2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first round mock
2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders land defensive star in full first-round mock
11. New York Giants – TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
The New York Giants ranked second to last in points per game, yards per game, and 29th in passing yards per game. If Daniel Jones is going to a 3rd-year leap, they need to get him more pass catchers.
New York does already have Evan Engram, but he had serious issues with drops in 2020 and should not stop the team from taking a talent like Kyle Pitts.
Pitts is more of a big receiver than an in-line tight end, which will allow the Giants to use him in multiple ways. And if the ball is within his large catch radius, there is a high chance he will come down with the ball. And despite not having great long speed, Pitts has great short-area quickness, which allows him to create the necessary separating.
According to PFF, Pitts average 4.91 yards per route, which was 3rd in the country for any pass catcher in college football and easily the best for a TE. That’s something the Giants should not pass up.
12. San Francisco 49ers – OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Grabbing one of the top cornerbacks is probably first on the 49ers’ draft wishlist, but with both of them gone, they might look in another direction. A pass rusher is another option, but I think there are quality players to target on day two. But with Trent Williams’ free agency looming, there could be a big hole at left tackle.
Rashawn Slater could be a cheap and viable option to replace Williams at left tackle. However, the beauty of a prospect like Slater is his positional versatility. Even if San Francisco re-signs Williams, Slater could challenge Mike McGlinchey given how much he struggled in 2020.
Or if the 49ers aren’t sure about his overall size lasting at tackle, he can also move inside and become a guard. The 49ers’ recent draft history suggests they put a high value on the trenches early in the draft. Such a player like Slater is certainly in play.