2021 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1
Its April 2021. Spring is here! Pro Days are happening. Rumors are flying. Players are being signed. We are just days away from the 2021 NFL Draft. With that, comes Mock Drafts aplenty! Last year I wrote my first ever full 1st round mock. I had a lot of fun doing it so here it is for 2021. For this year’s Mock, I didn’t incorporate any new trades. Some say that’s boring but I wanted to run the table this year with what the order looked like on paper.
Pick #1 – Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB – Clemson
Anyone surprised by this pick, has been living under a rock for the last 10 months. There is nothing else that needs to be said.
Pick #2 – New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB – BYU
This has been fairly common knowledge around the NFL. There were some questions about this up until a few weeks ago when the Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. With Darnold gone, the Jets will move forward with the consensus #2 QB in the draft.
Pick #3 – San Francisco 49ers (via trade with Mia): Justin Fields, QB – Ohio State
After San Fran traded up to #3 a few weeks ago, the speculation has been plenty. Who would they select and is this the end for Jimmy Garoppolo in SF? Well, we get our answer here. Justin Fields is prepped and ready to take over the Kyle Shanahan offense. The options for SF were plenty but if we have learned one thing from draft history; Go with the player that was favored before “Draft Season” started.
Pick #4 – Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE – Florida
I am all for the Falcons trading down and bringing in a haul of picks from a QB needy team, but for this Mock, I am running with this pick. Matt Ryan now gets to throw to Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley & Kyle Pitts. How do you stop this offense? With a new coaching regime, this is evaluation year for Matt Ryan. He’s surrounded by playmakers. If he cant succeed, then its time for the Falcons to move on.
Pick #5 – Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT – Oregon
If you have Cincy picking someone else, then maybe you forgot about Joe Burrow’s season ending knee injury in 2020. Burrow was one of the most hit QBs in the NFL during his rookie season despite only playing in 10 games before getting injured. Being hit 72 times through 9 games was tied for most in NFL history by a rookie QB. How to begin to solve the problem? Sewell. Keep Burrow upright and protect your franchise QB.
Pick #6 – Miami Dolphins (via trade with Phi): Ja’Marr Chase, WR – LSU
After the Dolphins traded down from #3, it was clear that they were planning to roll with Tua in 2021. Making the trade back up to #6 solidified they could land a big weapon. Tua’s “struggles” in 2020 were a combination of many things but a glaring hole was playmaking WRs. Ja’Marr Chase fills that roll in a big, big way. Even though Chase sat out 2020, his 2019 stats were incredible. He checks all the boxes for being “the next big thing” at WR in the NFL.
#7 - Detroit Lions: Devonta Smith, WR – Alabama
The Lions draft pick fell one spot too late to land Chase. Instead, they are “left with” selecting the 2020 Heisman Trophy winning WR out of Alabama. Many could argue “settling” doesn’t apply here. Smith was absolutely dominant in 2020 by leading all of college football in YAC (yards after the catch). With the Lions completely rebuilding a WR group to give new QB Jared Goff some weapons, this will be the new foundation of the WR corp.
#8 – Carolina Panthers: Patrick Surtain II, CB – Alabama
Back to back picks to come out of Alabama. Carolina was able to avoid the draft need at QB by making a trade for Sam Darnold. With being able to lock up the best CB in the draft, they will be able to build on a solid defensive effort in 2020. This will be a big help for Carolina during the 2 game suspension of CB, AJ Bouye (a carryover from a 2020 suspension). Its expected that Surtain will be able to continue his coverage strength into the NFL after playing in a very tough SEC.
#9 – Denver Broncos: Mac Jones, QB – Alabama
No, seriously. 3 straight picks to come out of Alabama. This time at the QB position which is a BIG area of need for the Broncos. Drew Lock just hasn’t shown enough in his first two season. Mac Jones checks the boxes for what the Broncos want. A pocket passer with a big arm to get the ball downfield to their young, fast WRs. I can only assume the chances left for Lock to show some promise are extremely limited. If Mac Jones isn’t starting to open the season, it won’t be long until he is.
#10 – Dallas Cowboys: Jaycee Horn, CB – South Carolina
Defense. Its hard to point out just one area of need for the Cowboys. CB was definitely an area of need. Horn is arguably the best man-cover corner in the draft. If this draft wasn’t QB heavy, Horn could have gone top-5. This will change the defense for Dallas very quickly.
#11 – New York Giants: Rashawn Slater, OT – Northwestern
#1 rule in football: Protect your Franchise QB. In 2020, the Giants OL was one of the worst in the entire NFL (PFF had them ranked dead last at a grade of 50.6). If Daniel Jones is expected to win football games, he needs to stay upright and not be required to run for his life. Slater will be a massive upgrade to their line and he is easily the #2 OT in the draft.
