2021 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks fall and a major run on tackle in mock draft
By Ian Higgins
College Stats. Virginia Tech. 4. 44. Scouting Report. Caleb Farley. player. CB
Despite the talk of the Atlanta Falcons moving on from their expensive franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan, there is the alternative of sticking with a still competitive offense that was mostly defeated by their own defense. Adding onto a young and developing defensive secondary, this top-selection compliment could be one of the final pieces needed to return to the postseason.
The most athletic of the secondary class in the 2021 NFL Draft with well-paired aggression, Caleb Farley utilizes his solid six-foot-two frame to outplay receivers to the ball. Expected to run in the 4.3’s, Farley is one of few NFL Draft prospects with the size and speed to opponents from Mike Evans to Tyreek Hill.
With such rare athleticism and the mentality to use it to the fullest of his capabilities, Farley can hopefully reinvigorate an uninspiring defensive unit in order to give Matt Ryan a final chance at the postseason with Atlanta before moving on in next year’s draft.
College Stats. WR. Jaylen Waddle. Scouting Report. Alabama. 5. player. 56
Despite Oregon’s Penei Sewell remaining on the board at the fifth overall selection, the Cincinnati Bengals decide to hold off on selecting a new offensive tackle within the 2021 NFL Draft’s deep tackle class. Instead, Cincinnati finds a replacement for the role previously held by speedster John Ross to run alongside Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins.
Despite teammate Devonta Smith posting a historical college season that saw him become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991, Jaylen Waddle has remained within talks of being the number two receiver of the class thanks to his new-age profile predicated on his ability to manufacture production with the ball in his hands.
Opening the Cincinnati playbook to offer a new solution behind the line of scrimmage, Waddle not only offers a complimenting skillset to their two incumbent conventional options but can take pressure off of Burrow’s shoulders by enabling him to get the ball out quick behind the line of scrimmage when facing pressure.