“What Would I Do?” 2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Two Rounds
By: Jordan Katz
Folks, we are a little less than a month away from the end of the regular season and the official start of #MockDraftSZN. It’s the most wonderful time of the year; and no, I’m not talking about the Christmas song.
Normally after the first mock draft, trades are included from that point on. However, because this is earlier than my second installment typically is, this mock draft will have no trades as well. There is a second round this time though. Hopefully this gives you all a better idea of which players I have my eye on at this time.
*The Draft Order is based on my projections for the remaining games on the NFL schedule.
ROUND ONE
1) New York Jets: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- The Jets have been waiting for a franchise quarterback like Lawrence since Joe Namath retired. They thought Sam Darnold was going to be that guy, but things didn’t work out that way. Fortunately, Lawrence appears to be the “can’t miss,” prospect the Jets have been looking for. Lawrence can make all the throws. He has the arm strength to fit passes into tight windows, he has a quality deep ball, and his mechanics from top to bottom are terrific.
Having said that, I do have an unpopular opinion when it comes to Lawrence. I don’t love the “generational talent,” tag he has. His physical gifts are there, but Lawrence has a tendency to force some throws to his first read. His 50/50 ball placement could also be better. In my opinion, Joe Burrow was a better prospect.
Nevertheless, Lawrence is still great. He’s still a franchise quarterback, he’s still one of the best prospects to come out in the last 20 years, and he’s still the prize of this draft class.
2) Jacksonville Jaguars: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- A bit of a surprise here at QB2. Many will say this is too high for Wilson because he has the lowest floor of the top four quarterbacks. His footwork is subpar, he plays reckless at times, and he thinks he can make any throw in the book.
On the plus side, the negatives in his game are things the NFL no longer cares about. Offenses in the NFL have become about mobility from the quarterback. The player has to be able to make quick decisions with the football in a more up-tempo offense. 50/50 balls are encouraged, and turnovers are not as big of an issue as they once were. Wilson has great placement on his throws down the field, and he can rip it into tight windows despite some injury history. Wilson’s upside is significantly higher than Justin Fields or Trey Lance, which is why he’s the selection for the Jaguars here.
3) Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- Sewell’s athleticism is off the charts. His ability to cut off edge rushers from successfully running the arch to the quarterback is second to none. When the draft process is all said and done, Sewell will be in the conversation for the best offensive line prospect to come out in the last few years. Cincinnati has to land an elite offensive lineman this offseason, which makes Sewell a perfect fit.
4) Dallas Cowboys: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- A few years ago, the Cowboys had a ton of injuries, which landed them a top five selection. Their misfortunes allowed them to make a luxury pick inside the top five; Ezekiel Elliott. This time around, they also luck into a luxury selection; Justin Fields.
The Cowboys have been hesitant to pay Dak Prescott because of the impact that would have on their salary cap. Having a talented rookie quarterback allows teams to build out their roster significantly better. The Cowboys would be no exception.
Fields is the “QB2,” for many. He makes plays with his legs, and he has immense arm talent. The only concern is that he’s an upper body thrower, and his play style is similar to Cam Newton. Can that type of guy be successful at 6’3?
5) Atlanta Falcons: Kwity Paye, DL Michigan- Paye is the big riser during the college football regular season. When he lines up along the interior, he is unstoppable. Paye has a quick get off, he’s calculated with his strikes, and he can long arm opposing linemen. He may not be the “sexy name,” during the draft process, and this is a little high for him. Having said that, Paye is easily a top player in this draft.
6) Philadelphia Eagles: Micah Parsons, ILB Penn State- Talk about a perfect fit. The Eagles need playmakers in their back seven. Micah Parsons is a hometown kid who can captain the middle of their defense for a decade. Easiest selection of any mock draft.
7) Carolina Panthers: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- If there is a team to take Pitts in the top 10 where he belongs, it’s the Panthers. Pitts is an elite athlete at the tight end position. He uses his body at the catch point, he uses his athleticism at the top of the route, and you rarely see any double catches from Pitts on tape. He is a matchup nightmare at the next level.
8) Denver Broncos: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- There is a legitimate chance the top four picks next spring are all quarterbacks. This is not to say the best four prospects are quarterbacks. There are just so many teams at the top that need quarterbacks.
When the Broncos’ roster is healthy, it is a better one than people realize. Adding a dual threat, modern day type of quarterback like Lance in on a valuable rookie contract could allow them the flexibility to build a playoff roster in a year or two.
9) Los Angeles Chargers: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- Before diving into the selection, prepare for the Chargers to trade down a lot over the course of future mock drafts. If Penei Sewell does not fall to them, they are the team to trade down and acquire assets in this year’s top five.
Considering there are no trades in this mock, the Chargers are forced to stay at this spot. Wherever they pick in 2021, they should consider a playmaker to pair with Keenan Allen. Mike Williams has not blossomed the way the Chargers may have thought, and next year is his fifth year option.
