RADIO
In a flash, we have hit what is often referred to as the unofficial start to the NFL season, the 2021 NFL Draft. With the draft comes all the twists, turns, and surprises that we have become accustomed to over the years as teams do their best to conceal their true intentions in regards to player selections. As we have seen in recent years, player evaluations and projections vary drastically from team to team. Most often than not, the picks made at the top of the board are somewhat easy to call and in some cases pre-determined based on team needs heading into the draft. But that is not where the fun begins for most NFL fans or even fantasy managers either.
The true intrigue of the NFL Draft lies in the guessing game in which we try and determine picks for teams outside of what we already know. And 2021 will be no different. In fact, this year's draft raises questions as early as the third overall pick. After the deal in which the San Francisco 49ers moved into the third spot, speculation began as to which quarterback would be coming off of the board. As we draw even closer to draft night, we still have no clear answer as to the direction of this team. That is why this is where the draft will truly begin for the 2021 class. Because after that pick, nothing seems set in stone, players will rise and fall on the board as well as teams looking to move up to acquire a player that they are high on.
This is where mock drafts come into play. With the rise of accessibility of social media and Twitter, many people out there attempt to read the tea leaves themselves to set up their mock drafts. The visibility alone allows for more eyes to see these than ever before. So whether you are a seasoned draft analyst or simply a pure football fan, your thought process can be put out there for all eyes to see. As for this 2021 NFL Draft, it's anyone's guess as to how this draft unfolds. But after an offseason of tape study and diving into the analytical data, I've come to my conclusions on how I think this first round will play out. So without further delay, I present to you my final mock draft for the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Round 1, Picks 1-15
1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson
The Jaguars finally get their guy with the selection of Lawrence. He has long been named the top pick in this draft and Jacksonville will rest easy knowing they have found the prototypical QB to run this offense for years to come. His elite size and athleticism are just the tip of the iceberg as he unlocks his pro potential. The Jaguars will build around his skill set, allowing him to become one of the truly elite signal-callers in the game.
2. New York Jets- Zach Wilson, QB BYU
The same goes for the Jets as they believe their selection of Wilson brings a true franchise QB to New York. The sample size is small with Wilson, but you cannot deny the production from college. If he continues to progress at the next level, Wilson has the tools and swagger that this team has been lacking. He can make every throw on the field and his athleticism will allow him to extend plays. If the Jets can find a running game and a true WR1, Wilson could become a valuable weapon in fantasy scoring.
3. San Francisco 49ers- Justin Fields, QB Ohio State
This is where things begin to get interesting. We all know that the Niners will be looking for QB with this pick, but the conjecture out is that they are looking at just Mac Jones or Trey Lance. I've long been a proponent for Fields to land here as, for me, he is clearly the second-best QB in this class. Whether it's his elite arm strength, ability to move the ball downfield, or athleticism to make plays outside of the pocket, Fields can do it all. He may not be the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's scheme, but he can also be a player you adjust your scheme around. I just can't wrap my head around the 49ers making this move and not setting themselves up to get a game-changing QB for the organization.
4. Denver Broncos (via Atlanta Falcons)- Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State
With the quarterbacks quickly coming off the board, the Broncos must do what it takes to acquire their guy in this class. A trade-up here with the Falcons feels like a win-win, with the Broncos selecting a QB with multi-dimensional talents that are set up to thrive with the offensive weapons already in place. With Lance's inexperience at the position, he will need time to grow, but I can see him quickly developing into a solid QB1 in fantasy production for years.
5. Cincinnati Bengals- Kyle Pitts, TE Florida
This becomes a luxury pick for the Bengals with Pitts still on the board. There is a lot of talk of re-uniting Ja'Marr Chase with Joe Burrow, but Pitts fills an immediate need for the team as well. His ability to become a matchup nightmare whether over the middle or stretching the field adds just another wrinkle to an already growing Bengals offense. Not to mention, Pitts' ability as an inline blocker can upgrade the porous Bengals offensive line as well.
6. Miami Dolphins- Penei Sewell, OT Oregon
The Dolphins could go in several directions here but if the team really wants to settle in with Tua Tagovailoa as their QB moving forward, the primary objective should be to protect him. At just 20 years old, Sewell has a rare breed of size and strength that is still ever-evolving. Plugging him in at tackle gives you a cornerstone along the offensive line for years to come.
7. Detroit Lions- Ja'Marr Chase, WR LSU
Although the Lions could look to trade back out of this spot, with Chase still on the board, it's just a value that you cannot pass up. He fills an immediate need for the team and instantly becomes their WR1. He is simply put, a playmaker, whose burst and ability to win at the catch point gives Jared Goff a security blanket to rely on in tough situations.
