Which NFL Draft Prospects Might Be Next to Opt Out of the College Football Season?

The 2020 college season is on the horizon. Maybe? The season happening or not is anyone’s guess. There is a lot on the line for these future NFL prospects, and banking on the NCAA getting their act together might not make sense for everyone. It is for this reason we have started to see a few players opt out of the 2020 season. The first was Virginia Tech CB, Caleb Farley. He has the size, speed and fluidity to solidify himself as a first rounder. He doesn’t have much else to prove. Next came stand out receiver from Minnesota, Rashod Bateman. He is as complete a receiver as they come. He may not be the number 1 WR to go in April but he is still a top WR that should go in the 1st round. Here are some names that we could expect to opt out next.

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State: There is already chatter in the air that Micah will be the next domino to fall for college opt outs. Parsons is easily the best LBer prospect coming out this year. He also brings the same utility that Jamal Adams brought to the table.

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon: Sewell is already a strong voice in the PAC 12 in favor of boycotting unless safety standards are met. As a top 10 shoe-in, Sewell doesn’t have much else to prove. He could jump ship and be just fine.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU: Chase is easily in the talks for the top WR in the 2021 class. Like Bateman, Chase is the complete package. His stock won’t be hurt too much by opting out.

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson: Lawrence has way more than enough tape out there for teams to know he will be the one of if not the top QB prospect. Teams will be chomping at the bits for Lawrence with or without a 2020 season.

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson: There was talk a while ago about Etienne exploring his options for the Supplemental Draft. The NFL officially canceled that option about a month ago. The best RB prospect so far will probably be looking forward to the 2021 draft early.

In the end, players might not even get the chance to opt out if there is no season. UConn announced today that they will not be having a 2020 season. They are an independent now, so it doesn’t mess up conference scheduling. I doubt the Huskies will be the last team to do this. My bold prediction is that undergrads with a 1st or 2nd round grade will declare, while the bulk of them stay in school to try and boost their stock. The result of this would be devalued draft after the 2nd round. If we look further down the line, it could mean a beefed up 2022 draft. There are so many unknowns right now, it is best to not get caught up in it all. What we do know is that top players are opting out, and that’s going to continue to happen. It starts with a trickle, and the prospects named above could open the floodgates. Who do y’all see opting out?