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Michigan Football: Predicting where top prospects land in 2021 NFL Draft

By Michael Hanich

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nico Collins #4 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a first quarter touchdown while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nico Collins #4 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a first quarter touchdown while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Jalen Mayfield, OT: Kansas City Chiefs (31st overall)

The three most needed position groups in this year’s 2021 NFL Draft class are the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive tackles. Michigan offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield is projected to be the fifth offensive tackle selected. Earlier in the draft process, Mayfield was believed to be a second-round selection but the serious need for the position has changed his outlook.

Mayfield came to the Wolverines as the 16th-best offensive tackle and fourth-best prospect from the state of Michigan in the 2018 recruiting class. After playing three games with the Wolverines as a freshman, Mayfield started all 13 games at the right tackle position in 2019. He originally opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns but opted back in after the Big Ten allowed competition.

Mayfield is a dominant pass protector as well as an efficient run blocker at the collegiate level. He is considered a project tackle at the next level as he needs to work on his movement as a run blocker. He also needs more efficiency with his punches and hand placement.

The pass protection for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV was terrible. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was constantly running for his life as he was unable to extend plays against the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To make matters worse for the Chiefs, they released their two starting tackles in Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher, who suffered an Achilles tear before the Super Bowl.

Mayfield will be a day one starter as his playing attributes matches the explosive offensive capabilities of the Chiefs.

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