2021 NFL Draft
Jordan Katz’s ROUND TWO Prediction Mock for the 2021 NFL Draft
As mentioned in my final prediction mock, here is my analysis of what I think the teams will do during round two of the NFL Draft. As a refresher, this is simply what I think each team will do at each selection. My personal evaluations are not involved.
33) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyson Campbell, CB Georgia- I thought the Jaguars would take a defensive back in round one, so nothing changes for me here at the top of round two. Campbell is a long corner that excels in off coverage. Many in the league think he has big time potential.
34) New York Jets: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame- The Jets will likely try to trade out of this spot, but it’s going to take a lot to pass up on a three down linebacker with elite cover skills like “JOK.” Owusu-Koramoah not only fits a need, but he fills the Fred Warner role in Robert Saleh’s new defense with the Jets. This would be a home run selection.
35) Atlanta Falcons: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- The Georgia boy stays home. Ojulari has elite dip and bend ability off the edge. He gives the Falcons a quality pass rusher opposite Dante Fowler.
36) Miami Dolphins: Liam Eichenberg, OL Notre Dame- Miami did really well on the first day, but one of the things they failed to address was their offensive line. Fortunately, there are a ton of quality offensive linemen projected to go on day two.
Eichenberg is not super high on my personal board, but many think he has the versatility to play guard or tackle at the next level.
37) Philadelphia Eagles: Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State- Philadelphia grabbed their skill position player on the offensive end in round one. Now it’s time to grab a skill position player on the defensive end to start round two.
I thought Samuel could sneak into round one if Caleb Farley fell out of the top 32. Nevertheless, his footwork in off coverage should make him an excellent fit in the Eagles’ secondary.
38) Cincinnati Bengals: Tevin Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State- Many Bengals fans wanted Penei Sewell at the fifth overall selection instead of Ja’Marr Chase. Joe Burrow faced a lot of pressure last year, and Sewell would have helped immensely.
Stealing Tevin Jenkins at the top of round two would put a lot of Bengals fans at ease.
39) *TRADE* Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina- The Bills were considering moving up for a running back in round one. The Panthers were considering moving down in round one to recoup some of the assets they lost in the Sam Darnold trade.
This seems like a very logical match at the top of round two.
The Trade: The Buffalo Bills trade the #61 and #93 to the Carolina Panthers for the #39 and #151.
40) Denver Broncos: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE Oklahoma- Pass rusher is a position that Denver is likely to address in round two. There are a lot of good ones on the board, and Von Miller is getting up there in age.
While Ronnie Perkins is not high on my personal board, many love his ability off the edge. He long arms opposing tackles, and can also dip and bend off the edge to successfully run the arch.
41) Detroit Lions: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- While the Lions did an excellent job of scooping up Penei Sewell in round one, they still need to find a true number one receiver. Somehow Terrace Marshall fell to round two, which makes this one of the top drafts of 2021.
42) New York Giants: Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama- Dave Gettleman got his pass catcher in round one. In order for the Giants to truly be a successful offense in 2021, they have to grab a starter or two on the offensive line.
Landon Dickerson has the ability to start anywhere on the offensive line. He could excel at guard or center, which is the exact kind of player that the Giants need.
43) San Francisco 49ers: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse- The Niners lost some pieces at the cornerback position. Melifonwu has the length and cover three ability to make an easy transition into this defensive system. It might be viewed as a reach, but I love this fit.
44) Dallas Cowboys: Jevon Holland, FS Oregon- There is a lot of buzz surrounding Holland and the Cowboys at 44. Holland has nickel corner ability and can excel in both cover one or cover two from the safety position. His versatility makes him a fit for a team that needs a lot in the secondary.
45) Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama- The interior of the Jaguars defensive line has been a real weak spot for them. Barmore can help them immediately in the run game, while eating blockers in the passing game to allow their edge rushers to get home.
46) New England Patriots: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL Washington- Belichick likes players with pass rushing ability along the interior. However, in order to play for Belichick, you must be disciplined. You have to understand gap control, and be willing to do the dirty work.
Onwuzurike can do all of this, but he’s slightly undersized. That’s why he fell to the second round. This would be a world class scheme fit.
47) Los Angeles Chargers: Elijah Molden, CB Washington- Don’t sleep on the Chargers trading up tomorrow. Asante Samuel is viewed a lot higher than the other cornerbacks still on the board, and cornerback is a big need for the Chargers. If they stay put, Molden could be a possibility because
48) Las Vegas Raiders: Quinn Meinerz, IOL Wisconsin-Whitewater- Mike Mayock’s favorite players during his time on the NFL Network were the small school players that competed hard and shined during the senior bowl. That is exactly what Meinerz did. His power and attitude will be extremely attractive to Mayock and Jon Gruden.
49) Arizona Cardinals: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss- I can’t see Kliff Kingsbury passing up on the star gadget players that are all over this draft class. It may not be Moore in round two, but he will take one at some point.
50) Miami Dolphins: Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU- Safety is a sneaky need for the Dolphins. Moehrig might go lower than expected tonight because he takes some questionable angles to the football. Having said that, he is a ball hawk in the back end, and deserves to go highly in this round.
51) Washington Football Team: Kellen Mond, QB Texas A&M- If the reports are true that a quarterback is going in round two, it has to be to the Washington Football Team. Mond is a big time athlete and has a cannon for an arm. If he sits for a year or two, he could turn into a starter.
At least, that’s what the NFL thinks.
52) Chicago Bears: Rondale Moore, WR Purdue- Allen Robinson is the only weapon out in Chicago for the newly acquired Justin Fields. Getting him a gadget player that excels after the catch like Rondale Moore makes a lot of sense schematically.
53) Tennessee Titans: Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- Watch out for Tennessee to trade up tomorrow. They need a pass catcher and a tackle, and both are available at the top of round two.
If they stay put, they’ll take the best player available at one of those two positions. In this case, that player is Radunz.
54) Indianapolis Colts: Walker Little, OT Stanford- This would be my least favorite pick in round two, but it’s a very realistic one. Despite extremely inconsistent tape during his tenure at Stanford, teams are still interested in Walker Little because of his massive frame. If there is a team that can coach him up, it’s Indianapolis.
55) Pittsburgh Steelers: Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- Humphrey has no business going outside the top 50 picks. He’s the best center in the draft, and one of the most well rounded interior offensive linemen in the draft. Pittsburgh lands a steal at 55.
56) *TRADE* Minnesota Vikings (from Seahawks): Carlos “Boogie” Basham, EDGE Wake Forest- By trading back in round one and acquiring more third round picks, the Vikings have the assets to move into round two. Basham wins from all over the defensive line. He possesses good power and a quality move-set. This is an excellent fit opposite Danielle Hunter.
Seattle is being rumored to trade backwards, so the trade makes sense for them as well.
The Trade: The Minnesota Vikings trade the #78 and #86 to the Seattle Seahawks for the 56th overall seleciton.
57) Los Angeles Rams: Jabril Cox, LB LSU- The Rams defense took a big hit this offseason. Getting a three down linebacker with terrific cover ability like Jabril Cox could be the best thing the Rams could do here at 57.
58) Kansas City Chiefs: Dyami Brown, WR North Carolina- The Chiefs need a true number two wide receiver opposite Tyreek Hill. Mecole Hardman has not been the answer, and Sammy Watkins left in free agency. Dyami Brown’s down the field ability fills the “Sammy Watkins role,” immediately.
59) Cleveland Browns: Alim McNeil, IDL NC State- I was shocked that the Browns didn’t select Christian Barmore in round one. The one hole in this defense is in the middle of their front seven. Even though the defensive line class is not spectacular, the Browns likely select a defensive linemen on day two.
60) New Orleans Saints: Aaron Robinson, CB UCF- It’s hard to peg where New Orleans will go. They surprised everyone by taking Payton Turner in round one. Nickel corner is a sneaky need for New Orleans, which is why they select Robinson here. He’s one of the best in the slot among the entire cornerback group.
61) *TRADE* Carolina Panthers (from Bills): Samuel Cosmi, OL Texas- After the Panthers trade down and grab a few assets, they select a player that can start right away. In the business, we call that a winning trade.
Cosmi has the athleticism to play guard or tackle at the next level. I think he’s a pass blocking left tackle, but many think his best position is left guard. Fortunately, the Panthers need both.
The Trade: The Buffalo Bills trade the #61 and #93 to the Carolina Panthers for the #39 and #151.
62) Green Bay Packers: D’Wayne Eskridge, WR Western Michigan- Little bit of a sleeper here, but I think the NFL is much higher on Eskridge than the media is. He’s another gadget player like both Moore’s, but he’s a little cleaner in his route combinations. Eskridge is a perfect fit next to Davante Adams.
