As the final few picks in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL draft came off the board Thursday, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes worked the phones trying to find a team willing to move down.
Holmes was shut out in his pursuit of a trade partner, but he got the player he was after anyway when Washington defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike fell to the ninth pick of the second round. He was one that we felt like his skill set was worthy of being selected in the first round, Holmes said. So we made a few attempts to get him, but sometimes the draft gods smile on you a little bit and bless you with what you were wanting.
BREAKING: Carolina Panthers Draft South Carolina WR Shi Smith
The pick is in!
May 1, 2021
Moments ago, it was announced that the Carolina Panthers have selected South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith with the 204th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Analysis from the NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated:
Continuing the trend of talented wide receivers coming out of the University of South Carolina, Shi Smith follows on the line of Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards as versatile playmakers on the outside. With a smooth athletic profile, including short area explosiveness and straight line speed, Smith is a tough cover for opposing defensive backs. He is a crafty route runner who has a clear understanding of blind spots in coverage and how to attack leverage. After a bit of a down 2019 season, Smith responded in a big way during 2020. Smith is a YAC monster who presents a headache in post catch situations, using his natural athleticism to navigate the open field. Boasting a smaller frame, S
If you looked at mock drafts ahead of the
2021 NFL Draft, nearly every one of them projected the Tennessee Titans would add a wide receiver (maybe two) in the early rounds and tight end at some point.
To the surprise of pretty much everybody, general manager Jon Robinson and company have not yet added a pass catcher. Instead, the Titans have selected three defensive players, including two defensive backs and a linebacker through the first two days and four rounds. The only addition made to the offensive side of the ball thus far has been tackle Dillon Radunz,
Robinson, in a press conference Friday night, said the Titans have been interested in adding a wide receiver or tight end, and expressed confidence about the quality of players they can get Saturday in Rounds 4-7. Tennessee is scheduled to make six picks in those four rounds –