Trevor Lawrence QB Jaguars: This one seems obvious but I still gotta talk about him. Lawrence has been the most talked about rookie QB since Andrew Luck. There’s a lot of pressure on this young man. That hasn’t slowed him down in the past and I think he’s exactly what Jacksonville needs. Lawrence will have some nice young talent surrounding him with the Jags. Etienne is a friendly face and will be a safety blanket for the #1 overall pick.
Kyle Pitts TE Falcons: We may not realize it, but Pitts is under the most pressure of any rookie in 2021. He’s gotta be the most talked about non-QB I can remember. With the loss of Julio Jones all eyes will be on Pitts. His ability to play WR and TE makes him must see TV. Incredibly versatile, strong, golden hands, red zone beast, I don’t see any fault in his game. They call him the unicorn for a reason.
DeVonta Smith WR Eagles: Too skinny, too fragile, too soft is often what we hear when talking about DeVonta Smith. He is on this list mainly to see how/if he proves his doubters wrong. I’m really hoping he does and I think he will. I’m also worried about his weight, but think his talent will more than cover up for it. I’d like for the Eagles to use him in the screen game where he excelled with the Crimson Tide. Hurts will need those easy completions when the going gets tough.
Javonte Williams RB Broncos: His numbers at North Carolina were ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. In 11 games he had 22 touchdowns. This while splitting a chunk of carries with Michael Carter. Williams averaged 7.3 yards per carry in 2020… 7.3!!! I love his fit with the Broncos. With the departure of Phillip Lindsey I can see Williams being the starting RB before the end of the season.
Tutu Atwell WR Rams: Often compared to Hollywood Brown. Similar stature and speed. I love the he landed with the Rams. This is such a Sean McVay draft pick. He is going to find a multitude of ways to get Atwell touches in what is an already solid wide receiving core. Atwell is extremely versatile and played QB in high school. I’d describe him as a slot receiver who can also play running back.
Kellen Mond QB Vikings: There’s a chance Mond doesn’t touch the field in 2021. My guess is he will. Minnesota knows what they have in Kirk Cousins. Unfortunately, he is not a winning QB. I think come week 6 or 7 Mond will be QB1 for the Vikings. He had a great senior year with Texas A&M posting 19 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. He brings a different element to this offense with the ability to run.