2021 NFL Draft: Three rookie matchups on the schedule to watch in 2021
By Kyle Edmond
Kyle Pitts v. Jaycee Horn (Atlanta Falcons v. Carolina Panthers)
While there are a lot of exciting matchups between rookies in the coming season, there might not be one with more layers than the Kyle Pitts against Jaycee Horn matchup that we will get twice a season for the foreseeable future. After facing off in college, they now are preparing for even more matchups in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons took Pitts with the fourth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft before the Carolina Panthers selected Horn at eight. Pitts was the first non-quarterback off the board while Horn was the first defensive player taken. That leads many to believe that they should both be the best of the class at their respective positions while also both being Top 10 picks.
Now, Horn might not cover Pitts since Pitts is technically a tight end, so Horn will most likely be covering Julio Jones or Calvin Ridley. Regardless, there is still the chance that this matchup becomes influential in the games between the Falcons and Panthers. Plus, being that they are in the same division, their growth will be measured against once another twice a year as well.
Another thing to watch for with Horn is that he will face his dad’s old team twice a year as well, being the New Orleans Saints.