2021 NFL Draft spotlight: Kyle to Kyle connection returns, Penn State’s breakout defender

The Week 9 NFL Draft spotlight looks at the return of the Kyle [Trask] to Kyle [Pitts] duo at Florida, Justin FIeld’s encore and a breakout star at Penn State.

After a two-week shutdown due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the football program, the Florida Gators resumed practice this week ahead of their game against Missouri. The Gators had 37 positive tests in the program, including head coach Dan Mullen. Florida is back this week, which means the “Kyle to Kyle” connection returns to the field. Quarterback Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts are one of the most dynamic quarterback/receiver combinations in the country.

The second week of Big Ten football brings another marquee matchup between Big Ten East rivals Ohio State and Penn State. In that game, Heisman hopeful and possible No. 1 pick Justin Fields attempts to evade All-Big Ten defensive end, Shaka Toney. Future NFL prospects will be on all day Saturday, but these are two games and four players to keep the television tuned to.

2021 NFL Draft spotlight

Kyle Trask, Florida, (1st-2nd Round) QB

Trask was one of the hottest quarterbacks in the country before the Gators had to shut down. So far this season, Trask has thrown for 996 yards and 14 touchdowns. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Trask possesses the size NFL scouts covet at the position. He does not have an elite trait but is good at everything and is a coach’s dream. The Texas native will do anything on the field and make almost any throw in the playbook. The senior quarterback understands not just where the ball could go but where it should go based on what the defense is trying to do in a given situation.

Kyle Pitts, Florida, (1st round) TE

Fortunately for Trask, Pitts is often on the other side of those passes. Pitts has surpassed Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth and Miami’s Brevin Jordan as the best tight end in college football. Coming into this week’s game against Missouri, Pitts has 274 yards, and seven of Trask’s 14 touchdown passes. One of the positives about the two-week shutdown is Pitts rested his injured foot. Pitts is the modern-day tight end where his alignment is all about where the mismatch can be created. This is why the junior can line up in the slot, outside and inline when need be. He is an athlete who bodies smaller defensive backs and can separate from linebackers and many safeties. The Philadelphia native gives defensive coordinators fits.

Justin Fields, Ohio State, (Top-10) QB

Though Trevor Lawrence is likely the first player to be picked in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields would likely be the top pick in any other year. Anytime you throw one incomplete pass in an entire game against a conference opponent, which is what Fields did last week, that’s a compelling argument. Fields takes care of the football and is a dynamic playmaker. Last season, Fields had 50 total touchdowns and only threw three interceptions, two coming against Clemson on a sprained MCL. Fields throw the deep ball as well as any quarterback in the country and brings the dual-threat element with his ability to make plays with his feet. After a spectacular debut against Nebraska, watching Fields elude Penn State’s athletic defenders will be entertaining television.

Shaka Toney, Penn State, (3rd Round) DE

With Micah Parsons opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, Shaka Toney is Penn State’s best pass rusher. Despite the controversial, upset loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, Toney was outstanding, registering seven tackles and two sacks. The Philadelphia native is a natural speed rusher with fantastic bend and the ability to transfer speed to power.

Though he is a bit light at 252 pounds, he has room to grow. His ceiling is what has scouts most excited. The former three-star is a player you can draft as a pass rush specialist and develop into an every-down lineman. Toney showed more variety with his pass rush moves against Indiana and a willingness to set the edge against the run. He will continue to move up draft boards with continued productivity this season.

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