NFL News: Players Who Intend to Opt-Out and Enter the 2021 NFL Draft

With the ongoing pandemic, many sports events have been postponed. But, luckily, for football fans, the Pac-12 Conference has recently announced that the football season will begin this fall on 6 November 2020. 

As stated by Michael Schill, President of the University of Oregon and Pac-12 CEO group chair, “The health and safety of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports remains our guiding light and number one priority. Our CEO Group has taken a measured and thoughtful approach to today’s decision, including extensive consultation with stakeholders on the evolving information and data related to health and safety.”

With this announcement, it could help stop the flow of top players in the league opting out for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Who are the NFL Players that have decided to opt-out?

The list below includes some of the players who intend to opt-out of the upcoming college football season. They instead want to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, which is to be scheduled to be held on April 29 to May 1, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ambry Thomas

This cornerback from Michigan earned third-team All-Big Ten honours last year as a starter for the Wolverines. Last season, he also had a record of 38 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. In his tweet, he wrote:” This was a very difficult decision as there is nothing I wanted to do more than to suit up in the Maize and Blue this fall. However, in light of the (Big Ten) season being postponed, my family and I have decided that beginning to prepare for the draft is the right step to take.” 

Jaylen Twyman

Twyman would have been a fourth-year junior this fall. He was a key member of one of college football’s most defensive lines. Last year, he had a record of 10. 5 sacks. This made him the first interior defensive line to lead Pitt in sacks since 2013.

Twyman wrote in his social media account that his reason for opting out is not because of the pandemic. He stated, “This past year has been crazy for so many people, it makes you realize you have responsibilities beyond yourself. That’s why I have decided to opt out of the 2020 season and declare for the 2021 NFL draft, and to return home to be with my family. This isn’t about COVID-19. It’s about my family’s needs, now and in the future.” 

Greg Rousseau

As the edge rusher of the Hurricanes, Rousseau decided to opt-out last Aug 6, which is a huge loss for the team. He had racked up 15.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman last year and was even compared by NFL.com analyst and former scout Daniel Jeremiah to Danielle Hunter, Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end. Jeremiah also stated that Rousseau is one of the top 2021 draft prospects he’s studied. 

Micah Parsons

Parsons is one of the top profile players who have stated his intention to opt-out of football season. Jeremiah also acknowledged the reigning Big Ten Linebacker of the Year as one of the higher grade off-ball linebackers in the NFL draft.   

Jhamon Ausbon

Last year, the Texan wide receiver had a record of 66 catches for 872 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was known to be the leader for the Aggies. Ausbon stated in a tweet of his plans not to be a part of the football season. 

“This was not an easy decision at all! Sounds cliche, but when I decided to come back for my fourth year, I would’ve never imagined not playing this season with the guys that I love and call brothers. These are bonds that I will hold for a lifetime and I mean that wholeheartedly.”

Those are just some of the football players who have opted out. But for the punters and professional sports quants who were excited to see them in matches, there’s no need to be disheartened. You’ll be able to wager on other players.

With our partner Eastbridge, you can stop searching for the “best bookmakers on our API” because they have everything you would want for online sports betting. From Live Asian Handicap Betting to Skype Betting, you can bet on your favourite football team. Contact them today for more of their services!