2021 NFL Mock Draft: Zach Wilson goes top-5 to Washington, Falcons land Trey Lance

Here we go again with the Alabama players as another comes off the board at No. 15. This time, it’s wide receiver Jaylen Waddle who gives the San Francisco 49ers a player capable of stretching the field. In 2020, Waddle is averaging 22.3 yards per reception and has four touchdowns in just five games.

A fractured ankle likely ended his season but as long as Waddle shows the same burst of speed at the Combine, he’s going to end up being selected in the first round of the draft. While San Francisco did just use a first-round pick on Brandon Aiyuk, they need more depth at the position, and Waddle would fit nicely with Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Let’s make it three in a row. At No. 16, the Carolina Panthers select Alabama wideout Devonta Smith. The Smith and Waddle dynamic is similar to Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy a season ago. Ruggs went before Jeudy but no one thought he was the better route runner. Instead, he was a solid route runner who could take the top off. As for Jeudy, he’s a technician with his route running.

That’s what you have in Smith. The guy can play any position and is capable of running routes that attack the short, intermediate, and deep part of the field. In Carolina, he should have no problem helping their offense take the next step.