Evaluating The 2021 NFL Draft: The 10 Best Players' Impact

David

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Post on May 30, 2025

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Evaluating the 2021 NFL Draft: The 10 Best Players' Impact

The 2021 NFL Draft is now firmly in the rearview mirror, giving us ample time to assess its impact. While some picks were instant successes, others are still developing, and some unfortunately haven't lived up to expectations. This article delves into the ten players from the 2021 draft who have demonstrably made the biggest impact on their respective teams, considering performance, longevity, and overall contribution. We'll analyze their contributions and discuss their future prospects.

Methodology: Our rankings consider a combination of on-field performance (stats, Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors), team impact (wins above replacement, playoff contributions), and overall longevity within the league. It's important to note that this is a snapshot in time, and player trajectories can change significantly.

The Top 10 Impact Players from the 2021 NFL Draft:

1. Ja'Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals): Chase's immediate dominance shattered expectations. His rookie season cemented his status as an elite receiver, and he's continued to be a cornerstone of the Bengals' offense, showcasing exceptional route-running and ball-catching skills. His impact is undeniable, significantly elevating Burrow's performance and the team's overall success.

2. Mac Jones (QB, New England Patriots): While his early success has plateaued somewhat, Jones's consistent performance and leadership during his first couple of seasons solidify his place among the top performers from this draft. His ability to manage the game and minimize mistakes has been invaluable to the Patriots.

3. Patrick Surtain II (CB, Denver Broncos): Surtain II has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. His instincts, coverage skills, and physicality have made him a lockdown defender from day one. He's a foundational piece of any successful defense.

4. Micah Parsons (LB, Dallas Cowboys): Parsons' versatility and explosive playmaking ability have instantly transformed the Cowboys' defense. His ability to rush the passer, cover receivers, and stop the run makes him a truly unique talent. His impact extends far beyond the box score.

5. Jaylen Waddle (WR, Miami Dolphins): Waddle's blazing speed and exceptional route-running have made him a game-changer for the Dolphins' offense. His ability to stretch the field and create big plays has been a key element in Miami's offensive success.

6. Alijah Vera-Tucker (OG, New York Jets): While not a flashy pick, Vera-Tucker’s consistent performance as an offensive guard has been crucial for the Jets’ offensive line development. He's a cornerstone of their offensive rebuild.

7. Rashawn Slater (OT, Los Angeles Chargers): Slater's impact on the Chargers' offensive line has been significant, providing Justin Herbert with the protection he needs to thrive. While injuries have unfortunately hampered his career, his performance when healthy solidifies his place in this list.

8. Creed Humphrey (C, Kansas City Chiefs): A stalwart at center, Humphrey has provided stability and excellence in the middle of the Chiefs' offensive line. His consistent performance and leadership have been crucial to Kansas City's continued success.

9. Kwity Paye (DE, Indianapolis Colts): While his initial impact was slower to materialize, Paye's pass-rushing ability has steadily improved, making him a valuable asset to the Colts' defensive front.

10. Trevon Moehrig (S, Las Vegas Raiders): Moehrig's range and ball skills have provided a boost to the Raiders' secondary. He’s a smart, instinctive safety who has consistently made big plays.

Conclusion: The 2021 NFL Draft delivered a strong class of players, many of whom have significantly impacted their respective teams. While this list highlights ten of the most influential, many other players from this draft continue to develop and contribute. It will be interesting to see how these players, and others, continue to shape the NFL landscape in the years to come. What are your thoughts on this list? Let us know in the comments below!