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Pete Werner, LB Ohio State- I do think a three down linebacker is in the cards for the Chiefs on day two. Whether that’s Werner, Nick Bolton or Jabril Cox, it’s the position they need the most on the defensive side of the ball.
64) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jackson Carmen, OL Clemson- Taking an offensive linemen with versatility up front is a pick that will likely be made by Tampa Bay at some point. While many think Carmen is exclusively a guard in the NFL, some see him as a tackle down the line. That’s why Carmen lands to a team that will need to replace some offensive line starters after 2021.
Jordan Katz’s Prediction Style 2021 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Final
Finally…. the NFL Draft… HAS COME BACK! The day has finally arrived. Free agency is fun, but this is the official start to the new season. Every draft brings optimism for all 32 teams. The hope that your favorite team will find the next NFL star to catapult that specific franchise to a Super Bowl title.
For those new to my mock drafts, this is the more traditional style mock draft that you see in the media. The goal is not to give you my opinion on certain players. The goal is also not to give my opinion on what teams should do (if you’re looking for those, check out my big board or my “What I Would Do” mock draft on the main website page). The goal is strictly to get all of the picks correct.
In normal years, I would do a three round prediction mock. However, so much changes after round one. Once the first couple of surprises go, day two becomes a mess. Therefore, I will be doing TWO predictive mocks this year; this one rounder, and a day two predictive mock on Friday based on what happened Thursday night. So make sure you come back tomorrow afternoon for what your favorite team could do on day two.
Now that my journalistic tease is out of the way, it’s time to break down the first round in the 2021 NFL Draft. Some of these might be right, some of these might be wildly off. Nevertheless, I can guarantee one thing about this mock draft; this is the weirdest draft I have ever published. Some obvious round one players aren’t here, and some surprises found their way into the first round. It’s going to be that kind of draft, so mentally prepare yourselves for chaos.
Without further adieu, let’s mock.
ROUND ONE
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- The worst kept secret for two years now is that Trevor Lawrence will be the number one overall pick. He can truly do it all. Lawrence throws a great deep ball, he makes multiple reads and he’s accurate at all three levels. Plus, he’s got the mobility required for the modern day position.
Having said that, no one can do it all on their own. Jacksonville has to build a team around him to allow Lawrence to be as successful as everyone thinks he will be.
2) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- For a long time, many felt this would be Justin Fields. However, Wilson’s fit in the Kyle Shanahan offense is what locked him into this second selection. Head Coach Robert Saleh and Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFluer are bringing the San Francisco offense to the east coast. Wilson’s mobility, his quick release and his ability to fit throws into tight windows are extremely attractive qualities to LaFluer’s offense. Much like Lawrence, Wilson to the Jets feels like a foregone conclusion as well.
3) San Francisco 49ers (from Dolphins via Texans): Mac Jones, QB Alabama- It seems like the Niners are either selecting Mac Jones or Trey Lance at this pick. The media might be shifting towards Lance, but Mac Jones still feels like the answer because he does a lot of things that Kyle Shanahan will like. The ball gets out of his hands quickly, he’s accurate in the short yardage window, and he’s intelligent with the football.
4) *TRADE* Chicago Bears (from Falcons): Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- Atlanta has desired to trade down and acquired assets to rebuild for quite some time. Not to mention, Kyle Pitts went on NFL Network and accidentally let it slip that his camp expects quarterbacks to go in the first four picks. That leads me to believe that Atlanta will trade this pick.
As for the reason the Bears move up, Chicago has done a really good job of convincing everyone that they are committed to starting Andy Dalton. Now I’m going to pause as y’all reread that last sentence and think about whether it’s a smoke screen or not…
Chicago has all of their future assets, and they are desperate for a franchise quarterback. Therefore, even though Ryan Pace is on the hot seat, this is a move that ownership would approve.
The reason this is Fields and not Trey Lance is because Fields is further along in his development. I think the NFL feels that Trey Lance has to sit a year, whereas Fields can start right away.
5) Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- While this should be an offensive linemen to help keep Joe Burrow upright, they seem committed to getting Burrow his former number one target. Having lost AJ Green this offseason, the Bengals do need a true number one receiver. It seems they want that to be Chase.
6) Miami Dolphins (from Eagles): Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern- After the trade of Ereck Flowers, reports are that Miami is looking at one of the top offensive linemen on the board at six. For a long time, Daniel Jeremiah has led the charge that Rashawn Slater is the top offensive linemen in this class. Based on the way the media has reported in the last few weeks, the NFL might be thinking that way too. Slater’s versatility to excel at guard or tackle could make him the first offensive linemen selected tonight.
7) *TRADE* New England Patriots (from Lions): Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- This may surprise people that Lance is QB5, but I think Lance might be more likely to go behind Fields rather than in front of him. If Atlanta has successfully teased a quarterback, the dots will be connected for the selection to be Justin Fields (even though I don’t think that’s the quarterback they want if they made that pick). Fields is from the Georgia area and he has a skill set that many admire.
If Lance does fall, I think Bill Belichick gets even more aggressive than expected. Lance is just 20 years old and has the skill set to succeed in a Belichick/McDaniels offense.
8) Carolina Panthers: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- If Carolina gets stuck at this selection, they will likely take the best offensive player on their board. Pitts can beat tight coverage on the outside, he can win 50/50 balls, and he stretches the defense down the field with elite speed. He’s the kind of weapon that can make this offense elite.
9) Denver Broncos: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- The betting odds have swung immensely towards Horn being the top defensive player. Surtain is still the favorite, but Horn’s odds have increased drastically. Denver needs a corner, and Vic Fangio likes to play an aggressive style of defense. This could be a surprise that few see coming.
10) Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- It’s no secret that Dallas is actively pursuing a number one corner at the 10th selection. If Horn and Surtain are on the board, I think Horn could be the pick because of Dan Quinn. Quinn likes to play man-to-man, and the best man cover corner in the draft is Jaycee Horn. If Horn is off the board, Surtain will be the pick.
11) New York Giants: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- If one of the offensive linemen slides, I don’t see how the Giants pass at 11. Sewell can take over the left tackle spot, and Thomas can move to the right side to be an impactful force in the run game. This seems like a no brainer move.
Editor’s Note: If Sewell and Slater are both gone, expect Micah Parsons here. Dave Gettleman supposedly loves the Penn State standout because he’s a three down linebacker that gets to the passer.
12) Philadelphia Eagles (from Dolphins via 49ers): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- Getting Jalen Hurts a playmaker sounds like Philly’s motive in round one. Waddle makes more sense than DeVonta Smith because of the offense that Philly is looking to implement under their new regime.
13) Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia- Darrisaw’s size, length and athleticism make him a very attractive prospect to many teams. The Chargers need to protect Justin Herbert better in 2021. I think there’s a chance the Chargers try to trade up for Slater or Sewell, but Darrisaw is a nice consolation prize if the Chargers stay at 13.
14) Minnesota Vikings: Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State- This could be the upset of round one. Minnesota desperately needs offensive line help, and there are a lot of good ones on the board.
However, they also need a pass rusher to compliment Danielle Hunter. They will have the opportunity to pick the top edge player on the board here at 14.
I have said for over a month now that Oweh will shock the media and be the top edge player taken. He’s an elite athlete, which is the most attractive quality to NFL teams. They believe they can coach up the technical aspects of any position, as long as the prospect has elite athleticism to match. Plus, the Vikings have already done this with Danielle Hunter. Oweh is a similar kind of pass rusher, which makes this an excellent fit.
15) *TRADE* Detroit Lions (from Patriots): Micah Parsons, LB Penn State- There are a lot of reports around Detroit and Micah Parsons. This could be in play at seven, but the more likely scenario is Detroit moving down and selecting him. Parsons is a three down linebacker that can get to the passer. More importantly, he’s an impact defensive player, which is something Detroit desperately needs.
16) Arizona Cardinals: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- I’m not sure this is the smartest selection, but supposedly the Cardinals are looking for a pass catcher to pair with DeAndre Hopkins for the future. If Smith slides down the board because of his size, I think Kliff Kingsbury scoops him up. Smith would be an excellent scheme fit in Arizona’s offense.
17) Las Vegas Raiders: Tevin Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State- Anything on the offensive line is a quality pick for the Raiders during the first two days. Jenkins can start at either tackle spot from day one, but it’s his power and grip strength that will be most attractive to the Raiders’ brass.
18) Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris, RB Alabama- This is the ceiling for the former Alabama star. There has been recent buzz that Harris may not be available by the Steelers pick. If that’s the case, it’s because the Dolphins select the feature back that they need to create a balanced attack.