Waddle’s ability to make plays down the field, his route running, and top end speed make him a top 10 prospect next spring.
10) Chicago Bears: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- With Allen Robinson likely out the door, the Bears become desperate for a number one receiver. Fortunately, they will probably be in range for one of Waddle, Chase or DeVonta Smith.
As mentioned in the previous mock, just because Waddle is above him, does not mean that Chase is overrated in any way. Waddle’s game is just slightly more polished than Chase. Chase is an elite down the field threat with terrific ability on 50/50 plays. If he learns to vary his releases, he will be a star.
11) Washington Football Team: Rayshawn Slater, OL Northwestern- NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently pegged Slater as his top offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft Class (https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/1332500132617547777). He was the first one on the Mekhi Becton train last year as well, so expect Slater to rise on many draft boards, as he does here.
Slater has terrific technique, but the length of his arms is a question for the offensive tackle position in the NFL. While he has the intelligence to play tackle at the next level, NFL teams may want him to play a guard because of his measurements. Even if he moves inside, Slater will still be a very good pro.
12) Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- The buzz right now is still around the Lions letting Kenny Golladay walk, which means they will need a number one wide receiver. Some question Smith’s frame (he’s only 175 pounds), but he plays bigger than that. Smith is willing to take on contact, and his release against press coverage is really strong. He’s a playmaker, regardless of his frame.
13) San Francisco 49ers: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett may not be back with the Niners after this season, making them the most likely team to select secondary in the top half of this draft. Horn is currently my top cornerback because of his competitiveness and ball skills. He’s willing to be physical, and he locates the ball better than anyone in the draft. This is a great fit, and an even better one if Defensive Coordinator Robert Salah stays for another season.
14) *Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- Full disclosure, the goal was to send DeVonta Smith back with Tua Tagovailoa. With Smith off the board, they turn to the next best deep threat available.
Marshall uses his size and long strides to win down the field. He’s a physical player at the catch point, which makes him a good 50/50 guy and a red zone target.
15) Arizona Cardinals: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- Cosmi in the top 20 is a bit of a reach, but the fit here is perfect. Cosmi’s biggest asset is his athleticism. He’s an easy mover, he’s long, and even though his technique needs some work, his hips are so fluid when opening up into his kickslide. Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury needs athletes up front to run his offense, and Cosmi is definitely an athlete along the offensive line.
16) New England Patriots: Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- The irony of “Baby Gronk,” being drafted by the Patriots is outstanding, but it’s also a real possibility. Freiermuth is a better blocker than his counterpart at the top of this draft; Kyle Pitts. His knowledge of how to use his frame in routes allows him to win at the top of the stem. Freiermuth is a terrific fit in the Patriots current offense.
17) Miami Dolphins: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- Etienne is a three down running back that can change games every time he touches the ball. The value on running backs has decreased in the draft, but Etienne is worthy of being the exception to the new rule. Miami needs a feature back, making this pick a perfect match.
18) Indianapolis Colts: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- With Xavier Rhodes on a one year prove it deal, and the cornerbacks falling down the draft board in this mock, the Colts are in a perfect position to scoop up a guy like Farley. Farley has ideal size and length for the position. He’s at his best in man coverage, and he shows a rare ability in press coverage for a collegiate corner. Injuries are a concern, but because of his technique and fluidity as an athlete, Farley should hear his name called early next April.
19) New York Giants: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- The Giants defense has improved dramatically during the 2020 campaign. Having said that, they are still missing that “X-Factor,” up front. Leonard Williams is having a great season, but pairing him with a quality edge rusher is the best way for him to excel moving forward.
Rousseau is an elite athlete off the edge. His technique still needs work, but you can’t teach his ability to run the arch.
20) Minnesota Vikings: Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- Minnesota will likely address the trenches with a few of their selections in 2021. Humphrey is a top 20 guy if he moves to guard at the next level. His physicality, along with his knowledge of when to pin down on opposing interior rushers make him an elite pass blocking prospect in the middle. For a balanced offensive attack like Minnesota, Humphrey at left guard makes a ton of sense.
21) Las Vegas Raiders: Jay Tufele, IDL USC- In the last mock draft, I mentioned how I didn’t love the idea of any interior defensive linemen being selected in the top 25 of this draft. While I still agree with that, Tufele would be an attractive selection for a Jon Gruden coached team because of his competitiveness and high motor.
Of course, the more likely scenario is that General Manager Mike Mayock finally uses a quality roster to his advantage and trades down.
22) Tennessee Titans: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB Notre Dame- The defense that led the Titans to the AFC Championship game last year is now a weakness. An impact player in the run and pass game is a must for them at the top of next year’s draft. Owusu-Koramoah has the athleticism to play man coverage on tight ends and running backs, which will make him an attractive option in the back end of round one.
