We all know that Ryan Pace is going to walk away from the draft with a small school prospect. Aside from 2015, he has dipped into the lower levels of college football for draft picks throughout his career. No, we are not talking the MAC, or a smaller school like Memphis, although he did take Anthony Miller. We are talking about non-FBS schools as small as Kutztown, Ashland, and NC A&T.
Considering Pace has a long history of doing it, we should expect this. 2021 is not the best year for the small school prospect as most are playing football right now, and did not declare for such a murky draft process. Still, there are enough candidates for Ryan Pace to find his favorite.
Will any of these players be the 2021 version of the small school player?
5. Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
We had
, who not only checks the small school box but fits everything else Ryan Pace looks for when drafting these players. The start is off of the charts athleticism. Robert Rochell checks that with a unique size, and speed for the position.
Rochell was a former wide receiver who is adjusting to the position. However, he dominated at Central Arkansas and his ball skills showed with 10 interceptions over two seasons. Pace is about taking swings on the high upside with these picks, and the upside of athleticism and ball production is checked here.
It helps that Robert Rochell is at cornerback which will be a position in the Chicago Bears draft. If they miss early, do not be surprised if they select Robert Rochell from Central Arkansas to play cornerback for them in the fifth round.