2021 NFL Mock Draft: Who is willing to pay the Atlanta Falcons?
By Ian Higgins
College Stats. WR. Alabama. Devonta Smith. 6. 59. Scouting Report. player
Despite becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman trophy since 1991, Alabama’s Devonta Smith has remained largely static across 2021 NFL mock drafts. Opting for the likes of LSU’s physical Chase and the speed of Waddle, the route-running savvy and incredulous production of Smith should not be ignored.
After having moved out of the third overall selection and ended up at number six overall after a pair of trades, the Miami Dolphins are the second team on the board with a legitimate need at wide receiver and find themselves with their choice of the field in this NFL mock draft.
Although the consensus selection in this situation would be to pair Tua Tagovailoa with the physical boundary target Ja’Marr Chase, the Miami Dolphins could look to replicate pass success at Alabama by reforming the potent combination of Smith & Tagovailoa in the NFL.
A better schematic fit within a Tagovailoa-led offense, Devonta Smith brings elite route-running from day one and the ability to generate yardage post-catch. Contrasted with the more traditional shot-play-oriented Chase, Smith will bring a complimenting playstyle alongside incumbent red zone threat Devante Parker.
7. player. 50. Scouting Report. College Stats. Ja'Marr Chase. WR. LSU
After being passed on by the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions reboot their receiving core with a prospect who can fulfill the duties of a modern number one NFL wideout. Despite only standing at six-foot, Chase leaped off of scout’s papers with a 4.38 forty-yard dash and 41-inch vertical at his pro-day. Comparable to Desean Jackson (4.35) and Julio Jones (42-inches) respectively, Chase is an elite athletic specimen with the tools to stand out from the crowd on day one.
After experiencing an exodus of receiving weapons during this past free-agency period, Detroit is in desperate need of a definitive number one wide receiver for Jared Goff to target in conjunction with tight end T.J. Hockenson. A perfect starting point in their offensive rebuild, the Detroit Lions will be gleeful to see the likely best wide receiver of the 2021 NFL Draft be passed on by the prior two organizations in preference to team needs & schematic fit.