It’s been long-awaited but Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence will hear his name go first Thursday night in Cleveland.
By: Elias McMillan
2021 NFL Mock Draft
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson – This was a no-brainer once the regular season ended. Jacksonville was not going to pass on this generational talent, according to many, because of Garner Mischew. Jacksonville’s new regime, led by Urban Meyer, will take Lawrence first overall with hopes that he will not only become the face of the franchise but a quarterback that will lift the Jaguars to the top of the AFC.
2. New York Jets
Pick: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU – Is Zach Wilson the second best QB in this draft? Some think so. I think not. But neither way, he’s most likely going second to the Jets on Thursday night. The Jets traded away Sam Darnold so it is all set for them to take yet another “QB for the future”. But for Wilson’s case, that future will become a reality soon. Wilson displayed athleticism and made some amazing throws at BYU. That is enough for scouts to compare him to Patrick Mahomes. My concerns for Wilson is that he looked small in college; imagine him on the field with “NFL sized” athletes. I wish him the best in New York but something about him just screams “2nd rank Johnny Manziel”. This will be a boom or bust pick for the Jets, for sure. And if I’m being honest, Ohio State’s Justin Fields should be the second QB taken in this draft.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota St. – When the 49ers made this trade up in the draft, it was obviously going to be for a QB but which one? Well, they are sticking with Jimmy Garoppolo at the position for now. So, this pick will probably be for the future. Maybe a very near future. Trey Lance, a small school product, really caught the attention of scouts during his 2019 season. Though he sat out the 2020 season, he is still considered one of the top QB prospects in this draft. The kid is not even 21 yet but scouts like his maturity and more importantly his arm strength. I’m concerned about his lack of reps and those reps against lesser competition but I think the 49ers will not have to throw him right into the fire. Sitting behind Garoppolo might be the best thing for Lance. This could turnout to be a great investment pick for San Francisco.
TRADE – Atlanta Falcons send #4 overall pick to Washington Football Team for pick #19, #74, and a 2022 1st round pick and a future pick to be determined later.
4. Washington Football Team
Pick: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State – Teams really covet the quarterback position during draft time. Atlanta could keep this pick and take their QB for the future or add a weapon to the offense. I think if they are patient, a team will blow them away with an offer. It could be Denver or New England because they’re closer in range. The 19th pick seems too far away but I think Washington would sweeten the deal with a first and more in next year’s draft. Seems like a stretch but let’s try to have fun here. But really, Washington is one of those teams that probably thinks that they are a QB away from becoming a dominant team in the NFC. Washington struck out the last time they drafted a Ohio State QB. Maybe Justin Fields will be different. Fields is mobile and he throws a great deep ball. Under Coach Rivera, he might stand a better chance making it in Washington.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon – Cincinnati will be really tempted to add a skill player on offense with this pick. But despite Kyle Pitts and Ja’Marr Chase being available, the Bengals need to realize that they allowed the 6th most QB sacks in the league. That led to the injury of their coveted first round pick from a year ago, QB Joe Burrow. With a healthy Burrow, the Bengals will be able to throw the ball all over the place but as long as he is protected. Penei Sewell wouldn’t be a pick for depth. He would add “quality” depth to that offensive line and he’ll be able to line up anywhere up front. Sewell would be the smart pick for the Bengals as he’ll be able to help protect Burrow for the foreseeable future.
6. Miami Dolphins
Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida – Miami can’t miss here in this scenario. At pick number six, they’ll be able to add a big play target for an offense that desperately needs one. Passing on Chase will be hard but getting a generational prospect at TE wouldn’t be a bad consultation prize. Pitts is described as a “Randy Moss – level” talent and teamed with Mike Gesicki, they’ll provide QB Tua Tagovailoa with premium options as security blankets.
7. Detroit Lions
Pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU – In this scenario, Detroit better run to the podium. Ja’Marr Chase is probably the best receiver in the draft but maybe even the best player, period. This guy is pegged to be a number one receiver and option in the passing game for whichever lucky team ends up drafting him. Jared Goff maybe bummed about getting traded out of Los Angeles, California to Detroit, Michigan but he’ll feel much better once he starts playing catch with Chase on Sundays.
8. Carolina Panthers
Pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama – A shocker here. Carolina is a team that needs help at many places. They could go for offensive line help here but the Panthers haven’t had a good corner since Josh Norman and I feel like corners usually go earlier than expected. Surtain is thought to be the top corner in the draft and is one of the most polished and experienced players available. His size and speed allows him to play physical with receivers and keep up with them in coverage. He’ll be a valuable piece to a defense that is looking for new leaders.
9. Denver Broncos
Pick: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama – Teams clamor for quarterbacks in the draft every year so I see 5 being taken in the top 10. Unless Carolina trades down with a QB needy team, I don’t think Denver will let Mac Jones drop pass them. Their general manager recently said that he was looking for competition at the QB position for Drew Lock. I think that was code for “We spent a lot of draft capital at the receiver position last year and still had an offense that ranked near the bottom of the league.” Denver was also the team that because of the virus didn’t have a QB available one week in 2020. I don’t think Mac Jones is that great. He played with a lot of talent at Alabama. But he has some things that make him attractive to NFL coaches. He played in a pro style offense under Nick Saban. He’s tall and not athletic but accurate as a passer. Some people see him as a future field general like Peyton Manning or Matt Ryan. I think he could be the “Matt Ryan” of QB’s in this draft class but I don’t think that could be a good thing. But I do think he could be good enough to compete with Drew Lock for the starting QB spot.
