NFL Draft Round 1 & 2 Recap
There were quite a few notable picks, trade-ups, and trade-downs during the first two rounds. Here’s a summary of some of the most important ones, including a clutch sequence of trades by our very own Philadelphia Eagles.
May 5, 2021
Round One
Pick 3: 49ers draft Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State)
This pick was, in my opinion, a very good decision by the 49ers. Lance has great mobility and can rush for loads of yards, which the 49ers certainly want—especially when compared to Jimmy Garoppolo, who has 141 career rushing yards (Lance had over 1000 in his only full season). However, this pick does not look good for Garoppolo himself, who may soon be pushed off the team after just missing an opportunity for a Super Bowl during Super Bowl 54.
Pick 4: Falcons draft Kyle Pitt (TE, Florida)
Although some may say this was a strange pick, the Falcons just needed another strong offensive unit for their QB Matt Ryan to throw to. Pitt increases the Falcons’ offensive capability by quite a lot and is a great pick. Here’s a great article that discusses Pitt’s potential.
Pick 6 (no pun intended): Dolphins draft Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama)
For the sixth overall pick in the draft, the Miami Dolphins had a tough choice for a new wide receiver: Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith? Both Alabama Crimson Tide players, and both very good prospects, it was not an easy choice. However, the Dolphins opted to take Waddle over Smith. Chris Grier, the Dolphins’ general manager, says “They’re both really good players. DeVonta is going to be a really good player in this league. For us, it was the explosive playmaking ability and the return ability for us that we really liked.” Waddle and Dolphins’ current QB Tua Tagovailoa were teammates in college, which also could have been another factor in their choice.
Pick 10: Eagles draft DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
The Eagles traded picks with the Dolphins to get pick 12, then traded with the Cowboys to get pick 10. DeVonta Smith is a valuable offensive asset that can, and will, add to Jalen Hurts’ passing options. This was a very good choice for the Eagles, as Smith is a very strong route runner, he’s quick, and he’s smart. Overall, great trades and a great pick by the Eagles.
Pick 23: Vikings draft Christian Darrisaw (Tackle, Virginia Tech)
This was a superb pick by the Vikings. Darrisaw was expected to get chosen much earlier in the draft, and for good reason—he’s got talent. But in the picks leading up to the Vikings’ pick 23, like the Raiders choosing tackle Alex Leatherwood (who was predicted to get drafted in the second round!), players were prematurely chosen, which allowed the Vikings to snatch Darrisaw.
Round Two
Pick 34: Jets draft Elijah Moore (WR, Ole Miss)
Elijah Moore is great option for the star quarterback that the Jets picked in the first round with the second overall pick, Zach Wilson. Moore will really strengthen the Jets’ offense and might help them to not be quite so bad next year. Although he fits with the Jets’ plan, a better option could have been keeping QB Sam Darnold and trying to draft players that would lead to Darnold being more successful. Darnold isn’t that bad of a player, he was just provided with a weak team. It appears that the Jets are trying to start over with a new QB and build from that… who knows if it will work.
Pick 37: Eagles draft Landon Dickerson (Center, Alabama)
Landon Dickerson is a decent pick for the Eagles because it will give Jalen Hurts even more support on offense. Dickerson could be a great successor to Jason Kelce, the Eagles’ current center, as long as he can stay healthy. Dickerson has been severely injured many times before, which is why he was picked so late—he’s got the talent, he just needs to stay healthy. This was a really risky pick by the Eagles, but it just might pay off in the long run.
Pick 64: Buccaneers draft Kyle Trask (QB, Florida)
While not generally viewed on the same level as QBs Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, etcetera, Kyle Trask could still have loads of potential. Not only that, but he’s got a very good mentor to look up to and learn from—Tom Brady. This pick could be a steal for the Bucs, especially if Trask can increase his arm strength, the main reason why he wasn’t picked earlier.
So, there you have it, the most notable picks of the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL draft. This should be an interesting season, with some traditionally bad teams possibly being better this year. Hopefully, the Eagles’ new players can help bring them to the playoffs this year!
