2021 NFL Mock Draft: Kyle Pitts lands in the top-5 of the first round
By Brad Weiss
4. player. 44. . Tight End. Atlanta Falcons. Kyle Pitts
With pick No. 4 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons could decide it is time to move on from quarterback Matt Ryan and select a quarterback. However, with the top-3 choices off the board already, they decide to bring in a weapon for Ryan instead, bringing in a player who could be downright special at the NFL level.
Kyle Pitts is gaining a lot of steam heading into the draft, and there are rumors that he could actually be a top-5 pick. Teams are desperate for this kind of tight end, as he is cut out of the Travis Kelce and Darren Waller mold, and on the Falcons, it would be another elite weapon in the passing game to go along with Julio Jones.
5. player. 56. . Offensive Tackle. Cincinnati Bengals. Penei Sewell
The Cincinnati Bengals found their franchise quarterback during the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting LSU star Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. Burrow showed as a rookie that he has what it takes to be a franchise guy at the NFL level, and at pick No. 5 overall, they decide to go out and get him some more protection.
With this pick, the Bengals add Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell to team with Jonah Williams as bookend offensive tackles in front of Burrow. The young quarterback already suffered a significant injury in Year 1, so keeping him upright the rest of the way has to be priority No. 1 for this franchise.
54. . Wide Receiver. Philadelphia Eagles. DeVonta Smith. 6. player
The Philadelphia Eagles have finally parted ways with Carson Wentz, a move many expected, but they did not get a huge haul for him. With Wentz heading to Indianapolis, the team will seemingly lean on Jalen Hurts at quarterback next season, though some reports suggest they could be in the market for a new quarterback.
Regardless of who is under center, the Eagles need to bring in help at the wide receiver position, and they do so by getting the Heisman Trophy winner at pick No. 6 overall. DeVonta Smith is likely to be the first wideout off the board after his 2020 college season, and the Eagles are waiting with open arms here.