2021 NFL Draft: Panthers land stud TE in 32-team first round mock
By Dean Jones
87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. KYLEPITTS. player. 13. TE. FLORIDA
13. Kyle Pitts – TE (Florida)
The Carolina Panthers will miss out on the top-two linebackers in this scenario, which should be their first priority in the 2021 NFL Draft. Tahir Whitehead has been dismal through the first half of the season and they need to get a replacement for Luke Kuechly at the earliest possible opportunity.
Another area they could need a talented young prospect is tight end. Ian Thomas hasn’t made a successful transition to the No. 1 spot and an elite offensive weapon like Kyle Pitts could take their offense to new heights.
OG. OHIO STATE. WYATTDAVIS. player. Scouting Report. 14. 59. Pick Analysis
14. Wyatt Davis – OG (Ohio State)
The core onus of this draft for the Dolphins will be to give quarterback Tua Tagovialoa everything he needs. This includes interior protection and Wyatt Davis is a day one starter who arrives in the NFL with a tremendous amount of upside.
He is a big body that is hard to move off the block. Davis also plays with a controlled aggression that makes his film so far incredibly impressive.
Scouting Report. DE. KWITYPAYE. player. 28. Pick Analysis. MICHIGAN. 15
15. Kwity Paye – DE (Michigan)
Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have done a tremendous job building through the draft over the last two years. They have developed a nous for picking athletic traits that make an instant impact at the next level and in Kwity Paye, they add another with exceptional promise.
Paye hit the ground running for Michigan with three sacks in their opening game and already looks to have made improvements on a 2019 campaign that saw the pass-rusher generate 12.5 quarterback takedowns.
USC. JAYTUFELE. player. 16. 50. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT
16. Jay Tufele – DT (USC)
The Lions need some more help on their defense, which has shown gradual improvement this season. They could still use some more assistant on their defensive line interior and Jay Tufele might be good value in the mid-first round.
Tufele is a good run stuffer who gets after the passer when the opportunity arises. This is a commodity that is always sought after at the defensive tackle spot.
Pick Analysis. CB. SHAUNWADE. 17. 42. Scouting Report. OHIO STATE. player
17. Shaun Wade – CB (Ohio State)
It’s remarkable just how many injuries have befallen the 49ers this season. This has put a significant dent to their hopes of defending their NFC Championship and getting more help at secondary in the 2021 NFL Draft is sure to be a top priority.
Shaun Wade has the potential to be a top cover cornerback in the NFL. He played well alongside Jeff Okudah for the Buckeyes in 2019 and he looked the part in his first game of the season last weekend.
PATFREIERMUTH. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 15. TE. PENN STATE. 18
18. Pat Freiermuth – TE (Penn State)
The Saints gave up most of their draft capital to draft tight end Adam Trautman in 2020, but they are always on the lookout for more talent and Pat Freiermuth would be an intriguing addition to an offense that might not have Drew Brees under center if he raised off into the sunset.
Freiermuth is a night mare to cover in the slot and can block well. This was showcased to full effect in his first game of the season on his way to seven catches, 60 receiving yards, and one touchdown.
Pick Analysis. WR. Scouting Report. ALABAMA. DEVONTASMITH. 19. player. 54
19. DeVonta Smith – WR (Alabama)
It would take the Eagles about five seconds to make their pick in this scenario. They are in desperate need for more help in the passing game and DeVonta Smith could be the star wideout that quarterback Carson Wentz is looking for.
Smith is the latest polished Alabama route-runner from a recent conveyorbelt that includes Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, Calvin Ridley, and Jaylen Waddle, who was picked a few spots before his teammate.