#12 – Philadelphia Eagles (via trade from Mia via SF) – Jaylen Waddle, WR – Alabama
Well there have been 2 picks since an Alabama player was selected and 3 seemed a bit too big of a gap. I’m kidding. But seriously, the Eagles (specifically Jeffrey Lurie) have come out and said that the team will build around second year QB, Jalen Hurts. That means they need to upgrade their WR corp and OL. Since the top 2 OL are already gone, passing up a talent like Jaylen Waddle would be shades of passing on Justin Jefferson last year or Metcalf in 2019. Waddle can help immediately in a lack-luster offense. Many say he is the best slot-receiver in this year’s draft.
#13 – Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT – Virginia Tech
What has been the theme of teams with young franchise QBs? Protect your future! The biggest need for the Chargers is to keep their young OROY winning QB on his feet and throwing the ball to his weapons. Darrisaw is a “dual-threat” OT that excells at both Pass Protection AND Run Blocking. This pick not only bodes well for Justin Herbert but it pays dividends to Austin Ekeler.
#14 – Minnesota Vikings: Kwity Paye, Edge – Michigan
To put it simple, Minnesota needs to get more pressure on the QB. In 2020 they were one of the worst in the NFL at the Edge position (PFF rank as 5th worst pass rush). It doesn’t appear that a solution will be found in house with Hunter on his way out the door. Paye fills that roll. He is athletic and probably the most talented pass rusher in this years draft. Guys like this don’t usually end up at #14.
#15 – New England Patriots: Trey Lance, QB – North Dakota State
This is not going to bode well for the rest of the NFL that Lance fell this far. Trey Lance might just have the most upside of the entire QB class this year. He is more mobile than Cam Newton and can launch the ball with accuracy like Aaron Rodgers. With Newton on the roster for 2021, Trey can understudy for a season and learn to pick NFL teams apart. He also gets a full season to show off his new and improved QB Mechanics that he has cleaned up. Belichick doesn’t need to rush Trey onto the field but when he gets his chance, you are going to be in awe.
#16 – Arizona Cardinals: Greg Newsome, CB – Northwestern
The Cardinals no longer have Patrick Peterson or Dre Kirkpatrick and that might not be a bad thing after they ranked 25th in outside coverage grade (per PFF). That said, they need to fill that role and Newsome can handle that. Newsome excels at Zone Coverage but Vance Joseph’s 3-4 defense is claimed to be easy to pick up for newcomers and Newsome can show off some press covering ability with his size and speed.
#17 – Las Vegas Raiders: Micah Parsons, LB – Penn State
The Raiders have several areas of need on defense, specifically DL & LB. Micah Parsons is considered the best LB prospect in the draft. The fact that he fell to #17 is a testament to how good this draft class is. The Raiders get a stud for the middle of the field that can blitz and cover.
#18 – Miami Dolphins: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG – USC
The Dolphins already got better on offense earlier in the 1st round with electric WR Ja’Marr Chase. Now that Tua has weapons around him, protection is key. Alijah is a versatile OL that can switch between G and T easily. He is better at G but he gives the Dolphins a security blanket in case of injuries to the OL. He might actually be one of the best pass-blocking lineman in the draft.
#19 – Washington Football Team: Jabril Cox, LB – LSU
Washington boasted one of the top defensive fronts in 2020. Their weakness in the front 7 currently is at linebacker. Cox fills that dire need. He is the best coverage ILB in the draft with a knack for big plays. He can read routes, jump passes and rush the QB. With a 1st/2nd round grade by most analysts, he will easily outplay those grades and potentially will be the best LB from this class.
#20 – Chicago Bears: Elijah Moore, WR – Ole Miss
After the Bears settled on bringing in Andy Dalton at QB, they have to give him some weapons. Allen Robinson returns for one more year in Chicago and Moore paired with him in the slot could be a dangerous combo. If Dalton is going to be successful, he needs a WR like Moore in the slot (second highest graded slot receiver [90] since 2019 per PFF).
#21 – Indianapolis Colts: Jayson Oweh, EDGE – Penn State
A major hole for the Indy Defense in 2020 was production off the edge. Per PFF, only Buckner posted a pass-rush grade above 70 (90.2) for the team at the position. Oweh didn’t have a single sack in 2020 but he did show tremendous improvement in his pass rush grade from 2019 (74.6 to 85.4). He will get to the QB if he is opposite DeForest Buckner.
#22 – Tennessee Titans: Caleb Farley, CB – Virginia Tech
The Titans defense struggled mightily in 2020. They allowed 4,439 passing yards (4th most in the NFL) and 36 TDs (2nd most). Defensive back reinforcement is now here. Farley would have been an early pick in the 1st if not for his recent back surgery that has some teams concerned. He hasn’t played since 2019 but he was incredible then. He has top-tier closing speed and size to disrupt the pass.
#23 – New York Jets (via trade from Sea): Azeez Ojulari, Edge - Georgia
Lets face it, the Jets needed a ton in this offseason, but after selecting Wilson #2 overall, QB is one major key now in place. Some other pieces added on offense have made it so they can focus on defense with a top pick. Azeez can come in day one and compete for the DE position. He is a little smaller than most (under 250 lbs) but he is ridiculously quick off the start and has excellent hand usage to shed blockers.
