Washington Huskies NFL Class of 2021
The Washington Huskies had four players selected in this year’s NFL draft. A look at each one plus a player signed as an undrafted free agent.
The Washington Huskies had a better NFL Draft class this year than last year. It’s a mild surprise considering UW only played four games last season. Additionally, the NCAA granted an additional year of eligibility which means players could come back for a fifth season. Now that rookie minicamps are over, we can look at the most recent group of Huskies headed to the NFL.
Joe Tryon – Edge
The first Washington Huskies player chosen was edge rusher, Joe Tryon. It was debatable whether he would be a first-round pick. The talent is there but Tryon opted out of playing in 2020. He didn’t give the scouts a chance to further evaluate him until the Senior Bowl.
The defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him with the final pick in Round 1 (32nd overall). Tryon was the fifth player taken at his position. Tampa is a great team and their isn’t any immediate pressure for him to perform. His pick also lined up with our final Huskies mock draft compilation.
As an edge rusher, Tryon could line up at either defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on the defensive alignment. Just like at UW, his 6-5, 262-pounds, will be a tough task for opposing offensive linemen to handle. Especially when he gets up a load of steam.
On Friday, May 14, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians announced that Tyron failed his physical after having a minor procedure done on one of his knees. The team aware of the problem when they drafted him. Tyron was at Tampa Bay’s minicamp though he didn’t participate in any formal practices. Instead, he worked with team trainers to rehab his knee.
The Super Bowl Champion @Buccaneers select Joe Tryon with the 32nd overall pick!
📺: 2021 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/7Rd1eFkL8T
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 30, 2021