2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 3rd overall
WR. 3. Pick Analysis. Alabama. DeVonta Smith. player. 59. Scouting Report
The hot spot for trades in the 2021 NFL Draft will likely be at the third pick in the draft. This is where teams will look to trade up and select whichever quarterback is left on the board between Zach Wilson and Justin Fields. However, I am not predicting trades in this mock draft so we will assume the Dolphins hang onto the pick.
If they hang onto this selection I think it will be a decision between three players which are Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. The player I think they will eventually settle on is Smith as he is the most polished receiver in the draft, and the Dolphins desperately need to find playmakers for Tua Tagovailoa.
As a prospect, Smith shows several skills that should allow him to become one of the best receivers in the NFL. One of these is his impressive route running ability. He does a great job of getting separation on his routes and is the most refined route-runner in the 2021 NFL Draft. To go along with his strong route-running ability, Smith also has extremely reliable hands.
In fact, he has a career drop rate of just 2.9% which is the lowest of any receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. One more positive with Smith is he is dangerous after the catch which is one of the reasons he set an SEC record this season with 1,856 receiving yards.
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