Baylor football: Top 3 Bears prospects for 2021 NFL Draft

Baylor football’s All-American safety

Grayland Arnold’s pass coverage abilities in the Big 12 have already caught the attention of NFL teams. For coaches who can’t wait to get their hands on him, watching his 2020 games in Waco, Texas, will have to suffice.

Arnold’s six interceptions was bettered by only five players in the nation last season. He earned 2019 second-team All-American honors and also compiled 46 tackles. As a part-time punt returner, he averaged 12.4 yards and took one back for a touchdown.

In the Big 12, the pace is lightning fast, the offensive coordinators are full of schemes, and the quarterbacks are dreadfully accurate. Four of the conference’s teams were ranked in the nation’s top 20 passing offenses, and half of the Big 12 (five teams) reside in the top 30 of the country’s total offense.

Any defensive unit that can weekly hold its own against the likes of Texas’ Sam Ehlinger, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts, and Iowa State’s Brock Purdy is a stout one. Arnold’s skills in the Bears’ secondary was an integral part of the team’s success in 2019.

Against the same row of prolific Big 12 offenses, another strong showing by Arnold will only improve his draft stock for 2020.