#24 – Pittsburgh Steelers: Dillon Radunz, OT – North Dakota State
Many fans and analysts were shouting for the Steelers to draft RB, Najee Harris after the Steelers abysmal run game in 2020. With James Conner out the door to Arizona, that could have made sense too but the Steelers OL is in shambles after multiple losses in the offseason. Rebuilding a dominant offensive line MUST be priority. Radunz gives them a massive boost in pass pro & run blocking. He is a slimmer (under 300 lbs) but an extremely mobile Tackle that can handle anything the Steelers ask of him. Even at pick #24, he could be a massive steal!
#25 – Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade from LAR): Walker Little, OT – Stanford
With Trevor Lawrence locked up at #1, the Jags need to make sure they keep him upright long enough to throw the ball. The current slate of OTs for the Jags is mediocre. Adding Cam Robison in the offseason was an upgrade to start with but Walker should be an immediate upgrade at RT over Taylor. Walker hasn’t been on the field since 2019 but he improved drastically from his 2018 season during that time. His expected improvement puts him this high and this could make the Jags OL substantially better than last year.
#26 – Cleveland Browns: Rashod Bateman, WR – Minnesota
Start with the fact that Bateman fell to #26 overall and he is already a steal. Add in he goes to a team on the incline, and people are immediately regretting this slide. Bateman is an incredible talent in a DEEP WR draft class. Pair him opposite Jarvis Landry and OBJ becomes expendable. There has already been trade rumors surrounding OBJ, so adding Bateman keeps this roster stacked at WR. Bateman just might end up being Baker’s go-to by season end. By the way, this selection also kept Bateman from ending up with Division Rival, Baltimore, which is a WR needy team.
#27 – Baltimore Ravens: Teven Jenkins, OT – Oklahoma State
In 2020, the Ravens were the #1 Rush Yard Total team in the NFL (3,071 yards). After shipping Orlando Brown to the Chiefs just a couple days ago, they needed to replace him. The Ravens hosted a number of Free-Agent Tackles over the past few weeks but have yet to make a move. This pick shows why they waited. Teven Jenkins is one of the best run blocking Tackles in college football (PFF grade of 93.6). He is solid in the Pass-Pro as well as he only allowed 11 pressures over the past 2 years.
#28 – New Orleans Saints: Terrace Marshall, WR – LSU
The Saints take home-grown Louisiana WR, Terrace Marshall. Born in LA. High School in LA. College in LA. Now he gets to play professional football in LA. He is young and talented. He gives the Saints a much needed pairing for Michael Thomas. Marshall scored 23 times over the past 2 seasons. He is 6’3” with a big catch radius. Jameis Winston (presumed to be QB) will be loaded at the WR position for his first season at the helm for the Saints.
#29 – Green Bay Packers: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB – Notre Dame
Packers fans screaming for a WR for Aaron Rodgers are going to have to wait until at least round 2. A big needed area on defense is the Linebacker position. JOK was ranked by many analysts as a top 3 LB and many expected him to go much earlier in the draft. His coverage skills are extremely impressive and if Green Bay wants another shot at a Super Bowl before Rodgers is out the door, they need to reduce the potential for teams scoring.
#30 – Buffalo Bills: Najee Harris, RB – Alabama
Harris is a very talented running back with a great combo of size, quickness and overall speed. He can power run, catch out of the backfield, pick up blitzes take tosses around the end and he has a nose for the endzone (scored 50 TDs over the last 2 seasons). Buffalo was in the bottom half of the NFL in rush yards and yards per carry last year. Their dynamic passing game needs a compliment. Harris gives them a dynamic RB that can open the field even more for Josh Allen to throw the ball. This could be the missing piece for the offense to win the AFC. If Buffalo can put together a top 10 run game to pair with their top 5 passing attack, there wont be many teams that can stop them.
#31 – Baltimore Ravens (via trade from KC): Trevon Moehrig, S – TCU
Physical. That’s AFC North Football. Moehrig has the size to play in the AFC North. He’s 6’2” and 202 lbs. He is the best Safety in the draft in terms of Pass Breakups (led all Safeties in the FBS in each of the past 2 seasons). He closes on WRs and gets his hands wear they need to be. Trevon is also capable of stepping forward into a semi-linebacker role as well. Perfect for the blitz packages that Baltimore likes to run.
#32 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Barmore, NT - Alabama
The defending Super Bowl Champions brought back all 22 starters from last season. Who does that??? Well that question has now been answered; A team “going for two.” Another age old question to answer: What do you get someone who already has everything? How about the best player available (and top Nose Tackle in the draft). Yeah, another former Alabama player comes off the board in the first round (making 6 total and breaking the record previously held by LSU with 5 in 2020). Barmore slid in the first round due to a combination of a stacked draft class for QBs, WRs, OTs & CBs plus some concerns over his inconsistent play against some of the better teams Alabama faced. There is still considered a large gap between he and the next tier of DTs in the draft. The fact that the Bucs have Vita Vea under contract through 2022 gives them time to decide if they keep him, trade him after 2021 or let him walk after 2022 but rest assured, they would have a solution if he isn’t rostered after 2021.
