2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
With the regular season over, the top 18 picks are set for the NFL Draft. With so many teams and fanbases turning their attention to the offseason, let’s get into the first mock draft of the year.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
With a new regime coming in, Jacksonville will be looking for their quarterback of the future. Luckily for them, Trevor Lawrence is a borderline generational prospect.
2. New York Jets - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
After Justin Fields’ legendary performance against Clemson, he stands as the current favorite for the #2 quarterback in the class. New York can’t pass on 5 years of a rookie contract and could use Sam Darnold as a trade chip.
3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston) - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
There will be some debate about whether or not the Dolphins should select a quarterback to compete with rookie Tua Tagaivoloa after an uninspiring start to his career, but I think they’re more likely to build around him with offensive line and weapons.
4. Atlanta Falcons - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Atlanta could be looking for Matt Ryan’s successor as he’ll be 36 years-old by next season, and his contract steadily declines in dead cap space over the next few years.
5. Cincinnati Bengals - Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Cincinnati misses out on Penei Sewell, but get the next best offensive tackle in the draft class to help better protect Joe Burrow.
6. Philadelphia Eagles - Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Philadelphia desperately needs to upgrade their wide receiver depth chart. Keep swinging until you hit a homerun.
7. Detroit Lions - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
With Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones pending free agents, Detroit will need to look at wide receiver options in the NFL Draft.
8. Carolina Panthers - Trey Lance, QB, NDSU
Teddy Bridgewater was up and down for Carolina this season, and could easily be cut after the 2021 season after acting as the bridge quarterback for Trey Lance’s development.
9. Denver Broncos - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Words out of Bronco country is that Denver loves Micah Parsons, the best linebacker prospect since Luke Kuechly.
10. Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Surtain Jr., CB, Alabama
The Cowboys defense was terrible in 2020, allowing 34 passing touchdowns. Draft as many defensive backs as possible.
11. New York Giants - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
New York has the talented Evan Engram at tight end, but Kyle Pitts would be another matchup nightmare to put around Daniel Jones.
12. San Francisco 49ers - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
San Francisco’s wide receiver room was a revolving door last season, and Jaylen Waddle is a high-upside option.
13. Los Angeles Chargers - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Los Angeles found their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, now they need to protect him.
14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Minnesota finished with 23.0 sacks this season, good for 28th in the league. Adding Kwity Paye to a rotation that should feature Danielle Hunter after trading Yannick Ngakoue would turn a weakness into a strength.
15. New England Patriots - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
With J.C. Jackson a restricted free agent and Stephon Gilmore entering the final year of his contract, the Patriots could be looking for a successor come draft time.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Arizona needs to continue improving their defense to compete in the NFC West, and adding another athletic hybrid defender would give the Cardinals defense answers.
17. Las Vegas Raiders - Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
Las Vegas finished with 21.0 sacks, which was 29th overall in the NFL. They need a better pass rush.
18. Miami Dolphins - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Miami desperately needs some juice on their offense, and Kadarius Toney is an explosive swiss army knife.
19. Washington Football Team - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Following the Dwayne Haskins saga, Washington will be looking for a potential quarterback of the future.
20. Chicago Bears - Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Allen Robinson is a free agent and Rashod Bateman would act as a natural replacement.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) - Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
After drafting Trevor Lawrence and already having talented young weapons, the Jaguars should do their best to protect him. Enter the physically dominant Wyatt Davis.
22. Indianapolis Colts - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Kenny Moore and Rock Ya-Sin have given up a lot of passing production this season, which means that cornerback could become a need when the draft rolls around.
23. Cleveland Browns - Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Linebacker is a a problem for the Browns, Zaven Collins won the Nagurski Award for best defensive player in college football.
24. Tennessee Titans - Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Tennessee finished 30th in sacks this season, and Azeez Ojulari fits their mold of a bendy and explosive pass rusher.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson
After a strong season, Derion Kendrick has positioned himself as a potential option in the first round. Tampa Bay’s offense should be set with weapons and a strong offensive line, but the defense has wavered at times.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Baltimore’s passing offense only features one talented wide receiver in Marquise Brown. Chris Olave would add much needed security and upside to their receiver room.
27. New York Jets (via Seattle) - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
After selecting Justin Fields, New York should add protection. Alex Leatherwood has practice experience playing on the right side, combining with Mekhi Becton to form a formidable young tackle duo.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Ben Roethlisberger has dipped in effectiveness, and the Steelers current passing structure perfectly fits Kyle Trask’s skill-set.
29. New Orleans Saints - Gregory Rousseau, DL, Miami
New Orleans needs to add young depth to their defensive line and Gregory Rousseau can rush the passer from the edge or interior at a high level.
30. Buffalo Bills - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Buffalo doesn’t have many weaknesses, but they have gotten much production from tight end. Pat Freiermuth is a complete tight end prospect as a blocker and receiver.
31. Green Bay Packers - Trevon Moehrig, SAF, TCU
There isn’t a great safety prospect in the class, but that could work in Green Bay’s favor. Trevon Moehrig has good size for the position, ball skills and range.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Creed Humphrey, IOL, Alabama
Kansas City’s interior offensive line is full of uncertainty moving forward, and Creed Humphrey could become an elite center in the NFL.