19) Washington Football Team: Zaven Collins, OLB Tulsa- A 260 pound off ball linebacker that can rush the passer and drop in coverage just does not come around all that often. Collins is the chess piece that Ron Rivera is looking for in order to elevate Washington’s defense to an elite level.
20) *TRADE* Atlanta Falcons (from Bears): Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami- Phillips is the most well rounded edge rusher in the draft class. He can dip and bend off the edge, he can counterpunch, and he has a bevy of moves. If his medical checks out, he should be one of the top edge players selected.
Side note, this is the DREAM scenario for the Atlanta Falcons.
21) *TRADE* Buffalo Bills (from Colts): Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- The Bills are looking for a running back to help create a truly balanced offense. Buffalo does not have many needs, which is why they can move some capital to land the player they covet. Based on the rumors, the guy they covet is Etienne because of his home run ability and pass catching skills.
Indianapolis is a sneaky trade down candidate because they lost assets in the Carson Wentz deal. Therefore, the trade makes sense on their end as well.
22) Tennessee Titans: Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern- Many are inserting pass catcher here, but the Titans also need a top flight corner. Newsome’s aggressiveness in man coverage will be too much for Mike Vrabel and company to pass on, assuming he is available here.
23) New York Jets (via Seahawks): Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL USC- The Jets could get aggressive and try to move up for the former USC star. Vera-Tucker will be an elite left guard in the Shanahan/LaFluer offense because of his footwork and hip fluidity. If the Jets can land him at 23, that is the best possible outcome for all of Jets nation.
24) Pittsburgh Steelers: Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- The run on offensive linemen in round one continues. This could be a running back, but both of the top guys are off the board. If that’s the way the draft falls, the Steelers likely wait until round two to select their “bell cow.”
Humphrey is viewed as the top center in the draft, which is something the Steelers need after Maurkice Pouncey left this offseason.
25) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU- Jacksonville needs a lot, but they also have a lot of picks in this draft. Their need for secondary can be solved here at 25 by taking one of the few stars at the safety position in this draft.
Moehrig has single high ability, but he also can play some nickel corner. He’s an aggressive tackler and a ball hawk. He’s the kind of player the Jaguars need in the back end of their defense.
26) Cleveland Browns: Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama- It sounds like Barmore will land in round one, which means the Browns take him at 26. The one thing the Browns have to come away with in this draft is a run stopper in the middle of their defense. Enter Christian Barmore.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- Mel Kiper has had Marshall mocked to the Ravens for a very long time now. Normally when he pulls this move in the back end of round one, he’s right.
Marshall’s ability to stretch the field and make plays in the red zone make him an excellent fit opposite Hollywood Brown in this offense.
28) *TRADE* Cincinnati Bengals (from Saints): Liam Eichenberg, OL Notre Dame- With the offensive line going quickly, and the Bengals taking a pass catcher at five, the stars are aligned for Cincinnati to get aggressive and move back into round one for a player like Eichenberg. Many think he has the versatility to play guard or tackle, which is perfect for Cincinnati because they need both.
New Orleans trades out because they are in a weird spot of needing two positions that are sliding; wide receiver and cornerback. That allows them to gain assets while still acquiring a day one starter at the top of round two.
29) Green Bay Packers: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss- Moore is not my top gadget receiver available, but he seems to be the NFL consensus. Moore has elite speed and great footwork in shorter route combinations. He’s a perfect compliment to Davante Adams.
30) *TRADE* Indianapolis Colts (from Bills): Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- Rousseau has unlimited potential because of his size and length. He gets home by successfully running the arch, as well as by bull rushing opposing tackles. Even though I feel this is an overdraft because he does not have the athleticism many thought he did, Rousseau should confidently land in the top 40 picks of the draft.
31) Baltimore Ravens (from Chiefs): Joe Tryon, EDGE Washington- Tryon is a late riser on the media mock draft boards. He’s a three down player that has elite athleticism off the edge. It helps him set that edge in the running game, and he can dip and bend past offensive tackles as a pass rusher. Tryon is a terrific chess piece for the Ravens moving forward.
32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama- The eighth and final offensive linemen off the board in round one is Dickerson. Tampa Bay does not have a lot of needs, which allows them to select a player of need for the future. Dickerson can play anywhere along the offensive front, and he’s extremely intelligent. This is a perfect match to finish day one.
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1) The Chicago Bears trade the #20, #52, a 2022 1st round pick, a 2022 3rd round pick, and a 2023 2nd round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for the fourth overall selection.
2) The New England Patriots trade the #15, #120, a 2022 2nd round pick and Stephon Gilmore to the Detroit Lions for the #7 and a 2022 4th round pick.
3) The Buffalo Bills trade the #30, #93 and a 2022 3rd round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for the #21 and #127.
4) The Cincinnati Bengals trade the #38, #69 and #190 to the New Orleans Saints for the #28 and #98.
Jordan Katz’s “What I Would Do” 2021 NFL Mock Draft: 3.0
All right folks, this is a monster two round mock draft. There are a ton of rumors surrounding the quarterbacks in the NFL. Who is going to land Deshaun Watson? Will the Jets trade Sam Darnold? Will someone take a chance on Jimmy Garoppolo or Mitchell Trubisky? Lastly, how will all of the quarterback moves determine where the quarterback prospects are selected?
In this mock draft, I made the call on what makes the most sense for every team, based on the rumors that are circulating. I tried to generate trade scenarios for the star quarterbacks that would benefit both teams, not just one or the other. If I felt there was a move made in free agency at the quarterback position, I made an “editor’s note,” at the team’s first round selection. In short, I tried to determine the best fit for every team at the quarterback position, and then created a personal style mock draft based off of that.
Keeping in tune with the strategy on the quarterback movement, trades in this mock also had to benefit both teams. There were plenty of times a team was willing to trade out, but did not have a “dance partner.” By taking control of all 32 teams, I did not execute any draft trade that I felt was too one sided.
Buckle up folks, this mock draft is a wild one.
ROUND ONE
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- There is no analysis needed here.
2) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- The Jets are in a perfect position to trade for Deshaun Watson. They will move Sam Darnold in the coming weeks, adding more ammunition for a potential deal.
However, recent reports from Houston indicate they want multiple selections, as well as two young players that can be building blocks. The only player the Jets have to offer is Quinnen Williams, who is likely untouchable.
In the end, the Miami Dolphins stand the best chance to land Deshaun Watson. They are in a better position to win, they have the cap space to also bring in Allen Robinson, and they have the young assets the Texans desire.
The Dolphins get Watson, the Jets get Zach Wilson, who has potential to thrive in Mike Lafluer’s offensive system
3) *TRADE* Houston Texans (from Dolphins via Texans): Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- If the Dolphins are the team that lands Deshaun Watson, Tua Tagovailoa would most likely go back in the deal. That takes the Texans out of the quarterback conversation, and puts them as the favorite to select Penei Sewell in the top three.
While Sewell has all pro ability at left tackle, he has the athleticism and intelligence to play either tackle spot. Houston will have their quarterback of the future and bookend tackles while simultaneously getting rid of a player who no longer wants to play for them.
4) Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- Both Trey Lance and Justin Fields would benefit from sitting a year and learning the finer points of quarterback play. They both have mechanical issues, and they both struggle with pressure. Of the two, Lance has the most upside. He has a big arm, his internal clock in the pocket is significantly better, and he’s just 20 years old. Atlanta selects Lance as Matt Ryan’s heir.
5) Cincinnati Bengals: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- The Bengals need pass catchers, regardless of their position. The best pass catcher in this draft, regardless of position, is Kyle Pitts. He’s an elite athlete who possesses phenomenal technique in his routes. Pitts is terrific in 50/50 situations, and has the versatility to win from anywhere on the field. Joe Burrow to Kyle Pitts is going to be Cincinnati’s recipe for success for a decade.
6) Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Ja’Marr Chase makes the most sense for the Eagles because of his “floor,” at the next level. He’s polished as a route runner, his route tree is very advanced, and he can win down the field. Chase may not have the “ceiling,” of the other two top wide receivers in this draft, but his “floor,” is significantly higher. Philadelphia selects him to be their top target in 2021.
Editor’s Note: I don’t love the idea of Justin Fields starting right away for an offense that is going to go through some changes. That is why I kept Jalen Hurts as the starter for the Eagles in 2021, and gave him a true number one receiver.
7) Detroit Lions: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- Waddle has the explosiveness and athleticism to dominate down the field, as well as with the ball in his hands. His upside is tremendous because he’s a more polished version of Henry Ruggs, but there might be some growing pains during his rookie year. Waddle needs to vary his releases, and he has some double catches on tape. With Detroit entering an organizational rebuild, Waddle will have time to grow into his full potential.
