NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 41st overall
Nick Bolton. player. 50. 41. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Missouri
The Detroit Lions have many needs across both sides of the ball. More than anything, this team should be looking for good football players who can grow into impact players, regardless of position. With their second-round selection in this mock draft, the Lions find a potential defensive leader in Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton.
Bolton is an extremely tough and physical linebacker prospect who shows impressive short-area burst and explosive hitting power. This guy flies around the field with ease and is always looking to make big plays on the defensive side of the ball. He is a bit raw in coverage, but Bolton’s overall skill-set and physical style of play makes him an intruiging player who could quickly grow into a major impact player for a team like Detroit.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 42nd overall
Pick Analysis. EDGE. 42. 31. Scouting Report. Washington. Joe Tryon. player
The New York Giants have struggled to find impact talent at the edge rusher position for many years. Their defense was strong last season but their edge rusher situation still needs plenty of work.
Joe Tryon is an explosive and fluid athlete who undoubtedly has a high ceiling on the EDGE at the next level. He is an exciting speed rusher who explodes off of the ball in an instant and bends around the edge with ease. He probably needs to add a bit of bulk to handle a full-time role at the next level, but Tryon is an exciting talent who is undoubtedly worth an investment in this range.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 2, 43rd overall
CB. Florida State. 43. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 42. Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. does not have the size that the San Francisco 49ers typically look for at the cornerback position, but with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh moving on, it is fair to wonder whether their thinking will change. Samuel may be a bit small but he is still an extremely gifted cornerback prospect who could fill a major area of need for this team.
Samuel also has quick feet and loose hips which allows him to smoothly maintain good position in man coverage a majority of the time. He is also an extremely competitive player who is not afraid to come up and offer support against the run. The son of the former NFL cornerback with the same name is also a willing and reliable tackler who can come up in the box and make plays against much bigger competition.
Samuel’s size likely makes him a better fit as a slot defender at the next level, but he has impressive man coverage skills that will play against any type of wide receiver. More than anything, he is a talented football player who can come in and provide immediate value for the 49ers.