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 Southland Conference 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: Robert Rochell, CB-KR, Central Arkansas
PROJECTED ROUND: 3rd round
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 100
THE SCOOP: One of many talented skill-position studs who plays for Central Arkansas, Rochell has 10 career interceptions for the Bears. The 6-foot-2 cornerback declared for the NFL Draft this upcoming spring and also has received an invite to the Senior Bowl. His reputation is continuing to grow in a good way, and having a full season where UCA challenged several top programs hasn’t hurt. Keep an eye on Rochell … the 3rd-round grade may improve quickly in the spring, starting with the Senior Bowl.
NO. 2: Dai’Jean Dixon, WR, Nicholls
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 624
THE SCOOP: A HERO Sports Sophomore All-American in 2018, Dixon has been productive for a long time for the Colonels. He dealt with injuries in 2019 and still managed 978 yards receiving in just seven weeks of action. This is a 6-foot-4 target who could gain traction as things move forward in 2021. Tuck this name into your “draft memory” pocket. Kansas State knows, as he caught 5 passes for 92 yards against the Wildcats in 2019.
NO. 3: Jamal Pettigrew, TE, McNeese
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 686
THE SCOOP: This LSU transfer has intense interest as a former SEC recruit. Size is not a problem as a 6-foot-6 tight end prospect.
NO. 4: Zyon McCollum, CB-FS, Sam Houston St.
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 711
THE SCOOP: McCollum has been a contributor at Sam Houston State since his freshman season as an FCS recruit, and as a 6-foot-3 cornerback signee years ago he was one of the Bearkats’ top talents brought on. He had 9 career INTs coming into what should have been a senior season. We’d project Zyon as a quick riser when it is his time.
NO. 5: Isaiah Chambers, DE, McNeese
PROJECTED ROUND: HPFA
DRAFTSCOUT TOP 750: No. 733
THE SCOOP: A TCU and Houston transfer, Chambers’ size (6-5/250) will impress. He could also play linebacker. Keep an eye on this guy.
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.
THE NEXT GROUP
| FCS PLAYER | POS | FCS SCHOOL |
| Billy McCrary | RB | Abilene Christian |
| Ben Ratzlaff | WR | Houston Baptist |
| Michael Lawson | FS | Lamar |
| P.J. Burkhalter | OG | Nicholls |
| Kevin Moore III | SS | Nicholls |
| Matt McRobert | P | Sam Houston St. |
| Colby Thomas | C | Sam Houston St. |
| Jequez Ezzard | WR | Sam Houston St. |
| Cole Kelley | QB | SE Louisiana |
| Alize Ward | FS | Stephen F. Austin |
