As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches in a little bit more than a week the Atlanta Falcons hold the number four overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft while the Tennessee Titans are picking 22nd.
On Tuesday, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, NFL Draft Analysts for ESPN released a three-round mock draft where each would bounce back and forth making picks.
FALCONS: No. 4
Todd McShay had the privilege to make the Falcons selection and for the first time, I think we saw Kyle Pitts’s name come up at No. 4 for Atlanta. This would leave the Falcons without a young, top-tiered quarterback but with what many are calling the most dynamic offensive player in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Florida product is a unique combination of size (6’6″), speed, and strength (246lbs) who put up some solid numbers in only eight games played last season with the Gators. He recorded 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns which doubled his scoring totals from his previous two seasons.
It’s hard to argue with drafting this tight end/wide receiver hybrid who experts are comparing to current Las Vegas Raiders TE Darren Waller. If the quarterback that you’re targeting gets selected by San Fransisco at No. 3 then I would have no problem with them taking Pitts but if the QB you want is still on the board you’ve got to take your shot. (Highlights: RSHighlights)
TITANS: No. 22
McShay also got to pick at No. 22 for the Titans and he went the exact same way Kiper did in the 4th edition of his mock draft with Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore who is an excellent slot receiver. He catches the ball with his hands, he’s quick, speedy, and athletic which would be a nice fit within this Tennessee offense. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this pick unless there’s a defensive back on the board you like more.
FALCONS: No. 32-ROUND 2
Finally, we get a Mel Kiper Jr. pick for one of our two teams, and this one is going to be another skill position player for Atlanta as Kiper has North Carolina RB Javonte Williams being selected in this spot. Williams is a strong, agile back with incredible balance with the ability to absorb hits and keep on going. The former Tar Heel is 5’10” and 220lbs who is widely considered one of the best backs in this draft class and frankly, I really like him and the Falcons definitely need a young, talented runner.
TITANS: No. 53-ROUND 2
We stick with Kiper here as he’s on the clock for Tennessee and after a round one selection of an offensive weapon he’s got the Titans turning to defense to fill some of their holes in the secondary with Georgia product Eric Stokes. This cornerback has some nice size for the position at 6’1″ 185lbs and last season he recorded four picks along with two touchdowns.
FALCONS: No. 68-ROUND 3
We’re back to Todd McShay here for the Falcons as we break into the third-round as they FINALLY look towards the defensive side of the football with a pick of a cornerback from Washington in Elijah Molden. He probably won’t be a big-time outside corner but he can fit in with nickel packages and his best season came in 2019 when he recorded four picks, last year he played in just four games.
TITANS: No. 85-ROUND 3
With the departure of Jonnu Smith, the Titans will be looking to fill that void with a younger player, and Kiper’s thinking the same thing here as he’s got Tennessee selecting Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth. Generally, rookie tight ends don’t produce so this’ll be a long-term play by taking this talented pass-catcher who’s got really good size at 6’5″ 258lbs. In his three-year career, he recorded 92 catches, 1,185 yards, and 16 touchdowns in 27 games played for the Nittany Lions.
TITANS: No. 100-ROUND 3
The final pick in the third-round for Tennessee comes from McShay who feels the Titans will go back to the secondary well for safety Hamsah Nasirildeen out of Florida State. When you’re talking about good size look no further than Nasirildeen who stands at 6’4″ 220lbs and is labeled technically as a safety/LB hybrid playing the “star” position. While playing for the Seminoles he recorded 233 tackles, four tackles for loss, four interceptions, and nine passes defended.
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