Texas Football: 3 NFL Draft prospects that would sit out a shortened season

3. Caden Sterns, Safety

The Longhorns are going to have a heavy reliance on the secondary if there is a regular season played in 2020. Recently hired defensive coordinator Chris Ash is going to have a heavier reliance on the play of his secondary than just about any other position group on that side of the ball. This is where the significance of rising junior stud safety Caden Sterns comes into play.

This 6-foot-1 and 205 pound former five-star defensive back recruit and Cibolo, TX, native is one of the most talented at his position in recent memory for the Longhorns. But with the highly touted nature of Sterns talent came an inconsistent level of play and some nagging injury issues over the course of the last two years.

Sterns came out of the gates red hot during his true freshman campaign in 2018. He registered more than 60 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, and four pass deflections during his freshman season. But that translated to less than 60 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, no picks, and one pass deflection last season.

While there is a lot of benefit that Sterns could get from a proven level of production during his junior season, he should have a high enough floor in the 2021 NFL Draft and stay healthy enough that his value is greater by sitting out of the college football season. This takes into account that the season is dramatically shortened and there is little postseason benefit for the Longhorns.