TRADE – Dallas Cowboys send #10 overall pick to Los Angeles Chargers for picks #13, #77 and a 2022 2nd round pick.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern – Here, the Chargers move up to get a player that will help them protect their franchise QB for years to come. Justin Herbert won Offensive Rookie of the Year last year but if the Chargers see more trophies in his future, they need to sure up that offensive line. Slater is one of the top tackles in this draft and he showed great ability in college as a pass protector and a nasty run blocker. The Chargers would have to trade up to get him but because of their young QB, they will be willing to pay the price.
11. New York Giants
Pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech – The Giants shouldn’t hesitate to acquire offensive line help at their pick. The Giants ranked in the bottom five in sacks allowed. I don’t care who you have at QB, the offense will struggle when the QB can’t be protected. The Giants offensively will be better with RB Saquon Barkley back in the lineup but if they hope to get anything from their passing game, I think they should get a young tackle. Christian Darrisaw maybe viewed as the 3rd best tackle in the draft but some scouts say he’s just as good as Sewell or Slater.
12. Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama – I know the Eagles took a receiver first last year but that felt like a panic pick. Like, everyone knew that they meant to take Justin Jefferson. If Heisman trophy winning receiver, DeVonta Smith, is still on the board at 12, the city of Philadelphia might explode. Smith would un-doubtingly become the Eagles top target at receiver for who ever ends up at starting quarterback. Smith is the best route runner in this draft and his ability to get open would mean big plays down the field for the Eagles passing game.
13. Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State – After trading back, the Cowboys would go with the best defensive player left on the board. When I think about Dallas and the draft this year, I think of two things. First, they had one of the worst defensive years from any team playing anywhere. They need to find help for the defense in this draft. It doesn’t matter if it comes in the form of Patrick Surtain, Jaycee Horn, Micah Parsons. Christian Barmore. It doesn’t matter. The second thing, offensive line wouldn’t be bad either. The Cowboys didn’t have both starting tackles on their offensive line for most of last season. They say that the Cowboys would have a great offensive line if healthy but maybe that can’t be guaranteed any longer. Players get old. Dallas would be smart to address that. So in this scenario, I have Dallas passing on Slater and the top two corners in the draft and trading back? Yes, because Dallas needs assets if they want to improve their defense. People might say that the Cowboys don’t need a LB. Well, Jaylon Smith was awful last year, Leighton Vander Esch keeps catching the injury bug, and Sean Lee just retired. Parsons is as talented as any defender in this draft class. His speed going sideline to sideline is elite and he can also provide pressure as a pass rusher. If Smith and LVE can return to 2019 form, having Parsons in the fold would be some real quality depth at linebacker.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan – Minnesota struggled mightily on defense last year. They need to find a way to get more pressure on opposing QB’s. Michigan’s Kwity Paye is thought to be the best edge rusher in the draft. Paye is an absolute unit at 6’4 and 270 pounds. I’m concerned about his ability to play out on the edge at that size but he looks plenty strong enough to play inside. Minnesota needs help in the interior as well.
15. New England Patriots
Pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama – New England needs offensive playmakers. Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle is unbelievably quick and has been described as the next Tyreek Hill. There is some concern about his size but Waddle has the speed that NFL offenses want to utilize.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech – Arizona would be replacing Patrick Peterson with this selection. Farley may have some medical red flags but he was a great, productive player at Virginia Tech. The Cardinals have reached out to a few veterans at the cornerback position in recent history. Maybe they should look to the draft for some stability in the secondary. Farley has the size and speed to become a future starter in this league.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Pick: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU – The Raiders need a lot of help defensively. At 17, they could take the top safety in the draft. Moehrig can fill the role as a ball hawk safety.
18. Miami Dolphins
Pick: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama – Anytime any team drafts a running back in the first round, I’m going to call it a reach. But Miami has two 1st round picks this year so I’ll give them some lead way. Miami needs to be more explosive in both the passing and running game. After taking Kyle Pitts at 6, the Dolphins can address the ground game by selecting another one of Alabama’s star players. Harris may not be the fastest RB in this draft class but he is tough and he uses his size well with his downhill running style. Head Coach Brian Flores will be excited to have him in his stable of backs.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina – After trading back with Washington, Atlanta can take one of the top corners in this draft. Jaycee Horn sees himself as the top defensive back in this draft and he might be. Horn, like Surtain, was a top defender in the secondary; often winning battles on Saturdays in the SEC. He’ll play immediately for a Falcons defense that is needy for new playmakers.
