2021 NFL Draft: Grading all 32 first-round selections
EDGE. Kwity Paye. player. 46. Pick Analysis. Michigan. 21. Scouting Report
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A
Many expected the Indianapolis Colts to trade down from No. 21 in the 2021 NFL Draft, but Kwity Paye being on the board was the perfect situation for this team. Paye is an extremely talented edge defender who displays an ideal combination of size, quickness and power up front. He converts from speed to power extremely well and is a dynamic playmaker as both a run defender and pass rusher. Snagging him at No. 21 was ideal for Chris Ballard and company.
22. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Virginia Tech. Caleb Farley. 35
2021 NFL Draft Grade: B+
Caleb Farley obviously brings major injury risk but it is impossible to ignore his massive upside at the cornerback position. If Farley can stay healthy, he will grow into an impact player at the position and could become a true shutdown player on the outside. The Titans certainly swung for the fences here, but if they connect, this will look like an absolute steal.
Pick Analysis. OT. Christian Darrisaw. player. 60. Scouting Report. Virginia Tech. 23
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A
Chrisitan Darrisaw is an athletic offensive tackle prospect who displays impressive ability as a blindside protector. He moves his feet extremely well, does a great job of remaining patient in pass protection and shows good power at the point of attack. Darrisaw should have been off of the board before No. 23 (I am looking at you, Gruden). The Vikings could have taken him at No. 14 and it would have been considered a solid pick. Trading down this far and still landing him was great.
Pick Analysis. Alabama. Najee Harris. 55. Scouting Report. 24. player. RB
2021 NFL Draft Grade: D
Najee Harris is a talented running back prospect and he will produce well for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, trying to improve your rushing attack with a first-round running back when your offensive line is a mess is not a strong plan of attack. The Steelers should have gone offensive line here. Harris’ talent will allow him to have some success but the Steelers’ lack of offensive line talent will limit his upside.
RB. Clemson. player. 52. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Travis Etienne. 25
2021 NFL Draft Grade: D
Pairing Trevor Lawrence with his college teammate Travis Etienne is a fun story, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have too many needs on both sides of the ball to be taking a first-round running back. Etienne is a gifted running back who will help Lawrence, but there were plenty of defensive players available who would have helped this team more; especially when we consider how good James Robinson was as an undrafted rookie running back last season.