2021 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper explains why Louisville WR Tutu Atwell is a fit for the Jags

The Jags need a speed threat in the slot and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay believes Tutu Atwell could be the answer.

Most fans who’ve been paying attention to mock drafts and the Jacksonville Jaguars know by now that the team very well could snag a speed threat at receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. With this in mind, ESPN’s Todd McShay slotted the Jags Louisville speedster Tutu Atwell at pick No. 33 in his latest mock draft, which caused mixed feelings from the fanbase.

Days after the mock, McShay further explained his top-4 selections for the Jags with picks 1, 25, 33, and 45. His comrade for many years, Mel Kiper Jr. joined him for the segment and also gave his analysis on Atwell — a player who he believes would help presumptive No. 1 pick, Trevor Lawrence, tremendously.

“When you watch him play, I know he’s below 160 [pounds] and is small, but he’s really explosive and is a touchdown waiting to happen in the open field,” said Kiper. “I think when you look at his hands and elusiveness when the ball is in his hands, he fits today’s game perfectly — the space game. That’s Tutu Atwell and that’s why he’d be a fear factor player down there in Jacksonville with Trevor Lawrence.”

https://youtu.be/O8VISRryKz4

McShay has the right idea with Atwell, who was a dynamic player that garnered 140 catches for 2,307 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns throughout his time at Louisville. However, some projections would indicate that the 33rd overall selection is too early for him. Additionally, there are concerns with Atwell’s size as Kiper pointed out, though receivers have shown the ability to play under the weight of 190.

The 2021 draft class is one loaded with speed threats who can play out of the slot, so the Jags don’t necessarily have to jump on Atwell so early, especially with the team having more pressing needs. Options like Marquez Stevenson, Cade Johnson, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette are a few notables who are prime examples of that who can be drafted later. All three also offer returning experience as far as kickoffs go.

With that being the case, it feels like the addition of Atwell at pick No. 33 could be unlikely, and if the Jags did draft a receiver early, it’s possible they would prefer Rondale Moore or Kadarius Toney. While his health and size also concern scouts, Moore is a player Urban Meyer has seen personally during his days at Ohio State. Meanwhile, Toney played for Meyer’s long-time assistant Dan Mullen, who can give the Jags all the intel they need.

Elijah Moore is another early-round option for the Jags as he offers a lot of the same traits and has been a more durable prospect than some of the aforementioned receivers. He recently had a fantastic pro day and his stock is rising as a result.

Todd McShay has the Jags going all offense in first 2 rounds

The ESPN analyst has Jacksonville selecting an offensive tackle and two weapons in the receiving game to supplement Trevor Lawrence.

Considering Jacksonville made a number of moves to address its defense, such as signing Shaquill Griffin and Rayshawn Jenkins in the secondary and acquiring Malcom Brown and Roy Robertson-Harris along the defensive line, it will likely use a good percentage of its 10 picks in this month’s draft building around a new quarterback.

The Jags have the first overall pick, and in the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay, he doesn’t predict any surprises. Coach Urban Meyer has all but said the team will take quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and McShay concurs.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I’ve seen in nearly a decade, and the Jaguars obviously want a game-changer under center as the Urban Meyer era begins. But can they surround the Clemson QB with talent? Jacksonville signed Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency to pair with James Robinson, DJ Chark Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. in what should be a much-improved offense, but also remember that the Jags have 10 picks, including three more over the first two rounds. Stay tuned!

However, McShay thinks the Jaguars’ aggressiveness on the offensive side of the ball early in the draft won’t end with Lawrence. Jacksonville has four picks in the first two rounds, and McShay thinks it will use all of them to address offense.

Though many would be tempted to use the No. 25 pick (acquired from Los Angeles for Jalen Ramsey) to take a receiver like Kadarius Toney, the team went in a different direction in McShay’s mock. Where the class is less deep is at offensive tackle, and after franchise tagging Cam Robinson, the team may still be looking for a long-term solution. That’s why McShay has them making Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins the fifth to be taken in the first round.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)

Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

We’ve mentioned Jenkins a few times already, but the Jaguars seem like a perfect match. They are investing in Trevor Lawrence as their franchise QB, and you have to protect franchise QBs. Cam Robinson is back on the franchise tag, and Jawaan Taylor is occupying the opposite tackle position, but Jenkins could slide inside to guard as a rookie before eventually taking over an outside role. He can hold his ground against power rushers without issue.

The Jaguars pick again eight picks later with their original second-round pick, and now that they’ve locked up their quarterback of the future and someone to protect his blindside, McShay has them addressing receiver. It’s not exactly the biggest position of need, as D.J. Chark continues to be quite productive early in his career despite uncertainty and instability at the quarterback spot, while Laviska Shenault (and, to a lesser degree, Collin Johnson) impressed as a rookie.

Still, the receiver corps is far from a finished product, and McShay has Jacksonville adding an intriguing weapon at No. 33 in the small-but-speedy Tutu Atwell.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville

The Jags kick off Round 2 still on board the “Get Trevor Lawrence help” train. Atwell is an undersized yet lightning-quick receiver who can work out of the slot.

