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*Walt taking 2014 and 2018

Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates. Led all NFL media in draft rumor accuracy in '15, '16, '17, '18, and '20 Led all NFL media in correct picks for the 2017 and 2019 NFL Drafts 2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1

Eight Teams Project Jaylon Ferguson on Day 2 or Later

In a strong class of defensive line talent, Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson has something that none of the other draft prospects have, and that is the NCAA record for career sacks with 45. Along with his production, Ferguson has quality size to him, checking in at 6-foot-4 and 256 pounds at the Senior Bowl. That combination caused many draft analysts to push Ferguson into the first round of mock drafts. However, sources at eight different teams told me that none of them had Ferguson in the first round, and they all projected Ferguson to be selected on the second day of the draft.  

"Probably day two sometime, not super early that day either," said a NFC national scout in a text message. "But he has size and tons of production, and premium position so someone may reach a little, but I don't see him going 1, especially in this class." 

One AFC general manager said he had a Round 3-4 grade on Ferguson because he is very stiff. A few other teams mentioned that stiffness being a big issue for them. The majority had third-round grades on Ferguson, but a few evaluators said they wouldn't be surprised if he was chosen in the second round. One NFL general manager said they had a Round 2-3 grade on Ferguson, and that was highest I heard with lots of threes and a few 3-4. 

With eight different teams telling me they had Ferguson graded on Day 2, he looks safe to be selected on the second night of the draft, given his production and size, as well as the fact that he plays an important position.