Michigan State Football: Top 5 prospects for 2021 NFL Draft

The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books and two Michigan State football players heard their names called. Who could be next in 2021?

Two Spartans heard their names called during the 2020 NFL Draft and while that didn’t seem like enough considering the amount of potential prospects, it did extend Michigan State’s streak to 80 straight years with at least one player drafted.

Josiah Scott kept the streak alive with a fourth-round selection by the Jaguars and Kenny Willekes doubled down on it and was picked in round seven by the Vikings.

Other players were picked up by NFL teams as undrafted free agents such as Brian Lewerke who went to the Patriots, Joe Bachie went to the Saints, Darrell Stewart Jr. was picked up by the Packers, Cody White went to the Chiefs, Mike Panasiuk signed with the Raiders and Raequan Williams was scooped by by the Eagles.

Which Spartans could be the next to hear their names called in the 2021 NFL Draft to keep the streak alive?

According to the coaches, Jacub Panasiuk has stepped up as a leader this offseason and that’s exactly what fans want to hear after his social media debacle following the hiring of Mel Tucker.

Panasiuk has grown up fast and he could become one of the best defensive ends in the Big Ten this season if he continues growing like he has through his first three seasons. His numbers have improved each year, going from 17 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack as a freshman to 34 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a junior.

Now that he’ll be the main defensive lineman with Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and his brother Mike Panasiuk gone, he’ll be expected to produce.

The talent is there, it just all depends on the head that he has on his shoulders. As long as he remains focused on getting better, he could find himself in the NFL in 2021.