23) *Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams: Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Davis is a physical mauler up front. He uses power from his frame to drive opposing players when pulling. He also strikes with precision, which allows him to gain consistent leverage. The fit makes sense too. Jacksonville will likely need a balanced attack for whichever rookie quarterback commands the huddle next fall.
24) Baltimore Ravens: Trey Smith, IOL Tennessee- Interior offensive linemen go back to back here. The interior of the Ravens’ offensive line has struggled in 2020. They don’t have many needs this offseason, but this is one of them. In order to re-establish their dominant run game, they need maulers along the interior. That is Trey Smith in a nutshell.
25) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Najee Harris, RB Alabama- This pick is predicated on Tom Brady returning in 2021, but if the Bucs are still “all in,” next year, this is the most obvious round one selection. Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette have been laughable. Najee Harris is explosive, his vision has improved drastically, and he gains tough yards. This is the player the Bucs are missing offensively.
26) New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Patrick Surtain Jr., CB Alabama- A “best player available,” selection, but one at a position of need for the Jets. The Jets need a top player in the secondary this offseason. Surtain has versatility because of his footwork out of his break, and his technique in off man coverage.
27) Cleveland Browns: Dylan Moses, ILB Alabama- Moses is a really strong three down linebacker. The injuries are a concern, because athleticism is his calling card. However, he’s a football guy. His intelligence is off the charts for the position. Moses fits in perfectly into the middle of Cleveland’s defense.
28) Buffalo Bills: Shaun Wade, CB Ohio State- Buffalo takes a “luxury pick,” here, however it’s one that makes a lot of sense. Head Coach Sean McDermott loves aggressive schemes on defense. Wade is one of the best man cover guys in the draft, albeit strictly from the nickel position. He could grow into someone that can play both the nickel and the boundary, but his struggles locating the ball on the outside mean that he should be a nickel guy from day one.
29) New Orleans Saints: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota- Drew Brees is likely departing in the offseason, which means the “Michael Thomas and nothing,” receiving core is probably getting upgraded. If a YAC legend and down the field threat like Bateman is available, Head Coach Sean Payton might make the pick himself.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: Marvin Wilson, IDL Florida State- The Steelers are another team that would likely trade down from this position, especially if they acquire a young quarterback in the league for draft capital. Should they stay here, a player like Marvin Wilson makes sense. His upside in the middle of a 3-4 defense outweighs the fact that he plays high at times.
31) Green Bay Packers: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State- PLEASE give Aaron Rodgers a number two receiver! Olave’s route running prowess would be dynamic next to Davante Adams in Green Bay’s offense. This is an easy fit.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- There are a few tackles in this draft that could become excellent pros because of their length, athleticism, and physicality. Some struggle with footwork, some lunge at the oncoming rusher, and some just need to be more consistent. Radunz is one of those guys. A team like Kansas City is perfect for taking one of the top tackles behind Sewell. The player can improve their technique while backing up Eric Fisher for a year, then replace Fisher when he inevitably walks in free agency after the 2021 season.
ROUND TWO
33) New York Jets: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida
34) Jacksonville Jaguars: Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State
35) Cincinnati Bengals: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE Wake Forest
36) Dallas Cowboys: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami
37) Atlanta Falcons: Zaven Collins, EDGE/OLB Tulsa
38) Philadelphia Eagles: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech
39) Carolina Panthers: Derion Kendrick, CB Clemson
40) Denver Broncos: Liam Eichenberg, OL Notre Dame
41) Los Angeles Chargers: Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama
42) Chicago Bears: Mac Jones, QB Alabama
43) Washington Football Team: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC
44) Detroit Lions: Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas
45) San Francisco 49ers: Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State
46) *Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans: Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan
47) Arizona Cardinals: Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford
48) New England Patriots: Daniel Faalele, OT Minnesota
49) Miami Dolphins: Jevon Holland, CB/FS Oregon
50) Indianapolis Colts: Jordan Davis, IDL Georgia
51) New York Giants: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia
52) *Jacksonville Jaguars via Minnesota Vikings: Brevin Jordan, TE Miami
53) Las Vegas Raiders: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE/OLB Georgia
54) Tennessee Titans: Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
55) Los Angeles Rams: Hamsah Nasirildeen, FS/LB Florida State
56) Baltimore Ravens: Aidan Hutchinson, DL Michigan
57) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jackson Carman, OT Clemson
58) Seattle Seahawks: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE Oregon State
59) Cleveland Browns: Andre Cisco, FS Syracuse
60) Buffalo Bills: Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL USC
61) New Orleans Saints: Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU
62) Pittsburgh Steelers: Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina
63) Green Bay Packers: Jabril Cox, ILB LSU
64) Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Campbell, CB Georgia
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