2021 NFL first-round mock draft: Quarterback surprises
By Ian Higgins
2021 NFL Draft: 7th-8th picks
7. player. Scouting Report. College Stats. Justin Fields. 50. QB. Ohio State
With long-time franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford ending a long and impressive tenure in the Motor City, the Detroit Lions will be seeking a new identity in the 2021 NFL draft after hiring Dan Campbell. With the number seven selection though, Detroit will likely be waiting on whichever quarterback falls to them, which seemingly works in their favor.
Ohio State standout Justin Fields proved his leadership ability and commitment to the game in an impressive injury-ridden end to his college football career, including an unforgettable performance knocking out number one overall selection Trevor Lawrence from his final collegiate post-season run.
Combine these intangibles with modern positional athleticism, Fields is the perfect building block to start the rebuild from.
8. Scouting Report. TE. Florida. Kyle Pitts. College Stats. player. 87
Following an impressive 2020 campaign after Matt Rhule’s commitment to reforming a dominant Carolina Panthers defense, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be receiving the gift of one of the top pass-catchers in the 2021 NFL draft.
Kyle Pitts is a dynamic athlete who excelled with the accuracy-focused Kyle Trask at Florida, making his quarterback look good with his ability to create mismatches against both linebackers and members of the secondary.
Along with this, Pitts made a conscious effort in his final season at Florida to improve his run-blocking in an effort to win the Mackey Award for the best tight end in the country, which fittingly paid off. With this considered, Pitts could not only be a safety-blanket to Bridgewater but also a keep run-blocker for the most dynamic halfback in the NFL.