Everybody’s favorite recurring article is back for another! This time we’re taking on the heavy hitters: Todd McShay. Let’s get into the spots I liked, loved, or questioned.
ESPN’s draft analyst wasted no time drumming up some intrigue before we made it out of the top 3. Carolina gives up a haul to move up five spots to get the NDSU prospect.
After Lawrence-Wilson take the first two spots, I was surprised to see the Panthers be the team to move up. Even more so, to see them take Lance. I said on my podcast this week that Lance has a shot to be the most talented QB out of this class. The big caveat is if he lands in the right situation. Carolina is the PERFECT spot for Lance to fall. He can learn behind Teddy B, learn from Joe Brady, and be the franchise signal caller Matt Rhule needs. Lance was hurt by not having a full season this year. I think if he had, he’d be right in the mix for QB2 or QB3 off the board.
McShay’s coworker Mel Kiper Jr. said Daniel Jones would be QB2 in this class, had he declared in 2021. While I think that is a little far fetched, he was right about one thing: Jones needs help. Picking up Pitts will be looked at as a steal at 11. He is one of the rare TE prospects with the combo of size and speed to consistent hit the 1,000 plateau at the TE spot. There are only three guys in the NFL who can do that consistently (Waller, Kelce, Kittle) which will put Pitts in elite company from Day 1. With a healthy Saquon, this becomes a very important season for Daniel Jones. And with Pitts, it does not give DJ any more excuses.
I don’t like the use the “H” word often in these mocks because at this point, they are a fun exercise. This is not written in stone and should not be considered the end all be all for the 2021 Draft. That being said, I HATE this pick. Not even because I don’t think Mac Jones is a first round QB, but this is the exact kind of move we would expect to see from Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears. Sorry Bears fans, but this move extends your stay in QB purgatory a little while longer.
One more before we go. The Bills bid for the Super Bowl came up short on account of them being one dimensional. Instead of investing a lot into the defensive line, like the Bucs, I like the move to try and keep pace with the Chiefs on offense. Although I haven’t given up on Zack Moss quite yet, I understand the Bills desire for a blue chip RB. Especially someone to pair with Josh Allen and the lethal passing attack.