Adding Atwell, who saw his production dwindle as a junior but remained one of the ACC’s best weapons, would give the Jags a lot of variety in the passing game. Pairing a player like Atwell with Chark’s size and ball skills and Shenault’s versatility and physicality would certainly be tantalizing for the Jaguars and Lawrence, but there would still be a major area of need on offense.

Notably, a high-profile tight end signing was not among Jacksonville’s offseason moves, implying that it will address the position in the draft. James O’Shaughnessy returns to the team along with new signing Chris Manhertz from Carolina, but aside from that, the cupboard is pretty bare.

The Jaguars have virtually no shot at landing the top tight end in the class, as Florida prospect Kyle Pitts will likely be off the board shortly after the team takes Lawrence. But if McShay is right, the Jags could have the chance to take the No. 2 tight end in the class with their second pick in the second round by selecting Penn State’s Pat Freirmuth.

45. Jacksonville Jaguars (via MIN)

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

Four picks on offense in the first two rounds might seem excessive, but the Jags are going to build around Trevor Lawrence, and the Jacksonville offense was one of four in the NFL last season to average fewer than 20 points per game. Freiermuth is a matchup player for offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

McShay’s mock has the team addressing practically every position of need on offense with its first four picks, which would certainly be considered a win for Urban Meyer and Co. With that being said, the Jaguars elected to use their league-high cap space on a number of value signings rather than a smaller number of splashy additions. The team still has holes on defense, especially in the secondary, and with this class not being as deep at many defensive positions as it is on offense, it seems unlikely that Jacksonville doesn’t address that side of the ball in the first two rounds.

2021 NFL Draft: Pro-day schedule, prospects the Eagles could target

Pro-day schedule for NFL draft prospects that the Philadelphia Eagles could have interest in.

The annual college pro-day circuit has kicked off and it’ll be a lot of different scenarios thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With NFL teams and media now having limited exposure to prospects, the pro-day circuit could mean millions for a ton of players across the country.

Clemson QB and presumptive No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence held his own Pro-day on February 12th, so he could have an early surgery on his non-throwing shoulder and wanted to get more time to rehab in advance of his rookie season.

Top decision-makers from the Eagles made the trip to Clemson and they’ll likely hit the road to view players since there will be no in-person workouts and pro days will be held on campus instead.

With the Eagles set for a rebuild and in need of young talent, here are the upcoming Pro Day schedules for players that could interest the Birds.

Tale of the Tape: Leading Receivers – Javon McKinley vs. Tutu Atwell

Although Notre Dame still doesn’t have a breakout receiver, it enters Saturday’s game against Louisville with someone on the radar.

Although Notre Dame still doesn’t have a breakout receiver, it enters Saturday’s game against Louisville with someone on the radar. Javon McKinley played very well against Florida State, and he could be the leader of this receiving corps going forward. While his receiving yards a game remain very modest, he gains plenty of yards with each catch he makes, spanning nearly a fifth of the field. But the way the Irish have started this season, there could be another name in this spot next week.

The Cardinals have a much more productive player as their top receiver: Tutu Atwell. Though his receiving yards a game merely are decent for the college level, he’s averaging a touchdown a game, making him a bright spot on a struggling team. Malik Cunningham will throw to him often, so the Irish’s defense will be watching him like a hawk the entire game. If Atwell is shut down and the Cardinals can’t get anything out of Dez Fitzpatrick, another key receiver, this game should be a breeze.

2021 NFL Draft could give the Eagles the ultimate chance to retool the WR position

Philadelphia Eagles could find a star at WR during 2021 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles will have some salary cap issues to resolve over the next few seasons and the team will need to draft well in hopes of not wasting Carson Wentz’s prime years.

The key to the retool will be continuing to solidify the offensive line while surrounding Carson Wentz with big-time playmakers on the outside.

Howie Roseman started the process in April, selecting three receivers, and trading for another during the 2020 NFL Draft. First-round pick Jalen Reagor is expected to make an immediate impact, while late-round selections John Hightower and Quez Watkins should add speed to the roster.

Marquise Goodwin acquired in a trade with the 49ers, will try to stay healthy and will only be a one-year rental.

For Roseman and the Eagles, the 2021 draft will provide an efficient opportunity to properly move on from DeSean Jackson, who turns 34 in December. Alshon Jeffery is recovering from foot surgery and may not be ready for the start of the season, which will probably be his final in Philadelphia.

J.J. Arcega-Whiteside failed to meet expectations as a rookie and could be battling for his Eagles career this season.

The Eagles could and should be in the market for a wide receiver heading into next year’s draft and the 2021 selection process could be more historic than the 2020 class that saw six receivers go in the first round.

With the Eagles being focused on the future, cutting costs while getting younger and cheaper, here are 10 wide receivers Philadelphia could have interest in during the next years 2021 NFL Draft.

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1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU (6-1, 200)

The best wide receiver in college football last season didn’t even enter the NFL Draft and he’ll return to Baton Rouge for one more impressive season.

Chase had a monster sophomore year, leading the LSU offense in receiving yards (1,780), receiving touchdowns (20) and yards per catch (21.2) and he’ll likely be gone before the Eagles pick.

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