Editor’s Note: The Lions got Jared Goff so they would not have to overpay in draft capital for a quarterback in this draft. If they truly are entering a rebuild, I would start Goff until a roster is built. Inserting the franchise quarterback last is always the best course of action.
8) Carolina Panthers: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- With the Panthers still committed to Teddy Bridgewater financially for another season, they are in a perfect position to groom their rookie quarterback without the organizational pressure of starting him right away. That makes them an ideal landing spot for Justin Fields. Fields struggles with a collapsing pocket. His mechanics go awry and his internal clock is nonexistent. Watching a veteran quarterback deal with the speed of the NFL game would help Fields immensely in his transition to the next level.
Editor’s Note: Despite selecting Justin Fields, Teddy Bridgewater will start in 2021.
9) Denver Broncos: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame- Denver’s defense needs a captain at the second level. Owusu-Koramoah is a better fit for this team than Micah Parsons because of the talent they have off the edge. Parsons’ impact in the passing game is as a pass rusher. Owusu-Koramoah is a terrific player in coverage, which fits Denver’s needs better.
Editor’s Note: Denver will mix it up with a lot of quarterbacks in this free agency class. However, unless they draft one, I think Drew Lock is the starter in 2021.
10) Dallas Cowboys: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- Horn is the top cornerback among the big three because of his ability in press coverage, as well as his ball skills. He excels in cover one and cover three. The Cowboys really missed Byron Jones in the backend of their defense last year. They should be a lock for a cornerback at 10.
11) New York Giants: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- The Heisman Trophy winner might slide farther down the draft board than people realize. There are going to be legitimate concerns about his size at the next level. Is Smith too slight to adjust to tighter coverage? Can he win 50/50 balls in the NFL?
If he does drop, the Giants are as far as his slide goes. They desperately need a true number one target. Despite the concerns about Smith’s frame, he’s still a top end prospect that can be a number one receiver at the next level.
12) San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- San Francisco’s secondary is getting gutted this offseason. Assuming they hold on to this 12th selection, which is a lofty assumption based on the rumors surrounding them and the quarterback position, Patrick Surtain is the most ideal fit for them. His “floor,” is the highest of the big three corners, and he has the most versatility schematically.
Editor’s Note: I think the starting quarterback of the Niners in 2021 will be Jimmy Garoppolo, despite all the rumors surrounding that position.
13) Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC- I was late to finishing my evaluation on Vera-Tucker, which is why he’s a big riser in this mock draft. Vera-Tucker is terrific in the passing game. His footwork is pristine in the vertical set, and his hips are extremely fluid. Vera-Tucker has the ability to play tackle or guard at the next level. The Chargers have to protect Justin Herbert better in 2021, making Vera-Tucker an ideal selection.
14) Minnesota Vikings: Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern- Much like Vera-Tucker, Slater has the ability to shine at guard or tackle at the next level. Slater finds work at the second level, and he’s quick to get his hands on defenders from the jump set. When you combine this with his athleticism in pass sets, Slater could be a phenomenal guard at the next level. Minnesota needs help along the interior of their offensive line, making this a perfect match, just like the selection above.
15) New England Patriots: Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan- The Patriots will likely try to trade down and acquire more assets, but they were unable to do so here. I think New England is in a “best position available,” situation wherever they wind up picking from. Therefore, they select Paye at 15.
Paye is an impactful edge rusher with versatility to win from a 3-tech and 5-tech alignment; something Bill Belichick admires in his defensive linemen.
Editor’s Note: New England looks for a veteran quarterback to start in 2021, which is why they do not select one at 15. My guess is Ryan Fitzpatrick.
16) Arizona Cardinals: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech- The Cardinals have two gigantic needs in this draft; offensive line and cornerback. Ultimately, Darrisaw makes the most sense at this spot because this team is built on their offense. A top flight cornerback is not going to change their philosophy as a team. A top flight tackle could elevate their offense to new heights.
17) Las Vegas Raiders: Micah Parsons, LB Penn State- Parsons has some character concerns, which could cause him to slide a little farther than people expect. On the field, he’s a tremendous talent. He shoots gaps in the run game, he disengages from blockers, and he can rush the passer. If he’s able to deflect the character concerns during the virtual combine next month, he will rise back up mock draft boards.
Editor’s Note: Despite trying to move on from Derek Carr, this mock presumes that Carr will still be the starting quarterback in 2021.
18) *TRADE* Houston Texans via Miami Dolphins: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami- Phillips has been one of my favorite studies during this draft process. His dip and bend ability for someone of his size (6’5, 258) is off the charts. His move-set as a pass rusher is pretty polished as well. Phillips can cross-chop to set up his ability to run the arch, and he can counterpunch to gain leverage on opposing tackles.
19) Washington Football Team: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida- Toney is the media darling of this year’s draft, and for good reason. His footwork is outstanding throughout his routes, which allows him to separate against all types of coverages. Toney is dynamic with the ball in his hands as well. He has established himself as the “best of the rest,” at the receiver position. Washington scoops him up to play opposite Terry McLaurin.
Editor’s Note: Washington starts Alex Smith or Cam Newton in 2021. Besides Sam Darnold, those are the two quarterbacks that they have been linked to the most.
20) Chicago Bears: Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- Even though the Bears need a quarterback, they also need help at the tackle position. Radunz has the athleticism to succeed at left or right tackle in the NFL. He needs to trust his technique more, but his ability to counterpunch and re-anchor is very strong. If he learns not to lunge for contact in the vertical set, he should be a quality left tackle in the NFL.
Editor’s Note: The Bears will probably select Mac Jones here if they miss out on quarterbacks in free agency. Mac Jones is not high on my personal board, which is why he’s not the choice here. If I ran Chicago, I would enter a rebuild. Offensively, this roster is not built to compete for a championship anytime soon. If the running game and the defense carry Chicago into a playoff spot in 2021, that’s great. If not, trade everything with value, and try again in a few years.
21) Indianapolis Colts: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- Following the Colts trading for Carson Wentz, they will likely address their left tackle issue in free agency. This puts them in a “best player available,” situation at 21. In this mock draft, that “BPA,” is Caleb Farley by a mile.
Farley’s ability in man coverage makes him worthy of a top 15 selection. His injury concerns had him slide, which could happen on the day of the actual draft as well. Having said that, Indianapolis reaps the benefits and takes a top flight cornerback prospect at 21.
22) Tennessee Titans: Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Tennessee’s offensive line struggled during the 2020 season, particularly along the interior. This is a unit that likes to run the ball, making Wyatt Davis an ideal fit for them. Davis is a mauler in the run game. He’s physical at the point of attack, and he’s athletic enough to pull and be the lead blocker. For a run heavy team like Tennessee, Davis is very worthy of a first round selection.
23) New York Jets (via Seahawks): Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- Ojulari is an elite player off the edge. His ability to successfully run the arch is fantastic. Ojulari has phenomenal hip and ankle flexibility, allowing him to excel and dipping and bending past the opposing tackle. The Jets need a true threat off the edge, and Ojulari is just that.
24) *TRADE* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Steelers): Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- Tampa Bay will remain in “win now,” mode for as long as Tom Brady is under center. Unfortunately, the possibility of Brady playing longer than this current contract could lead to Shaq Barrett walking in free agency. If I were running the show, I would let Barrett secure the bag, while using assets to trade up for one of the talented edge rushers near the top of this draft.
25) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams): Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- Jacksonville needs to continue building their offense, even after the selection of Lawrence at the top. Freiermuth is one of two stud tight end prospects in this draft class. His ability to contribute as a blocker, combined with his smarts as a route runner, make him an ideal target for a lot of teams in the back end of round one.
26) Cleveland Browns: Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa- Collins is a perfect fit for the Browns in the back end of round one because he takes care of two issues. The Browns need multidimensional players at the second level of their defense. They also need pass rushers to compliment Myles Garrett, and Collins can generate pressure off the edge.
27) Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- The Ravens seem committed to expanding their playbook in 2021 and becoming more of a balanced attack. Marshall would help their passing attack, while simultaneously not sacrificing their identity. Marshall wins down the field with his size and long strides, and he’s terrific at securing 50/50 throws. He’s a great fit for the Ravens’ offense.
28) *TRADE* New York Jets (via Saints): Najee Harris, RB Alabama– The Sam Darnold trade has arrived! There are a number of teams that will be bidding on Darnold because of the untapped potential many feel he has. I think the team best built to make a successful quarterback out of Darnold is New Orleans. He’s a perfect fit in Sean Payton’s system, the offensive line is top notch, and Michael Thomas is a true number one receiver.
With this selection, the Jets are able to add a “bell cow,” and a true number one running back. Najee Harris can do it all, and will thrive in Mike Lafluer’s offense because he’s significantly more athletic than scouts give him credit for.
