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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (9) rushes against Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton (72) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2021 Stats: 

  • 29 Tackles
  • 4.0 Sacks
  • 3 Pass Defenses

No team was in a better spot than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 NFL Draft. They had just won the Super Bowl — becoming the first-ever team to win the trophy in their own stadium — and then returned all 22 starters.

This meant they could go for the best player on their board and have no concerns about position, which led them to the selection of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from Washington.

This selection made it three pass-rushers in a row to close out the draft — and it was four of the last five picks. Throw Eric Stokes in there and it was a very defensive-minded end to the night. Sure, offense is key in the NFL but defenders are needed to slow down opposing teams still.

As for Tryon-Shoyinka’s rookie season, he played well in a rotational role and finished with four sacks. He did start six games while playing in all 17 but for the most part, he was being eased in.

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Looking ahead to 2022, he’s slated to be a starter and when it comes to his ability to get after the quarterback, he should be fine. As for his performance against the run, he was fine but needs to get better in order to be considered a complete player.

Grade: B-

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