FCS: The SoCon’s Top 2021 NFL Prospects

In this most unusual upcoming draft year, nothing is for certain. Thanks to COVID-19 and a ruling by the NCAA, players can play in the spring and even opt to come back for another season (fall 2021), even though they’re actually in this current draft class. Nobody’s eligibility will be affected by this pandemic year.

So, our Top Southern Conference (SoCon) prospect chart — in which we consult our subscription to DraftScout.com‘s database — could change quite a bit by the time the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around. But we are ranking a player based on his “class” as it stands now, along with any underclassmen who have expressed their desire to take an early shot at the draft.

RELATED: FCS’ Top 2021 NFL Prospects

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some of the players listed below have entered the transfer portal, but unless they’ve already selected their next school, they’re listed with the FCS school they played for in 2019.

THE RANKING

NO. 1: Raleigh Webb, WR/RS, The Citadel

PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA

DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 586

THE SCOOP: Known as a workout demon, this speedy prospect (4.4-second 40-yard dash time) stands 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and is considered a fringe day-three guy/high-priority free agent. He led the Bulldogs in receiving in the abbreviated fall season, as well as in 2019 and 2018. In an option offense, he was the receiving threat that kept opponents honest. He made them pay, to the tune of 20 yards per touch his entire career. It would appear Webb will return for the spring season, and he could come back in the fall, but he’s eligible for this spring’s draft.

NO. 2: Bryce Nunnelly, WR, Chattanooga

PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA

DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 708

THE SCOOP: You have to love the quick-switch ability of Nunnelly, who has the speed to beat the opposition but also runs crisp routes. He was only able to play in one game this past fall for the Mocs (against FBS Western Kentucky), and he has 2,148 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns so far. He has broken some of Terrell Owens’ records at UTC.

NO. 3: Brandon Dowdell, CB/FS/RS, Chattanooga

PROJECTED ROUND: PFA

DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: Not on list

THE SCOOP: A talented defensive back and return specialist, Dowdell has been mentioned by DraftScout as a potential free safety at the next level. He is listed as a potential priority free agent. He’s a two-time All-Southern Conference selection and posted six tackles this fall in the Mocs’ lone game against FBS Western Kentucky (a near win by the Mocs, with a key call by the referees determining the outcome). From a special teams standpoint, he has been one of the FCS’ top punt returners for years.

NO. 4: A.J. Smith, SS, VMI

PROJECTED ROUND: PFA

DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: Not on list

THE SCOOP: Smith didn’t get a chance to show his abilities in the fall with VMI not playing, but he has been a starter for the Keydets since 2017. Two of his better career games have come against FBS competition, against the Air Force Academy in 2017 and Old Dominion in 2018. He has 205 career tackles

NO. 5: Owen Cosenke, FB/TE, Western Carolina

PROJECTED ROUND: PFA

DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: Not on list

THE SCOOP: At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Cosenke could be that perfect Swiss Army knife kind of prospect whose versatility could get him a longer look than many small-school prospects. In two games against FBS competition this past fall (bowl winner Liberty and nationally ranked North Carolina), Cosenke caught seven passes for 100 yards from the tight end position. For his career, he has 60 receptions for 649 yards and 11 TDs..

NOTE- HPFA = High Priority Free Agent, which means they may not be projected to be drafted at this time in the cycle, but they’ll likely be signed within a few hours of the draft’s conclusion.

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