Ten picked up the season late, Mayfield decided to come back for one more season before going pro.
Depending on the recruiting service, Mayfield was either a three or four-star recruit coming out of high school. He decided to stay in-state and play for the Wolverines. Mayfield added weight, while redshirting his first season on campus, but he did play in three games for the team. He took over as the starting right tackle as a redshirt sophomore and started 13 games. He helped Michigan go 9-4, although they lost in the Citrus Bowl to end the season. Mayfield played well in 2020, but Michigan won just two games.
Mayfield is a highly-regarded prospect and would’ve been drafted early even if he didn’t play in 2020. He is currently projected to be taken at some point in the first round in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jalen Mayfield
His ability to move is one of his best assets. He came into Michigan undersized, but even with adding weight, he has continued to be able to move better than most offensive tackles. This allows him to complete second-level blocks and block on the perimeter. He is also able to keep up with speed rushers on the edge.
He specifically showed great aptitude in pass blocking. Mayfield did well against some of the Big Ten’s best pass rushers last season, which included Chase Young. His ability to move helps him move his feet to stay in front of speed rushers. He also has the strength to hold off power rushers.
In the running game, he won’t be a huge body mover, but he does a solid job of executing his assignments. He will clear holes and has some room to improve in this area. If he can add some strength, Mayfield could be as proficient of a run blocker as he is a pass blocker.
His limited experience will be looked at by NFL teams. Mayfield started only 13 games at Michigan. He did see some limited time as a redshirt freshman at left tackle, but Mayfield is a player that could have really benefitted from a 2020 season.
Mayfield will need to work on his technique before playing significant NFL snaps. He can be seen having his hands too wide, which allows defensive linemen to push him back. Mayfield also lunges at times after defenders, so he should work on maintaining his balance and staying poised.
What might make his draft stock move down is that he is a right tackle. He should be able to transition to left tackle in the pros because of his ability to pass block, but it will still be a transition that takes work. He is already a good right tackle prospect, but may be stuck there if he can’t successfully make the transition to left tackle.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
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