With The First Pick
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4 Big Ten 2021 NFL Draft prospects who benefit most from season’s return

By Billy Riccette

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: Shaun Wade #24 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his interception with teammate Jeff Okudah #1 in the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 16: Shaun Wade #24 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his interception with teammate Jeff Okudah #1 in the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft prospect Shaun Wade
2021 NFL Draft prospect Shaun Wade. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Now you may be thinking “hey wait, Shaun Wade is already a good cornerback prospect, how can another year benefit him?” The answer is that 2020 was going to be Wade’s time to shine on the outside, after spending most of his time at Ohio State at the nickel spot.

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He has certainly shown very well at that spot, but with Jeff Okudah now with the Detroit Lions and Wade set to take over for Okudah (and new Las Vegas Raider Damon Arnette) teams and draft analysts were ready to see Wade expand his game and expand his versatility going into the next level.

As it stands now, Wade is probably a first-round pick, regardless. But there is plenty of competition for the top spot among cornerbacks in this upcoming draft, particularly Caleb Farley of Virginia Tech and Patrick Surtain II of Alabama.

Farley has already opted out of the college season, even with the ACC deciding they are moving forward with playing fall sports. If Ohio State is able to get back on the field this year, Wade’s play on the outside would give him a chance to close the gap and perhaps overtake Farley among the group, depending on how you are viewing those three.

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