2021 NFL Mock Draft: Who is willing to pay the Atlanta Falcons?

After running a 4.44 forty at his pro-day, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts continued to show his unique athleticism for the position with smooth breaks in his routes and upfield burst out of the catch. Despite measuring relatively average in a variety of other tests such as his shuttle (4.3) and three-cone (7.12), Pitts still appeared fleet-footed and more closely resembling a lengthy red-zone wideout than a tight end.

Having been evaluated as a hybrid receiving weapon with impressive blocking as an in-line tight end, Pitts continues to flash his versatility and moves ever closer to a player comparison more closely resembling fellow 2021 NFL Draft prospect and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah than any tight end in recent years.

After making a bold move for Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, the Carolina Panthers extend their waiting period for a new franchise quarterback. Having made significant investments on the defensive side of the ball in last year’s draft as well as this past free-agency period, Matt Rhule can look to top-off his offensive weaponry to give Darnold his first legitimate shot in the NFL.

With a potential opt-out following the 2021 campaign before seeing the cap hit of their current quarterback double in a time of cap space scarcity, the Atlanta Falcons can commit to one more year with quarterback Matt Ryan and their elite group of offensive personnel. By trading out of the fourth overall selection Atlanta will hope to use the first-round pick acquired from the Denver Broncos to add a defensive asset with long-term value.

Currently experiencing a shuffle within the position group, Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II now finds himself cemented as the top cornerback of the 2021 NFL Draft. Being tabbed as a “technique over athleticism” corner leading up to his pro day, Surtain elevated his draft stock with a set of impressive numbers including a low-4.4’s forty (unofficial, hand-timed between 4.42 & 4.46), 39-inch vertical, and 18 bench reps.

Now seeing athleticism paralleled with the NFL’s top cornerbacks, Surtain II can offer long-term stability to a struggling Atlanta Falcon’s secondary as well as year-one effectiveness to push the Atlanta defense beyond the struggles of last season.