With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Rashod Bateman leads prospects to watch in Minnesota vs. Michigan

By JD Bagley

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bateman scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bateman scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Jalen Mayfield. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Which 2021 NFL Draft prospects are on display tonight?

As the Big Ten finally opens play here in late October, Saturday nights ranked matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Minnesota Golden Gophers is considered to be one of the top games of the weekend. Last year these two schools combined to produce three top 60 picks in the draft, and there are a handful of top 2021 NFL Draft prospects featured in this game that could do the same next April.

Although we are missing out on some talented players including Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins and cornerback Ambry Thomas due to COVID-19 opt outs, let’s take a look at some of the potential top picks in the 2021 NFL Draft who will be on the field Saturday.

OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan

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Michigan offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield had originally opted out when the Big Ten postponed their season back in August, but has since rejoined the team looking to improve his 2021 NFL Draft stock. The 6-foot-5 and 320 pound Redshirt Sophomore started all 13 games in 2019 and has played mostly right tackle throughout his career at Michigan. He has the makings of a top-5 offensive tackle in this class, but will look to rise even higher.

His potential as a player at the next level is fairly high considering he’s added 75 pounds since stepping onto campus in 2018 and only has one full season as a starter under his belt. Opting back in could pay off big time for Mayfield as he was labeled a fringe first-to-second round talent based off of his 2019 tape. If we see a big leap in development this season, he could push his way into the thick of the first round in 2021.

Since becoming the offensive line coach in 2018, Ed Warriner has produced several NFL players including Mason Cole, Cesar Ruiz, Ben Bredeson, and Michael Onwenu who is off to a great start to his career in New England. Many are looking forward to seeing what Warinner can do with Mayfield this season as he looks to solidify himself as a first rounder this upcoming April

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