2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas

Jaelon Darden had a big year in 2019 which put him on the map. When Rico Bussey went down to an injury someone needed to step up and that player was Darden.

Darden, a Houston, Texas native has been pretty damn impressive for the Mean Green. Entering the season, Darden was 2nd in career receiving touchdowns, fifth in career receptions and eight in career touchdowns.

Jaelon has played in three games so far in 2020, and he already has hauled in 23 receptions for 241 yards and scored 6 times. He is on pace to break his 2019 totals, and has half as many touchdown as he did last year in just three games. Last year he finished with 12 touchdowns in 12 games.

Darden was a quarterback in high school and was rated as a three star recruit by 24/7. He made a great transition to wide receiver at North Texas. In his first year for the Mean Green he finished with 32 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns.

The 5’9 senior is elusive and he is proving that this year. He is a playmaker and no matter where you put him he will make plays. He makes a terrific slot wide out at the next level.

NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes:

Jaelon Darden is fun to watch on film. The kid has wheels and is hard to cover. Teams have tried zone and man against Darden and nothing has worked. Against Southern Miss he shredded up their defense. He was open damn near every play. He finished the game with 13 receptions for 104 yards and only scored once, but he was open many times he did not get the ball. Darden is climbing draft boards, and it is because of his playmaking ability. – Damond Talbot, NFL Draft Diamonds, Owner