8. New England Patriots (via Carolina Panthers)- Mac Jones, QB Alabama
Another team that should be in the market for a QB, the Patriots do the nearly unthinkable and trade up to get their guy. Jones feels like the perfect type of player to run in this offense. A true pocket-QB that can read through progressions quickly and get the ball to the right player at the right moment. His insane production in college shows a QB that should be able to adapt to the pro game rather easily.
9. Atlanta Falcons (via Denver Broncos)- Patrick Surtain, CB Alabama
The Falcons feel like a team on the verge of a rebuild, but with Matt Ryan still playing at a high level, the team believes they can still compete. To do that, they must improve a defense that was one of the worst in the NFL during the early stages of the 2020 season. Although they improved after the switch at HC, the secondary continued to struggle with consistency. Surtain gives them a cornerback that should lock down one side of the field as he has proven the ability to cover an opposing team's best receiver in the toughest conference in college football.
10. Dallas Cowboys- Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
Similar to the Falcons, the Cowboys have the pieces in place on offense to provide a winning team. It's the defense that is holding this team back. Although they could look at the offensive line with this pick, ultimately fixing a secondary that was one of the league's worst in 2020 should be a top priority. The selection of Horn gives them a CB that comes with an impressive size/strength combo that is effective in man coverage. But he also has the speed to close ground quickly in zone concepts.
11. New York Giants- Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan
With the Giants looking to improve their pass rush, a selection of Paye can go a long way to accomplishing that. His explosiveness gives the team a player whose short-area quickness can get him in the backfield with consistency. He also has the power to engage blockers and rush inside if need be, creating more lanes for the linebackers behind him.
12. Philadelphia Eagles- DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama
With Jalen Hurts now being eyed as the starting QB for the Eagles, the task will be to surround him with better playmakers at the skill positions to accentuate his positives. That should be done with the selection of the Heisman Trophy winner Smith. Size concerns should quickly be debunked as he has shown to be an elite receiver that has played at a high level with multiple quarterbacks in college. His short-area quickness, route running, and ability to evade tacklers can quickly upgrade this stagnant Eagles passing attack.
13. Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern
The Chargers have shown through the offseason the desire to improve the offensive line protecting franchise QB Justin Herbert. Although defense could be on the radar here as well, passing up a talent like Slater here to even further cement the line will be hard to do. A three-year starter with flexibility at either left or right tackle, Slater's lack of length could push him to guard as well, where he can thrive also. His strength and fluidity could put him on par with Sewell, giving the Chargers a solid pick here with the thirteenth selection.
14. Minnesota Vikings- Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG USC
Vikings decide to improve the offensive line with the selection of Vera-Tucker. A big-bodied guard with solid strength and balance will help protect Kirk Cousins in the passing game, but ultimately, his best asset will be opening holes for Dalvin Cook and the running game.
15. Carolina Panthers (via New England Patriots)- Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech
After my projected trade with the Patriots, the Panthers are afforded the luxury to move back and fill a need along the offensive line. Darrisaw gives them an athletically gifted prospect that plays with excellent body control. His initial quickness and agility will allow him to set edges easily and provide space for Christian McCaffrey and the running game.
Round 1, Picks 16-32
16. Arizona Cardinals- Jaylen Waddle. WR Alabama
Being long linked to bringing in a receiver to presumptively replace Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals go with the other Alabama wideout in Waddle. His game-breaking speed gives them a deep threat that can work wonders opposite DeAndre Hopkins. But his ability to play at all three levels on the field gives the team an option to attack the defense who will likely see plenty of single coverages.
17. Las Vegas Raiders- Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech
Farley has been a hotly-debated player as the draft draws near. With injury concerns surrounding him, his stock has dipped just a bit. But if fully healthy, the argument could be made that he is the best cornerback in this class and a prospect that could be hard for the Raiders to pass up even if they have needs elsewhere. Let's be honest, this front office has proven to pull the trigger on questionable players that are higher on their board.
18. Miami Dolphins- Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami
After the selection of Sewell earlier, shoring up the offensive line, the Dolphins look to address the pass rush by picking the local product in Phillips. His plus physical attributes and motor will have him competing in every play. While his athleticism and length give the Dolphins flexibility to use his with his hand on the ground or standing up pre-snap.
19. Washington Football Team- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame
Looking to fill a need at the linebacker position, the Football Team pulls the trigger on perhaps the most explosive player at the position in this year's class. Owusu-Koramoah's versatility and playmaking ability just add another level of threat to an already daunting Washington defense.