29) Green Bay Packers: Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama- Packers fans are not going to be thrilled that this selection is defense, and not offense. However, the wide receiver class is loaded. The interior defensive line group, which is something Green Bay must also address, is subpar. Barmore is a more valuable selection here because the Packers can get an offensive contributor with talent on day two.
30) *TRADE* Cincinnati Bengals (via Bills): Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- If the Bengals take a pass catcher with their first round pick, they should try and trade back into round one to solidify their offensive line. Cosmi has the athleticism and footwork to prevent opposing edge players from successfully running the arch. He needs to fill out his frame, but he has the potential to be a starting left tackle at the next level.
31) Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan- Well, this is the least surprising move of round one. Kansas City could have selected anything on the offensive line and justified it, but the choice for a tackle is because of Mitchell Schwartz. Schwartz does not have a contract for the upcoming year, and the Chiefs need to start looking at cost efficient ways to build their roster. A young, promising tackle like Mayfield can be molded into a starting tackle on the left or right side.
32) *TRADE* Pittsburgh Steelers (via Buccaneers): Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- Humphrey is a versatile player that can excel at guard or center because of his intelligence and competitive fire. He’s physical, and he’s able to gain leverage because his punch packs a wallop. Humphrey immediately bolsters the interior of Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1) Miami Dolphins trade the #3, #18 and #36 overall selections, a 2022 second round pick, QB Tua Tagovailoa and LB Jerome Baker to the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson.
2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade the #32, #95 and a 2022 3rd Round Selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the #24 overall selection.
3) New Orleans Saints trade the 28th overall selection to the New York Jets for Sam Darnold and the 129th overall selection.
4) Cincinnati Bengals trade the #38, #101 and #165 to the Buffalo Bills for the #30 and #198.
ROUND TWO
33) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jevon Holland, FS Oregon- Holland is my top safety because he has the versatility to play man coverage in the slot, as well as the instincts to contribute from the single high position.
34) New York Jets: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse- The Jets will look for long, athletic corners with size for Robert Saleh’s cover three defense. That is Melifonwu in a nutshell.
35) Atlanta Falcons: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- Etienne is perfect for the Falcons offense. He’s a true “home run hitter,” and he can contribute in the passing game.
36) *TRADE* Houston Texans (from Dolphins via Texans): Trevon Moehrig, FS TCU- The Texans select a starting safety with their final pick from the Deshaun Watson haul.
37) Philadelphia Eagles: Dylan Moses, LB Alabama- Moses is one of the smartest players I have ever seen on film. Don’t sleep on him just because he struggled at times during a challenging year due to Covid.
38) *TRADE* Buffalo Bills (via Bengals): Eric Stokes, CB Georgia- Stokes is an aggressive cornerback, and you see it with the way he is able to read and react from off coverage. However, Sean McDermott will have to coach him up in man coverage, because he has a tendency to grab.
39) *TRADE* Tennessee Titans (via Panthers): Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota- Tennessee is likely losing Corey Davis this offseason. Bateman is another strong YAC player that can stretch the field and possesses quality hands. He would thrive in Tennessee’s offense.
40) Denver Broncos: Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State- Even in one season of work, it is clear that Lloyd Cushenberry III is not the answer at center. Myers is a smart player who can be a “plug and play,” guy at the center position from day one.
41) Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL Washington- Onwuzurike is higher on other boards than my own. Having said that, he has the athleticism and “quick twitch,” ability to impact the game as a pass rusher for quite some time.
42) New York Giants: Patrick Jones II, EDGE Pittsburgh- Unlike Onwuzurike, I am higher on Jones than most. He’s not a great athlete, but he has a strong move set, and he understands how to be successful as a pass rusher.
43) San Francisco 49ers: Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama- The ultimate football guy. Dickerson famously dressed for the national title game, and took a snap late in the game, having torn his ACL a month earlier. On the field, he has experience all along the offensive line and can start wherever and whenever you need him to. Told ya, the ultimate football guy.
44) Dallas Cowboys: Tevin Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State- The success that Tevin Jenkins had during Senior Bowl week should make him a day two lock. Dallas has to address their often injured offensive line if they wish to get back to their winning ways.
45) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Vikings): Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern- Newsome has good length and the smarts to excel in off coverage. Despite some footwork deficiencies, he’s a quality day two option at cornerback.
46) New England Patriots: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC- I don’t trust this current Patriots regime to develop young receivers, but they need pass catchers so desperately.
47) Los Angeles Chargers: Nico Collins, WR Michigan- Collins is a perfect replacement for Mike Williams, who is most likely walking at the end of his contract.
48) *TRADE* Seattle Seahawks (via Raiders): James Hudson, OL Cincinnati- Seattle moves up to take a versatile offensive linemen in an attempt to get Russell Wilson some help up front
49) Arizona Cardinals: Aaron Robinson, CB UCF- Robinson translates as an excellent nickel corner, who has the ability to go outside because of his length, as well as his skills in press coverage.
50) Miami Dolphins: Nick Bolton, LB Missouri- Bolton is a big time athlete with the ability to get home as a pass rusher. He’s a similar player to Micah Parsons, just with a slightly smaller frame.
51) Washington Football Team: Pete Werner, LB Ohio State- Washington needs an anchor in the middle of their linebacking core. Werner has the intelligence, athleticism and competitive fire to be a three down linebacker at the next level.
52) Chicago Bears: Dyami Brown, WR North Carolina- With receivers flying off the board, Chicago takes Dyami Brown to give themselves a true deep threat.
53) *TRADE* Carolina Panthers (via Titans): Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford- Adebo is still learning the cornerback position. However, he looks very strong in off coverage and he has terrific ball skills. Adebo can be “coached up,” and become a solid number two corner.
54) Indianapolis Colts: Joe Tryon, EDGE Washington- The Colts desperately need talent off the edge. Tryon has some good athleticism off the edge, but he will have to polish his move-set to be more than just a sub-package player in the NFL.
55) Pittsburgh Steelers: Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina- Pittsburgh really struggled to run the ball effectively this year, and it made their offense one dimensional. Williams is a powerful runner that attacks defenders and has excellent balance between the tackles. He’s a very nice fit in Pittsburgh.
56) *TRADE* Las Vegas Raiders (via Seahawks): Jay Tufele, IDL USC- Tufele is a quality one-tech that will shine more in his ability to create stats for others, rather than himself. Vegas needs someone like him in the middle of the defense.
57) Los Angeles Rams: Jabril Cox, LB LSU- There are a few three down linebackers projected to go on day two that I really like. Cox has great athleticism and he’s a really good player in coverage.
58) Baltimore Ravens: Jackson Carmen, OL Clemson- Carmen is a brick house that excels in the run game. This is a little early for him to come off the board, but he’s a perfect fit for Baltimore.
59) Cleveland Browns: Daviyon Nixon, IDL Iowa- Both of Cleveland’s starting interior defensive linemen could depart this offseason. Nixon’s athleticism and ability to win reps in the passing game would make him a nice addition to Cleveland’s front.
60) New Orleans Saints: Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State- Samuel is an interesting prospect because he flashes elite mirror skills in man coverage, but struggles in his off coverage technique. His best fit is as a nickel corner immediately, which New Orleans will need after they move Chauncey Gardner-Johnson back to safety this offseason.
61) Buffalo Bills: Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas- Ossai will be a sub-package player the majority of his career because of his size. Nevertheless, Sean McDermott excels at putting defensive players in a position to succeed.
62) Green Bay Packers: Amari Rodgers, WR Clemson- Here is Green Bay’s selection of the pass catcher they desire. Amari Rodgers may not be this high on other scouts’ draft board, but all he does is win routes. He’s smart, his footwork and short area quickness are lethal, and he’s dynamic from the slot position. He would be a great compliment to Davante Adams.
63) Kansas City Chiefs: Tutu Atwell, WR Louisville- Mecole Hardman has struggled as a true number two receiver. Tutu Atwell has the speed and deep threat ability to be dynamic in Kansas City’s offense.
64) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Carter, RB North Carolina- Should the Buccaneers opt to move on from the Fournette/RoJo combination (which would be wise, despite their late season success), Michael Carter’s ability in the passing game would make him a terrific chess piece for Tom Brady next season.
TRADES IN ROUND TWO
1) Tennessee Titans trade the #53 and #85 to the Carolina Panthers for the #39 and #168.
2) Seattle Seahawks trade the #56 and a 2022 3rd round selection to the Las Vegas Raiders for the #48 and a 2022 5th round selection.
