One NFL rookie critical to every team’s success in 2021
Most Important 2021 NFL Rookies: NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: TE Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts carries the weight as the first tight end ever to be drafted inside the top five. He’s coming into a franchise on the downside in terms of success. However, he has a quarterback, Matt Ryan, who’ll feed him the ball. Moreover, Pitts is forced to step into a position vacated by a future Hall of Famer.
At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds with 4.4 speed, Pitts received comparisons to Calvin Johnson. Trading Julio Jones to the Titans gave us a glimpse into the role Pitts will play. He’s not lining up at tight end often, if at all. He’ll play the boundary with the expectations of dominating out the gate. With Calvin Ridley being the only notable receiver on the roster, Ryan and the Falcons offense will look toward Pitts early and often.
Carolina Panthers: WR Terrace Marshall
You’d think Jaycee Horn would be the rookie the Panthers will rely on. After all, he’s locked in as a starting corner. However, this is about Sam Darnold and the rookie he’ll rely on: Terrace Marshall.
Darnold is looking to stake his claim on the Carolina Panthers franchise. He’s on a redemption arc to prove he’s not a bust. He’ll have Christian McCaffrey as his running back. At wide receiver, he’ll rely on Robby Anderson, a 28-year-old vet looking to dominate, and D.J. Moore. Marshall will get looked at as a primary X-factor, though.
Marshall’s familiarity and experience working with Joe Brady should expedite his learning curve. Thanks to his compact build (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) and tenacious running style, he’s a dynamic weapon with the ball in his hands. Brady will look to get Marshall some good looks and he’ll help the offense become that much more explosive.
New Orleans Saints: EDGE Payton Turner
Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints have entered a new era. Drew Brees retired and Jameis Winston has his sights set on proving he’s a reliable starter. In a division with good quarterback play, including reigning Super Bowl champ Tom Brady, the Saints will rely heavily on their defense. Cameron Jordan is the unquestioned leader who’ll take their rookie first-round pick, Payton Turner, under his wing.
Turner may not be an immediate starter, but the Saints will rely on him to generate a pass rush. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound edge rusher has excellent length and athleticism. He closes the gap between him and the quarterback in a hurry. He’s able to lockout and control his man thanks to his long arms. In passing situations, he could rush off the edge opposite Marcus Davenport while Jordan kicks inside.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Joe Tryon
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers are riding high as the reigning Super Bowl champions. Returning all 22 starters doesn’t warrant any rookie to be a reliable starter. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles exploited the weaknesses that was the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line. He dropped two safeties and rarely blitzed, but that’s not who they are; they get after the quarterback. A rookie like Joe Tryon will play a significant role.
The former Washington Huskie is toolsy prospect who excels off the edge. He’s long, rangy with great bend and speed. He’s raw, but he’ll play a major role in obvious passing situations. Tryon doesn’t just rush the passer, but he’s comfortable when asked to drop into coverage. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound backer is the versatile weapon Bowles needs.