20. Chicago Bears
Pick: Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern – Another corner here. This time, the Bears take a Chicago native who has been one of the top defensive backs in the Big Ten. This would be a nice match here.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami (Fla.) – The Colts could go offensive tackle here. But they may want to sure up that pass rush and get younger on defense with the departure of Justin Houston. Jaelan Phillips is well traveled but is a force on the defensive line. He may have some injury concerns but at 6’5, he has the size and the talent to make a difference for Indy.
22. Tennessee Titans
Pick: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue – Tennessee had two contributors at receiver leave in free agency. I feel like there’s a huge drop off in this receiver class from the top three in the SEC. It’s going to be hard to pinpoint who is the fourth guy on that list. Rondale Moore has been a star at Purdue for the majority of his career there. His explosiveness just really stands out on tape and he could develop into a special weapon for the Titans offense.
23. New York Jets
Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame – The Jets would be thrilled to see this player still available with their second 1st round pick. The linebacker from Notre Dame just simply hits anything near him backwards. JOK is a tackling machine and would form a great duo with C.J. Mosley in that Jets defense.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC – There’s a lot of speculation about what Pittsburgh should do in this draft that would make them better in 2021. I think it should be all about repairing the offensive line. The Steelers have a great track record with finding decent skill players. So, I understand that they probably need a RB but really, that offensive line needs some new blood. This kid from USC would be a great selection at 24 because of his athleticism and versatility. He’s probably good enough to be taken before the 24th pick but either way, the Steelers should just take the best offensive lineman available then find a RB later in the draft.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa – Jacksonville needs a lot and they have many picks so I think that should allow them to move all around their roster in this draft. Zaven Collins would be a great addition to the Jaguars as a linebacker that can pretty much do it all.
26. Cleveland Browns
Pick: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama – The Browns cut both of their starting defensive tackles. So, if Christian Barmore is still available at 26, I have little doubt that Cleveland will pick him. Barmore is the best interior defender in the draft and I bet he’ll go higher than 25.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia – Azeez Ojulari is another defender who should be picked higher in this draft but he does have a significant medical concern. I think Baltimore would still take him if he were available. Ojulari was the big time playmaker for that Georgia Bulldog defense. He was relentless on the edge as a pass rusher and was always around the football. He would fit in nicely with the Ravens defense.
28. New Orleans Saints
Pick: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss – The Saints will be looking for some playmakers at the receiver in this draft with Emmanuel Sanders leaving in free agency. Elijah Moore is a bit on the small side but he was one of the top receivers in the SEC. He’ll carry that underdog mentality into the NFL and become a fan favorite in New Orleans.
29. Green Bay Packers
Pick: Landon Dickerson, OL, Alabama – The Packers won’t go receiver here. They never do. Green Bay did lose their center to the Chargers who made him the highest paid at that position in the league. I guess, that means he was pretty good. Green Bay would be wise to replace him with the top interior offensive lineman in the draft.
30. Buffalo Bills
Pick: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia – I think the Bills can certainly get better at cornerback in this draft. They were using Josh Norman last season so an upgrade would be ideal. Tyson Campbell fits the prototype “big corner” with speed and he could develop as a starter opposite of Tre’Davious White.
31. Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama – The Ravens traded a left tackle to Kansas City for this pick so I bet they replace that tackle with another one. Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood has a cool name and is an absolute house. With this selection, Baltimore would hope to turn him into a starting left tackle on the offensive line.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State – Tampa drafted Antoine Winfield Jr. last year. How about if they just become home to more sons from NFL legends? They are picking last in the first round so they won’t get a shot at Patrick Surtain II. But instead, they can take Asante Samuel’s kid and prosper. I’m sure Tom Brady will annoy him about that dropped interception against the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.
Round 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Richie Grant, S, UCF
34. New York Jets – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
35. Atlanta Falcons – Teven Jenkins, OL, Oklahoma State
36. Miami Dolphins – Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
37. Philadelphia Eagles – Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
38. Cincinnati Bengals – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
39. Carolina Panthers – Wyatt Davis, OL, Ohio State
40. Denver Broncos – Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
41. Detroit Lions – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
42. New York Giants – Jayson Oweh, DE, Penn State
43. San Francisco 49ers – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
44. Dallas Cowboys – Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
45. Jacksonville Jaguars – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
46. New England Patriots – Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas
47. Los Angeles Chargers – Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF
48. Las Vegas Raiders – Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest
49. Arizona Cardinals – Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
50. Miami Dolphins – Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (Fla)
51. Washington Football Team – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
52. Chicago Bears – Jalen Mayfield, OL, Michigan
53. Tennessee Titans – Joe Tryon, DE, Washington
54. Indianapolis Colts – Cheed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma
55. Pittsburgh Steelers – Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
56. Seattle Seahawks – Jackson Carman, OL, Clemson
57. Los Angeles Rams – Hamsah Nasirideen, S, Florida State
58. Kansas City Chiefs – Dillon Radunz, OL, North Dakota State
59. Cleveland Browns – Sam Cosmi, OL, Texas
60. New Orleans Saints – Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
61. Buffalo Bills – Payton Turner, DE, Houston
62. Green Bay Packers – Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
63. Kansas City Chiefs – Alim McNeill, DT, NC State
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina
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