20. Chicago Bears- Greg Newsome, CB Northwestern
Without having a shot to acquire one of the top quarterbacks in this class, the Bears pivot to another area of need after the trade of Kyle Fuller. Newsome gives the defense a long-limbed player whose size and strength could fit in well with the Bears scheme.
21. Indianapolis Colts- Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami
The Colts could go in several directions with this pick, but addressing a lackluster pass rush should be among the top concerns. Rousseau gives the Colts a long and rangy prospect that uses his athleticism to take advantage of mismatches to get into the backfield. Taking the pass rusher here gives the team more flexibility in the later rounds.
22. Tennessee Titans- Terrace Marshall, WR LSU
With several options on the board and available, the Titans should be looking to add a receiver to play opposite A.J. Brown. It simply will be who is higher on their board and I believe it will be Marshall. A big, fast, and talented playmaker, Marshall should give the team a true threat to line up with Brown. Giving the Titans a more diverse passing attack.
23. New York Jets- Micah Parsons, LB Penn State
The Jets have several options on the table at this pick and could continue to add to their offense with the first running back off the board. But with a player the caliber of Parsons still on the board and the lack of true depth they have at the position, I find it hard that new HC Robert Saleh passes here. Parsons tested off the charts heading into the draft and his speed combined with playmaking ability gives the Jets a new threat to plug into the defense.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Najee Harris, RB Alabama
The team has said all the right things heading into the draft that points towards this selection. With James Conner now departed, running back is an immediate need for a team that is looking to stay competitive in the AFC. Harris is a beast at the position and has shown he can do it all. A true three-down running back that falls into a tremendous spot and will leave fantasy managers salivating.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars- Teven Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State
What's next for the Jaguars after drafting their franchise QB at the top of the draft? Protecting said quarterback of course! Jenkins gives the Jaguars an NFL-ready prospect at the position that plays with above-average power and hand strength. His body control and athleticism will allow him to set up blocks consistently, whether it be in the passing game or as a run blocker.
26. Cleveland Browns- Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State
With an offense that seems intact and ready to go, the Browns are in an odd position of taking the best player available in this first round. Ranking in the middle of the pack in 2020 with just 38 sacks, addressing the pass rush will be a plus. Oweh has the prototypical NFL build and is possibly the most explosive off the edge over any in this class.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota
After making the deal to acquire another first-round pick and the failure to truly address the receiver position in free agency, finding a wideout is a sure lock for the Ravens. They do that with the selection of Bateman, giving them a weapon that could open things up for Marquise Brown. Bateman's plus size and crisp route running ability could give Lamar Jackson a consistent outside receiver that can help take his passing game to the next level.
28. New Orleans Saints- Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
Although the Saints could look at wideout here at this spot, ignoring a player at an area of need like Collins could prove to be a mistake. He is a big linebacker but has a rare combination of speed and athleticism that allows him to cover multiple areas of the field consistently. A pick of Collins here could plug an immediate hole on this defense.
29. Green Bay Packers- Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss
The Packers finally do it! Adding a true receiving threat to play with Davante Adams could spell doom for opposing defenses around the league. Moore will plug into the slot for this passing game and his sharp route running combined with speed and ball skills gives Aaron Rodgers a weapon he can utilize on every level of the field. This landing spot also puts Moore into the discussion as an instant impact player in fantasy from the outset.
30. Buffalo Bills- Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia
Much like the Browns, the Bills have an offense in play that is ready to go but the lack of a consistent pass rush seemed to hold them back at times. Although Ojulari has some injury concerns with some scouts heading into the draft, his talent when healthy cannot be ignored. His NFL-ready strength and explosiveness give the Bills a player that could be impactful in terms of attacking the QB.
31. Baltimore Ravens- Landon Dickerson, OL Alabama
With the trade of Orlando Brown to the Chiefs, it opens an immediate need along the offensive line for the Ravens. After addressing the receiver position with the previous pick, the team looks to add depth on the line by selecting Collins. He presents the team with flexibility inside as either a guard or center depending on need. His broad frame and above-average strength provide the Ravens with the big body they need for their run-heavy scheme.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas
With the Bucs bringing back virtually everyone from the Super Bowl-winning team, they have the flexibility to go anywhere with this selection. Shoring up things on the defensive side of the ball could be looked at, as well as a trade down. But providing depth along the offensive line to continue protecting Tom Brady should be kept in mind. Cosmi brings experience as a three-year starter in college and plays with excellent bend and flexibility.
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