2021 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks fall and a major run on tackle in mock draft
By Ian Higgins
College Stats. TE. Florida. Scouting Report. Kyle Pitts. 2. player. 30
In this 2021 NFL mock draft, the New York Jets will stay in a holding pattern regarding the future of their quarterback position and give Sam Darnold another run with a more diverse set of offensive tools. Taking potentially the most versatile and productive receiving weapon of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets acquire Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.
After operating as a seam-splitting safety blanket for Kyle Trask during his time in Florida, Pitts is ready to become a focal point within a lacking Jets offense in an effort to give Darnold the offense he deserves. At 6-foot-6, Pitts uses 4.6 speed to create mismatch opportunities against sluggish linebackers and undersized safeties in a manner comparable to dominant tight ends such as Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce.
After being left at the mercy of Gronkowski and the Patriots’ offense throughout the 2010s, the New York Jets find their receiving centerpiece to torment their fallen division rivals.
Scouting Report. College Stats. WR. LSU. Ja'Marr Chase. 3. player. 59
Opting to retain their third overall selection of the 2021 NFL Draft within this NFL mock draft, the Miami Dolphins capitalize on their prior transaction with the Houston Texans to welcome a true number one receiver to their aerial attack. After playing alongside number one overall selection Joe Burrow at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase will look to recreate similar playmaking with the game-management-centered Tagovailoa.
Offering the ability to outplay corners one-on-one to high-arching deep balls after extending the play, Chase excelled at capitalizing on Burrow’s ability to give his receivers time to work downfield and create separation. Paired with Tagovailoa, Chase will more likely be used as a high-volume intermediate threat with a diverse route tree to keep secondaries off-balance.
Still capable of breaking downfield, Chase offers a blend of speed and physical superiority to compete week-to-week with a team’s top cornerback. Incumbent red-zone threat Devante Parker offers a complementing mismatch with his size and ability to create leverage, drawing coverage away with his jump-ball ability.