The online betting odds for the first player to be taken in the 2021 NFL Draft backs up what we all know: Clemson's Trevor Lawrence appears to be a lock for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The ACC will own the bragging rights of having the No. 1 player in the draft. How about the other nine FBS conferences, though?
Here are the top NFL prospects from each FBS conference and how they project in the upcoming draft.
ACC
Trevor Lawrence, Clemson QB
Lawrence is the overwhelming favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall. The 6-foot-6 quarterback has been called a generational talent, making him one the most hyped NFL prospects in recent memory.
Lawrence went 34-2 as the starter for Clemson, winning the national championship as a true freshman in 2018.
American
Zaven Collins, Tulsa LB
Collins won the 2020 Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy for the best defensive player in college football. He has elite size for a linebacker at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. While Collins may not have great speed, he has shown the ability to drop back in zone coverage.
Collins is likely a first-round draft pick. He could slip into the second round if his testing numbers disappoint.
Big 12
Trevon Moehrig, TCU safety
Moehrig is arguably the top safety in this year’s draft class. He is 6-foot-2 and has great range on the field, showcasing his speed.
With 125 career tackles, seven interceptions, and 28 passes defended, Moehrig is aggressive against the run and a playmaker on the backend of the defense in passing situations. Expect to hear Moehrig’s name called late in the first round or early in the second.
Big Ten
Justin Fields, Ohio State QB
The No. 2 quarterback on many people’s boards, Fields’ game perfectly translates to the NFL. He’s 6-foot-3 with a strong frame, a strong arm, and great athleticism and speed to evade pressure and keep a defense respecting the QB run.
It won’t take long for Fields to be drafted. He’s the total package and a franchise quarterback.
C-USA
Jaelon Darden, North Texas WR
Darden set program records in career receptions (230), receiving yards (2,782), and receiving touchdowns (38). He is a dangerous weapon out of the slot.
The 5-foot-9, 174-pounder is a great route-runner and a headache to try and get your hands on when tackling. Darden looks to be a Day 3 draft pick going in the middle-to-late rounds.
MAC
Jaret Patterson, Buffalo RB
Patterson dominated in 2020, rushing for 1,072 yards and 19 touchdowns in only six games. He averaged 178.7 yards per game. The shifty 5-foot-9, 195-pound running back declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after his junior year.
This is a talented class of running backs, a position that isn’t as valued as it once was. Still, Patterson’s explosiveness should excite NFL teams enough to grab him in the mid-rounds.
Mountain West
Romeo Doubs, Nevada WR
Doubs has good speed for his 6-foot-2 and 200-pound frame. He has 145 career catches for 2,213 yards and 15 touchdowns in three seasons.
Doubs is ranked the No. 157 overall draft prospect by Pro Football Focus and the 22nd-best wide receiver.
Pac-12
Penei Sewell, Oregon OT
Sewell is a monster at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds. He is as solid as it gets in pass protection and run blocking.
So solid that ESPN’s Todd McShay could see Sewell as the No. 2 pick in his January mock draft.
SEC
Ja'Marr Chase, LSU WR
Alabama's Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith may have a say in this, but Chase is viewed slightly higher by PFF as the No. 5 overall draft prospect.
The 6-foot, 208-pounder dominates when the ball is in the air, catching anything in a wide radius and hauling down contested passes.
Sun Belt
Jonathan Adams Jr., Arkansas State WR
Adams is a big target at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. He presents mismatches for defenses with his size and good (not great) speed.
PFF ranks Adams the No. 149 overall prospect and the 20th-best wide receiver.
Place College Football Wagers at BetMGM
BetMGM is the best online sportsbook for up-to-the-minute college football betting odds, lines, and tips to ensure the best college football betting experience. Don’t miss an opportunity to bet on in-game lines, futures, and more at BetMGM.
Sam Herder is a writer for BetMGM and HERO Sports. A North Dakota State journalism grad, he spent several years in the print media industry before writing for online outlets. Sam has covered sports at all levels — high school, college, and professional — since 2011.
