2021 NFL Draft: Five schools to watch as the Pro Day circuit starts up

With the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine canceled out of an abundance of caution with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Pro Day circuit — which starts today, March 5, has taken on new importance.

In a normal year, Pro Days have an interesting place in the process. For the most part, teams draft boards are set before Pro Days end, and they’re mostly a last chance to double-check any flags the team might have or for a prospect to get a second chance at any event they skipped (or weren’t happy with) at the Combine. Workouts are scripted with prospects put into the most optimal position to succeed, and measurable events are taken with a grain of salt.

But this year the Pro Day circuit is all the NFL has to fill out the measurable portions of their scouting reports. And while tape should always form the backbone of a scouting report, teams often have firm size or athletic thresholds for various positions. This year’s Pro Days also offer teams like the New York Giants the opportunity to get a look at top prospects who opted out of the 2020 season, which could be invaluable come draft night.

Alabama - March 23

We just have to start with Alabama’s Pro Day. The Crimson Tide’s Pro Day is always a feature attraction, as they’re putting top prospects into the NFL on an annual basis. This year the Giants could be interested in wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, or defensive tackle Christian Barmore. They will also likely be paying attention to offensive linemen like Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown, or Landon Dickerson.

The quarterback-needy teams will likely have their eyes focused on Alabama passer Mac Jones who’s steady play has him steadily rising up draft boards.

Penn State - March 25

The obvious name here is linebacker Micah Parsons. The NFL will want to check in on Parsons after he opted out of the 2020 season, but there are plenty of other prospects who could interest the Giants. EDGE defenders Jayson Oweh and Shaka Toney could both be on the Giants’ radar, as could TE Pat Frieirmuth. Players like center Michael Menet or S Lamont Wade could use the opportunity to put themselves higher on teams’ radar.

Miami - March 29

What scout wouldn’t want to take a trip to south Florida at the end of March? But The U has a bunch of players worth checking out, too.

The Giants should obviously be interested Gregory Rousseau (who, like Parsons, opted out of the 2020 season), as well as Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche. All three players are intriguing EDGE prospects, and the Giants certainly could use some help at the position. Teams will also be interested in hybrid tight end Brevin Jordan, who could be a dangerous offensive weapon in the right hands.

Ohio State - March 30

Like Alabama, OSU is one of the highlights of the Pro Day circuit.

This year teams will be anxious to get an up close look at quarterback Justin Fields, who will be vying with Zack Wilson to be the second quarterback off the board. But OSU is as stacked as ever, with players like linebackers Barron Browning, Pete Werner, and Tuff Borland, EDGE Jonathan Cooper, defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, offensive linemen Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers, and running back Trey Sermon.

Cornerback Shaun Wade will also be one to watch as well, as he tries to show that he is better than his first year as an outside corner.

LSU - March 31

LSU is another team with a top prospect who opted out of the 2020 season, and Ja’Marr Chase will want to remind teams that he is the top pass catcher in this draft class.

His teammate, Terrace Marshall Jr., has risen up draft boards in the absence of Chase and Justin Jefferson, and he could cap off his draft process with a strong showing to go from an unknown in August to a potential first rounder in April. Fellow wide receiver Racey McMath would also like to use the opportunity to show that while he didn’t get many opportunities in LSU’s offense, he has NFL ability.

On the defensive side of things, keep an eye out for LB Jabrill Cox, who transferred from North Dakota State to show that he can play in the Power 5 and had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. Likewise, Giants fans should also keep an eye on 6-foot-3, 362-pound nose tackle Tyler Shelvin. The Giants love drafting big defensive tackles, and Shelvin stands out in a draft class populated with sub-300 pound defensive linemen.

Full Pro Day schedule