Y’all have over 1,200 words to scroll through, so let’s not waste any time – these are my favorite picks from the 2021 NFL Draft. Let’s get it!
My Favorite Picks From the 2021 NFL Draft
Round 1
Jaylen Waddle to the Dolphins – Not only can Waddle infuse an element of speed to the Dolphins offense, who clearly wanted to add some weapons to make Tua Tagovailoa‘s transition into the full-time starter smoother. But, he is the most dynamic wide receiver in this entire class. His addition really rounds out a Fins team that was already in playoff contention.
Justin Fields to the Bears – My second favorite quarterback of this class – if you can watch that Clemson game from the CFP semi-final and still say with a straight face that this guy is not a franchise quarterback, then you have lost your ever-loving put-togethers. Props to Chicago for making the move to trade up and get their franchise guy.
Rashawn Slater to the Chargers – Maybe my favorite pick of the entire draft, protecting Justin Herbert had to be the number one priority for this team, and they did just that with a guy I liked a little bit better than Penei Sewell. I think they stumbled into the best offensive lineman in this draft.
Zaven Collins to the Cardinals – I love Collins as the complete package at linebacker. I have said it before, but I would not be surprised to see this dude end up being the best defensive player to come out of this draft.
Kadarius Toney to the Giants – I loved the Giants draft as a whole. They traded back in the first round, and still landed my WR4 in this draft. Now, we have to assume that Jason Garrett will utilize his skills properly, and that may be an unnerving proposition, but if he does, then the Giants got a great, gadgety, and electric play-maker that should provide that offense a spark.
Greg Newsome to the Browns – The Browns quietly murdered this draft, but getting one of the best corners, the sticky Newsome, as late in the first round as they did qualifies as a downright steal in my book.
Rashod Bateman to the Ravens – Bateman, a savvy route-runner and polished receiver, is JUST what the Ravens needed to add to that receiving corps.
Round 2
Elijah Moore to the Jets – Many were surprised that Moore slipped out of the first round. The Jets may have found their WR1 on Day 2.
Landon Dickerson to the Eagles – I understand the concerns over athleticism and injuries, but Dickerson is a hoss that can play anywhere along the offensive line. He’s big, punchy, and strong, and has tremendous leadership qualities.
Teven Jenkins to the Bears – He was my #1 right tackle in this class. The fact that the Bears got their quarterback early and then lucked into this intense, violent, road-grader of a tackle in the 2nd is just smart roster-building.
Azeez Ojulari to the Giants – Again, what luck! Ojulari was a first-rounder in a lot of books. He may be the best pure pass rusher out of this class.
Nick Bolton to the Chiefs – Bolton might not be the most athletic, but he is instinctual and tough. For a Chiefs team that needed to add some pieces in the linebacking corps, Bolton is a damn good place to start.
Kyle Trask to the Buccaneers – What a situation for Trask to land in. I love Trask’s arm. He’s not exactly the most mobile guy, but if he can get in there with Brady, Arians, and Leftwich, and improve the mental aspects of his game, this could be a huge win for everyone involved.
Round 3
Alim McNeill to the Lions – It was obvious that the Lions were placing on re-building the trenches this weekend, but I loved the value of McNeill in the third and the fit with that team. He should compete to anchor the center of that line right away.
Amari Rodgers to the Packers – I know, I know…for the second year in a row, the Packers opt to wait on the receiver position. But, in this case, I think waiting proved fruitful, as they get a quality addition to the receiving corps.
Elijah Molden to the Titans – An absolute Swiss Army Knife of a defensive back, Molden is one of the sharpest minds in this year’s draft, and has a ton of fight in him. An unreal value in Round 3.
Round 4
Jordan Smith to the Jaguars – He has to tweak a few things, but the Jags got an effective pass rush prospect that could make contributions early on a rebuilding defense.
Tylan Wallace to the Ravens – The only reason he was available in Round 4 was because of injury concerns over his knee. But, Wallace is a well-rounded and productive wide receiver that really completes the overhaul of that Ravens receiver room.
Ian Book to the Saints – Eyebrows may have raised for this being a little early for Book, but there’s just something about this kid that sticks with me. He’s more dynamic than people give him credit for, and he’s a winner. He lands in a spot where he could make a push at a starting quarterback role if he takes advantage of this tremendous opportunity.
Rashad Weaver to the Titans – This one is specifically about the situation. Weaver, as a 3rd or 4th option in that Titans pass rush behind Bud Dupree and Harold Landry gives him the best chance to succeed, and he has the skills to develop into a quality starter.
Round 5
Brevin Jordan to the Texans – I guess the Texans are going to rebuild around Davis Mills? Well, good for them. They get a guy who has drawn comparisons to Jonnu Smith and was the TE3 on many a board late in the 5th round.
Daviyon Nixon to the Panthers – The Panthers continue to get great value on their young defensive talent. Nixon is an A+ gap penetrator and disruptor that could make a push for playing time early.
K.J. Britt to the Buccaneers – The Bucs needed some depth in the linebacking corps, and they get an absolute ALPHA in the 5th round. I love Britt as a stout all-around linebacker that hits hard and plays aggressively.
Round 6
Deonte Brown to the Panthers – Man, the Panthers get a couple of HAWGS in the later rounds between Nixon on the defensive side and the stout brick shithouse that is Deonte Brown on the offensive side.
Stone Forsythe to the Seahawks – I like Forsythe as a guy that has legitimate development potential and not just as a depth piece. Rare to see
Trey Smith to the Chiefs – There’s no doubt that Smith is a 2-3 round talent. If the blood clot issues are nothing to be concerned about, the Chiefs may have gotten the steal of the draft.
Round 7
Kary Vincent, Jr. to the Broncos – It’s pretty rare to find a hidden gem in Round 7. Mostly it’s about depth and special teams, but Vincent’s name stood out as one of these potential hidden gems to me, as a defensive back with great athleticism that can play int he slot.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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