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2021 NFL Draft: Where does Paris Ford stand after opting out?

By Cory Kinnan

Oct 5, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Paris Ford (12) reacts after his second half interception against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the Duke Blue Devils 33-30. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Paris Ford (12) reacts after his second half interception against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the Duke Blue Devils 33-30. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Paris Ford. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Where does Paris Fords’ 2021 NFL Draft future hold?

Add one more to the list of collegiate players who have opted out of the 2020 season. This time it was Pitt’s hard hitting safety Paris Ford would withdrew his name from play after starting the season on a hot pace with the Panthers as the 2021 NFL Draft approaches.

To start his 2020 season, Ford filled the stat sheet, tallying 30 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and three interceptions in just seven games. He was on pace to match his 2019 totals where he racked up 56 solo tackles, and already topped this two and a half tackles for loss, and tied his three interceptions.

Why did Ford opt out?

There was a rumor circulating that Ford was seen disgruntled and in a verbal altercation with the coaching staff as he was pulled late in a blowout loss to Notre Dame. Head coach Pat Narduzzi said he wanted to use the opportunity with the game out of reach to get a younger backup some playing time. However, this apparently did not sit well with Ford.

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There has yet to be a definitive reason given as to why Ford has opted out already seven games deep into the season. The Pitt safety may have felt like he had put on tape this year what he needed to put on tape before the 2021 NFL Draft. However, he has yet to officially declare for the draft as of this point either, meaning he may return to school in 2021. This, however, seems unlikely.

Pitt has fallen to 3-4 on the year after a hot 3-0 start, likely factoring into Ford’s decision to opt out as well.

2021 NFL Draft on the horizon for Ford?

While Ford has not officially declared for the draft, it is likely to happen in the coming days. He is already 22 years old, and will be 23 by the time he gets to the NFL. In a weak safety class, with no front-runner at the top, Ford has a chance to emerge as that top dog with a great offseason of workouts, NFL Scouting Combine, and team visits.

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Still in action, but worth monitoring, are three other talented defensive playmakers in pass rushers Patrick Jones II (likely a top EDGE selected in the draft) and Rashad Weaver, and safety Damar Hamlin. The talented Pitt defense loses another talented chip with the opt out of Ford, as he joins likely top-50 pick and defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman.

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