Jordan Katz’s Prediction Style 2021 NFL Mock Draft: 2.0
This is my prediction style mock draft. The goal with these mocks is to give my guesses on what I think all 32 teams would do if the draft was tomorrow. I also have a personal mock draft (https://draftstock.net/2021/01/04/what-would-i-do-2021-nfl-mock-draft-2-0/). In that style, I take control of all 32 teams, and make the selections that I feel fit them best. My evaluation of players and where they fit best can be found there. This mock is strictly attempting to get every selection correctly.
ROUND ONE
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- No analysis needed here. Over the next few months there will be debates between Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence from the media to keep things interest. None of it will change the fact that Lawrence will be the first name called on April 29th.
2) New York Jets: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- The Jets hold the keys to the entire draft. If they choose to stick with Sam Darnold, they can haul a king’s ransom for this pick. If they want a quarterback at two, Miami will be the recipient of a bevy of trade offers.
Right now, my guess is the Jets take Fields because of who they choose to hire as their next Head Coach. Outside of Titans Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, I think all the other potential candidates would want “their guy,” at quarterback.
3) *TRADE* Cincinnati Bengals (from Dolphins via Texans): Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- Cincinnati is the most obvious team to aggressively pursue trading up for Penei Sewell. What separates them from other suitors is that the Dolphins could keep a top five selection by trading with the Bengals. Joe Burrow gets his franchise left tackle to protect his blindside.
4) Atlanta Falcons: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- Atlanta’s misfortunes in 2020 have left them in a prime position to select the heir to Matt Ryan’s throne. Zach Wilson is being billed as a carbon copy of Patrick Mahomes because of his play style and ability to improvise. Guess who also sat in their first year to learn the finer points of quarterback play in the NFL…
5) *TRADE* Miami Dolphins (via Bengals): DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- Unless the Dolphins have Ja’Marr Chase significantly higher on their draft board, it makes sense to get Tua Tagovailoa a target he’s already familiar with. Smith follows up what should be a Heisman trophy winning season with a top five selection.
6) Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Jalen Hurts earned the right to go into 2021 as the Eagles’ starting quarterback. If he’s going to be successful, the Eagles need a true number one receiver. Chase is going to regain the buzz he had preseason during the draft process.
7) Detroit Lions: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- The Lions seem committed to moving on from Matthew Stafford this offseason, which means they’re in a prime spot to select a quarterback. Lance may be QB4, but he’s still a top 10 lock. At 20 years old, he also might possess the most upside of any quarterback not named Lawrence.
8) *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals (via Panthers): Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- If the Panthers miss on the top quarterbacks, they are a trade down candidate. Talented players are bound to fall as quarterbacks rise. If Arizona gets the opportunity to move up for an offensive chess piece like Kyle Pitts, you better believe that the front office and coaching staff will do everything in their power to make it happen.
9) Denver Broncos: Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern- In my personal mock, where I take control of all 32 teams (https://draftstock.net/2021/01/04/what-would-i-do-2021-nfl-mock-draft-2-0/), I wrote about Slater’s upside as a guard at the next level. My gut tells me NFL teams will agree, and look at him as a potential all-pro guard. That’s what Denver does here.
10) Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- Last year, Jerry Jones took the “sexy pick” of CeeDee Lamb, despite having needs in other areas. He selects the sexy pick again here, but this time, it’s at a position of need.
Surtain is not my top cornerback, but I think his ability in multiple schemes will make him the top cornerback off the board in a few months.
11) New York Giants: Micah Parsons, ILB Penn State- Parsons falling all the way to 11?! How could this happen? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. He’s a phenomenal talent, but linebackers don’t possess the value they once had. It’s true that the Giants get a steal here with one of the best players in this draft. However, don’t be shocked if Parsons goes lower than you expect in a few months.
12) San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- Assuming San Francisco acquires a quarterback before the draft (and I would not be so sure that’s the case), they are an easy candidate to select one of the top corners. Richard Sherman and Jason Verrertt are likely out the door, leaving a gaping hole in the secondary that must be filled.
13) Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech- There are no trade partners for the Chargers here because of two moves inside the top 10. However, Darrisaw solidifying their tackle spot is a fine consolation prize. I would rather see him at right tackle, but many think he’s a quality left tackle at the next level and will become better in the vertical set as he progresses.
14) Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- Rousseau’s physical gifts have him atop many draft boards despite not playing in 2020. A team like Minnesota could gamble on him at 14 because they’ve had success with raw but talented EDGE rushers in the past under Head Coach Mike Zimmer.
15) New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB Alabama- Well, Patriots fans won’t like this one. Bill Belichick is going to try to find a young quarterback to groom this offseason. Chances are, it’s Jimmy Garoppolo after San Francisco let’s him go. Having said that, would you be shocked if it’s a quarterback that his best buddy Nick Saban has turned into a Heisman trophy finalist?
16) *TRADE* Carolina Panthers (via Cardinals): Kwity Paye, EDGE/DL Michigan- Carolina is a tough team to predict if they do not select a quarterback. Should they slide down the board to collect assets, BPA (best player available) makes the most sense. Paye lining up opposite of Brian Burns is also a nightmare for opposing defenses.
17) *TRADE* Chicago Bears (via Raiders): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- One of the big three wide receivers will slide on draft day, just like CeeDee Lamb did last year. If that player makes it past the Patriots at 15, expect a bidding war to arise from teams farther down the draft board. Chicago pays the highest price and allows Vegas to stay in range for the player they want.
18) Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris, RB Alabama- Selecting running backs in round one has become taboo, but I think Miami will look for a bell cow with their second first round selection. Both Harris and Etienne are beyond elite and well deserving of being selections that “buck the recent trend.”
19) Washington Football Team: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota- Washington’s playoff appearance will make it challenging for them to select a quarterback of the future in this draft. However, they could easily acquire a younger veteran in the offseason and add a weapon opposite Terry McLaurin with this first round selection.
20) *TRADE* Las Vegas Raiders (via Bears): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB Notre Dame- If the Raiders had moved down further, they would’ve missed on the three down linebacker they need at the second level of their defense. That’s why they took the Bears’ offer instead of one further down the board with a bigger return according to the trade value chart.
21) Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- Ojulari is not projected to be a round one selection right now. Nevertheless. following an incredible bowl game, and what should be a strong draft process, he could easily wind up in the top 32 selections. Jacksonville needs to get to the passer better in 2021, and Ojulari can help do that.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan- Even though the Colts have a ton of cap space, Anthony Castonzo is likely a cap casualty this offseason. The Colts offensive line was really good in his absence, and he’s a free cut of 16 million dollars off the books.
Mayfield is best at right tackle, but my gut tells me a team will slot him in at left tackle and hope his lower body technique continues to improve.
23) Cleveland Browns: Jay Tufele, IDL USC- The Browns are set to lose Larry Ogunjobi to free agency, and Sheldon Richardson could be a cap casualty as well. Tufele is the top interior linemen in the class because he produces as a 1-tech and a 3-tech.
24) Tennessee Titans: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- Much like in my personal mock, my rationale for the Titans selecting a wide receiver is simple. Their receiving core after Corey Davis is suspect, and I can’t see them giving Davis a big contract off of one solid season. Marshall steps in and becomes their number two wide out from day one.
25) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- Donovan Smith may have been paid this offseason, but he was dreadful for most of the year. Cosmi’s athleticism and ability to cut off edge rushers from successfully running the arch will be tempting for a team that throws as much as the Bucs do.
26) Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Look for Baltimore to try and trade out of round one come April. After the top guys, this draft will have a lot of polarizing opinions because of the oddity that was the collegiate football season.
Should the Ravens be stuck in this spot, addressing the interior of their offensive line makes a lot of sense. Wyatt Davis is the perfect scheme fit because of how physical he is in the run game.
27) New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas- Ossai is still learning the finer points of the position, but he’s shown the ability to line up and succeed from the strong and weak sides on the defensive front. The Jets need edge rushers, making Ossai an easy selection here.
28) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Trask, QB Florida- The Steelers will aggressively pursue young reclamation projects at the quarterback position during the offseason. Even though they likely land one, part of doing mock drafts is playing out different scenarios.
Therefore, assuming they strike out before draft day, the Steelers could get aggressive in their pursuit for Mac Jones or Kyle Trask. Both players would benefit from sitting behind Ben Roethlisberger and learning how to go through multiple reads against NFL coverages.
29) New Orleans Saints: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia- Janoris Jenkins has looked solid at times this offseason, but he’s aging and could be a cap cut somewhere in the next two years. Stokes is strong in press-bail, and breaks out of his T-Step with quickness and poise.
30) Buffalo Bills: Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL USC- Buffalo’s interior offensive line play could be bolstered this offseason. Vera-Tucker leads a group of plug and play starters at guard that will come off the board in the 25-50 range of this year’s draft.
