2021 NFL Draft: Grading all 32 first-round selections
Alabama. 6. player. Pick Analysis. WR. Jaylen Waddle. 59. Scouting Report
2021 NFL Draft Grade: B+
Even with Kyle Pitts and Ja’Marr Chase off of the board, the Miami Dolphins were able to add an impact offensive playmaker at No. 6. Jaylen Waddle is arguably the most explosive player in the 2021 NFL Draft class and he undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level. The Dolphins needed to improve their group of playmakers around Tua Tagovailoa and Waddle helps in that department in a major way.
50. Pick Analysis. OT. player. 7. Scouting Report. Oregon. Penei Sewell
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A+
The Detroit Lions being able to sit back and snag Penei Sewell at No. 7 was one of the best picks in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Sewell is a fantastic offensive tackle prospect who shines as both a run blocker and pass protector. The Lions had larger needs on their roster but Sewell was the best player available and they did a great job of sticking to board and improving their roster in a big way.
Pick Analysis. player. Scouting Report. South Carolina. Jaycee Horn. 8. 87. CB
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A-
Jaycee Horn is undoubtedly a talented cornerback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He is a long, physical and athletic player who shines in man coverage and attacks the ball in the air extremely well. The Carolina Panthers entered the draft with an obvious need at the cornerback position and Horn was a nice value selection in this range. Good showing by the Panthers on Thursday night.
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A-
Alabama. Patrick Surtain II. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 45. CB. 9
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A-
The Denver Broncos did not have an obvious need at the cornerback position but Patrick Surtain II was simply too clean of a prospect for them to ignore. Surtain is an extremely smooth cornerback who consistently displays tremendous football IQ.
Surtain can stick receivers at the line of scrimmage, shows the quickness needed to keep up in man coverage and also displays tremendous instincts when playing zone. He is a rock-solid prospect who will immediately help Denver.
10. player. Scouting Report. Alabama. DeVonta Smith. Pick Analysis. WR. 54
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A
The Philadelphia Eagles knew that they likely had to get ahead of the New York Giants if they wanted DeVonta Smith so they made a small trade up to No. 10 to secure their guy. Smith is an extremely slight wide receiver prospect, but this guy simply makes plays all over the field. Pairing him with Jalen Reagor in the Eagles’ passing attack gives them an exciting duo for Jalen Hurts to work with. Expect Smith to shine in Philly.