31) Green Bay Packers: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida- Aaron Rodgers has done a tremendous job turning Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling into decent players. Despite this, a real threat opposite Davante Adams would take this offense to a different level. Toney’s ability with the ball in his hands would add a different dimension to the Packers’ offense.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Dylan Moses, ILB Alabama- Defensive Coordinator Steve Spanguolo loves smart players with good instincts because he asks a lot of his defense in terms of schemes. Moses might have lost the buzz he had around him from a few months ago, but he’s an elite football mind at the linebacker position. “Spags,” would love him in the middle of the defense.
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1) Cincinnati Bengals trade the #5, #37 and a 2022 3rd round pick to the Miami Dolphins for the #3 and a 2022 5th round pick.
2) Arizona Cardinals trade the #16 and #48 to the Carolina Panthers for the #8 and a 2022 4th round pick.
3) Chicago Bears trade the #20 and #83 to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 17th Overall Selection.
Jordan Katz 2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: “What I Would Do”
Mock Draft Season is upon us! As of this moment, a little over half the league has their eyes set on the offseason, and subsequently, the NFL Draft. Even though many have published mock drafts already, this is the true start of #MockDraftSZN.
By now, scouts and draft experts have their opinions of the big name guys in the process. Now it’s true that evaluations on almost all players will continue to change. Many analysts have only begun their process into these draft prospects. However, with the college season just about done, there is enough to start having concrete opinions on players.
For those that are viewing my work for the first time, there are a few things you should know about my mocks. I produce two kinds of mock drafts; a personal and a prediction. The reason for this is simply transparency for the viewer. When you read a person’s mock draft, you might not be aware of what went into their decision. Are they trying to get the selection correct? Do they have information on a player that is going to rise, so they stuck them with a team that fits to get a reaction from readers? Is it their opinion of the player, the scheme fit, or both, that drove the decision towards the selection?
As you can see by the title, this is what I would do if I were in charge of all 32 teams. The selections are based on where I currently have certain players ranked, as well as what I think teams will need to address during this upcoming offseason. Any trades that are made are trades that I believe will benefit both teams.
With that being said, it is my pleasure to welcome y’all to the REAL official start of DraftSZN. Let’s cook.
ROUND ONE
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- About five years ago, I got a phone call from one of my best friends telling me to take a look at this high school Quarterback prospect from Georgia. “He’s a can’t miss prospect,” JP told me. It’s safe to say that one collegiate career later, Lawrence lived up to that billing.
Lawrence has the physical attributes to dominate this league for two decades. His arm talent is off the charts. He possesses ridiculous athleticism for someone who is 6’6. Lawrence can make throws at all three levels of the field, with precision and zip behind the throw. Jacksonville may not have won a lot in recent memory, but this is the kind of player that changes your franchise.
2) New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- Justin Fields dominated during the College Football Playoff game against Clemson. He showed deep ball accuracy, multiple reads, and elite toughness after taking a shot to the ribs in the first half.
Having said that, my QB2 remains Zach Wilson. Wilson has a big arm, along with zero fear when letting it rip. He throws a very catchable 50/50 ball that’s often in the right spot for his receiver. Wilson can improvise with the best of them, and has tremendous accuracy on the move.
There are definitely some concerns about his anticipation and willingness to attempt any throw in any window. His footwork could be cleaned up as well.
Nevertheless, Wilson is the new modern day gunslinger that NFL teams are falling in love with.
3) *TRADE* Detroit Lions (from Dolphins via Texans): Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- When he unlocks his hips in his throw, Justin Fields can sling it with the best of them. He’s a dual threat quarterback with really good arm talent. The concern with Fields is that he loses his technique when facing some pressure. If he’s too stiff in his lower body, he’s often high and wide with throws. This is why he’s still my QB3 despite a phenomenal bowl game.
However, that doesn’t make Fields a bad prospect. His upside is still tremendous, which is why Detroit jumps Atlanta to select him.
4) Atlanta Falcons: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- While the Falcons have Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, neither have been overly impressive in recent memory. Penei Sewell is a can’t miss offensive tackle prospect because of his elite footwork and athleticism. His kickslide in the vertical set is so clean and his hips are so fluid. Sewell is the best player in the class not named Lawrence, and the correct selection for Atlanta if the first three picks are quarterbacks.
5) Cincinnati Bengals: Micah Parsons, ILB Penn State- Parsons sat out the 2020 campaign, but his draft status will not be affected in the slightest. A three down linebacker with elite athleticism, Parsons is built for the modern day game. What shocked me the most on tape was how effective he is as a pass rusher. His knowledge for gap assignments really helps him in both the run and pass game. Even though the Bengals miss on their franchise left tackle, they still select one of the best players in this draft.
6) Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Chase is not the top receiver on my board, but he’s the exact kind of player the Eagles need. I think Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith have higher ceilings than Chase. Waddle is a big time burner with elite quickness, and Smith can do it all.
Despite this, Chase is the guy the Eagles receiving core needs because he has the highest floor of the three players. He’s terrific at the catch point and he’s awesome at the line of scrimmage against tight coverage.
7) *TRADE* Miami Dolphins (from Lions): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- Should they trade down, pairing one of the Alabama receivers with Tua Tagovailoa is the obvious answer for Miami. The selection of Waddle over Smith has more to do with the makeup of the Dolphins receiving core and offense.
Jaylen Waddle has dynamic playmaking ability from the slot. He stretches the field, he’s elite with the ball in his hands, and his route tree from the slot is diverse. Waddle is the player that the Dolphins need to add to their receiving core this offseason.
8) Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- Carolina’s quarterback of the future is not Teddy Bridgewater. In fact, he might not be the quarterback of the present in 2021. Reports from Carolina were that former GM Marty Hurney was canned because of his philosophical differences with Head Coach Matt Rhule. I think it’s safe to assume that those differences revolve around the quarterback position.
Lance is smart with the football, he has the ability to beat you with his legs, and he can stretch the defense because he has a cannon for an arm. Plus, he’s only 20 years old. Lance has some big time upside.
9) Denver Broncos: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- The competition for the top cornerback off the board in April is just as competitive as the race to be the top wide receiver taken. Jaycee Horn, Caleb Farley and Patrick Surtain II, all have similar strengths and skill sets. All three are best in man coverage. They use their length extremely well in different ways.
What separates Horn for me has more to do with the other two players. Farley’s game is the most polished, but he has durability concerns. Surtain is very strong in off-man coverage, but he’s not as strong as the other two in tight man-to-man.
Horn is physical and he breaks on the ball extremely well. He’s a terrific fit in the Broncos’ defense.
10) Dallas Cowboys: Kwity Paye, DL Michigan- Paye is one of the biggest risers on draft boards from September to now. He has a lethal first step and the ability to win from multiple places along the defensive front. The Cowboys need a pass rusher to compliment Demarcus Lawrence, making Paye the easy selection here.
11) New York Giants: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- Pitts could wind up as my top pass catcher off the board if the fit is right. He’s the best pass catcher in the class and the best tight end prospect I have ever scouted. Pitts can beat corners in tight coverage with elite quickness and a great release. Linebackers can’t stay with him, and defensive backs are not physical enough to guard him. Pitts is going to dominate the NFL for years to come.
12) *TRADE* Tennessee Titans (from Chargers): DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- The Chargers are a good “trade back,” candidate in this draft because they need assets to fill out their roster. The Titans chose not to pick up the option on Corey Davis, which means they will either need to tag him, overpay for one year of production, or find his replacement in the draft. Even though the draft is loaded with receiving talent, there is a sizable gap between the big three and the rest of the group. To me, this trade makes a lot of sense both ways.
13) San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- Back to back cornerbacks here. The Niners are a candidate to trade up for a quarterback in the next few months. However, in this scenario they were unable to do so, which puts cornerback atop their wishlist.
Farley would be the first cornerback off the board if he had a clean bill of health. He’s the best of the big three at mirroring opposing receivers, he’s able to press successfully, and his footwork in his backpedal is strong. If he’s able to stay healthy, he can be a star at the next level.
14) Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech- Darrisaw is similar to Rashawn Slater in the sense that system is key for his success. I think Darrisaw has elite potential at right tackle because of his ability in the run game. He drives opponents to the turf, he’s a beast at the second level, and his first step allows him to gain leverage easily. For a team that runs the ball as much as Minnesota does, Darrisaw is a home run selection.
15) New England Patriots: Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern- Rashawn Slater is a reincarnation of the “Zack Martin,” dilemma from a few years ago. He could be a really solid tackle at the next level. He’s athletic, his hips are fluid, and he seals defenders really well in the run game.
Or, a team could take his athleticism and stick him at guard. Slater’s strikes do not always land in the vertical set, but he gains leverage really easily in the jump set. This is what Zack Martin was. Slater could be an elite guard at the next level.
16) Arizona Cardinals: Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State- This is a little high for Radunz. Nevertheless, Arizona needs athletes up front for their system, and Radunz is a big time athlete. His kickslide is terrific and he packs a better counterpunch than some of the other athletic tackles in this draft. If Radunz has a quality Senior Bowl week, he could solidify himself as a top 40 selection.
17) Las Vegas Raiders: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- Vegas has selected a lot of cornerbacks early in drafts recently, but all of them have struggled. The back end of this defense is a disaster. Surtain’s ability to mirror, as well as his quickness when driving on the football, should help him become the number one cornerback that Vegas is missing.
18) Miami Dolphins: Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- While Wyatt Davis is slightly ahead of Humphrey on my personal board, Humphrey is a better fit for the Dolphins. He’s better in pass protection and has the ability to play center or guard at the next level. With Miami failing to find a trade partner here, they continue to build their offensive line.
19) Washington Football Team: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State- With Washington outside of striking distance to move up for a quarterback, they’ll most likely look to bring in a young quarterback like Sam Darnold or Mitch Trubisky to compete with Alex Smith. Therefore, they move to a different need; getting Terry McLaurin some help.
Olave is a “jack of all trades,” kind of receiver. His route running ability is ridiculous for a collegiate wide receiver. Adding him opposite McLaurin would create a lot of matchup problems for opposing defenses.
20) Chicago Bears: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- Allen Robinson is gone during this offseason, which means the top need on Chicago’s wish list is a wide receiver. Sure, the quarterback position is also a possibility. However, my guess is either a franchise tag for Mitch Trubisky, or a veteran via free agency or trade.
Marshall is one of the more interesting prospects in the draft because he’s not getting the buzz he deserves. At 6’3, Marshall wins down the field with long strides, a good release off the line, and the ability to haul in the majority of 50/50 balls. Marshall should be a first round guy come April.
21) Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia- Jacksonville needs talent on defense regardless of the position. Ojulari is just that. He’s a bit undersized as a straight edge rusher, but he’s terrific at running the arch. He has a bevy of moves too, which makes him a really interesting prospect.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami- At 6’5, Rousseau has elite size and athleticism. His technique, however, needs some cleaning up. Rousseau has a lot of upside, but sitting out 2020 puts his draft stock in a precarious situation. Make no mistake, he’s not the only player in this spot.
With so many players sitting out the year, there will be a lot of gambles by GM’s on upside. Rousseau is one of those gambles. If you take him, you need to have a good foundation in place already. A team like the Colts is built to take one of those risks.
23) Cleveland Browns: Dylan Moses, ILB Alabama- The buzz on Moses has cooled, but I’m still a firm believer in what he can be at the next level. He’s so smart and possesses great instincts. Plus, he’s a great athlete, and a three down linebacker at the next level. For me, Moses is still firmly in round one.
24) *TRADE* Los Angeles Chargers (from Titans): Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- Cosmi struggles with power rushers, but he’s a big time athlete for the tackle position. Whoever, the Chargers next coach is will use some tempo with this loaded offense. The Chargers need a true left tackle, making Cosmi a very good fit.
25) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Najee Harris, RB Alabama- The Bucs are still going to be “all-in,” in 2021. With two feature running backs available, and a desperate need for a real running game, the Bucs seem like the obvious team to take Harris or Travis Etienne in round one.
I have Harris higher on my board because of his ability between the tackles, as well as his balance through contact.
26) Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Davis is a mauler up front. He gains leverage with good grip strength, and drives defenders with a powerful lower body. Davis is a perfect fit for a run heavy offense like the Ravens.
27) *TRADE* Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets via Seahawks): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB Notre Dame- If General Manager Joe Douglas does not trade out of the number two overall selection, you can bet your bank account that he will try to trade out of the 27th pick for more assets. Owusu-Koramoah has no business still being on the board, and Philly desperately needs a three down player to command the second level of their defense. This was an easy call both ways.
28) Pittsburgh Steelers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL USC- Vera-Tucker is an interesting study because he does not do anything well, but also isn’t poor in a specific area. His feet are occasionally heavy, but he’s an effective pass blocker because he plays with good pad level and gains leverage with timely strikes. He’s not a finisher in the run game, but he walls off defenders well. He’s a plug and play left guard, which is exactly what the Steelers need.
29) New Orleans Saints: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida- When Drew Brees hangs it up in a few weeks, Head Coach Sean Payton will have to come to the realization that his receiving core cannot just be Michael Thomas. Toney is a perfect fit in Payton’s offense because of his ability with the ball in his hands.
30) Buffalo Bills: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia- Stokes is often at the line of scrimmage, and very willing to command the opposing team’s top target. He’s best in press-bail, but his footwork is also strong in off-coverage. Head Coach Sean McDermott would love Stokes’ skill set for his defense.
31) *TRADE* Cincinnati Bengals (via Packers): Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- “Baby Gronk,” is one of my favorite players in the draft. He’s terrific at the catch point, he’s physical in his route, and he’s an excellent blocker. Cincinnati trades up for a middle of the field threat that can contribute in the red zone.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Myers, IOL Ohio State- It’s not a sexy pick, but the Chiefs’ offensive line has regressed during the second half of the season. Josh Myers can play center or guard, and his fluidity in his hips, as well as his footwork, make him a really interesting top 40 selection.
TRADES IN ROUND ONE
1) Detroit Lions trade the #7, #39, a 2022 2nd Round Pick and a 2022 3rd Round Pick to the Miami Dolphins for the #3 and a 2022 4th Round Pick.
2) Tennessee Titans trade the #24, #88 and a 2022 1st Round Pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for the #12 Overall Selection.
3) Philadelphia Eagles trade the #38 and #70 to the New York Jets for the #27 and #129.
4) Cincinnati Bengals trade the #37 and #100 to the Green Bay Packers for the #31 Overall Selection
“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
Jordan Katz 2021 Prediction Style NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Midseason
Ladies and Gentlemen… WE ARE BACK! Even though we have just passed the halfway point of the NFL Season, there are multiple teams that are already looking forward to next year’s draft. While it’s still extremely early in the scouting process, there are some known facts about the 2021 draft class already.
First off, this class includes one of the best quarterback prospects to ever exist. Trevor Lawrence has the ability to make all the throws, he understands route timing and where the ball should be, and he also has the mobility inside and outside the pocket to extend plays. Lawrence is a franchise changer, and many teams will be interested in landing the Clemson star at the top of this draft.
Next, there are a number of talented receivers that are projected to enter the league next year. Ja’Marr Chase is the big headliner, but he may not be WR1 when this is all said and done. Despite a broken ankle, Jaylen Waddle projects as an explosive slot receiver with top end speed and quality route running. Rashod Bateman is strong at the catch point, and makes plays with the ball in his hands. In short, this class has it all. From home run hitters down the field like DeVonta Smith and Terrace Marshall Jr., to guys like Rondale Moore and Chris Olave run a clean route tree; it’s a quality class from top to bottom.
There are a few questions that still need to be answered about this draft class. For example, EDGE rusher looks to be a weak position this year. Who’s going to emerge as the second guy behind Gregory Rousseau? Similarly, which offensive tackle will be the second player off the board behind Penei Sewell? Is there enough depth at these positions to find talent later in the draft?
These questions, and plenty of others will be addressed in the coming months. For right now, here’s a look at the projected stars of next year’s NFL Draft.
Unlike my normal mock drafts, there will be no trading in this mock, seeing as how we are still extremely early in the process. This will also be a one round only mock for the same reason. The order is done based on my projections of the rest of the season. Therefore, if your favorite team is picking too high, I apologize in advance.
#MockDraftSZN is back. Let’s cook.
Round One
1) New York Jets: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson- The Jets have become a laughing stock as an organization during these past few months (although some would argue it’s been much longer than that). It has led to speculation that Trevor Lawrence could pull a Peyton Manning and return to school. It has also led to the idea that Lawrence could pull an Eli Manning or John Elway and ask to be traded before the draft.
Assuming Trevor Lawrence is willing to go to the Jets organization, this is a no brainer. They need a franchise changer, and he is just that. However, don’t be shocked if he opts to avoid this dumpster fire.
2) Jacksonville Jaguars: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon- The temptation is going to be there for the Jaguars to replace Gardner Minshew II with one of the top rookie quarterbacks. If I were running the show, I would look to build a roster around Minshew. Minshew has done a nice job with limited weapons and a below average offensive line.
If you’re wondering how good Penei Sewell is as a prospect, Sewell would have been the top offensive linemen selected last year as well. He’s an elite athlete with impeccable footwork and fluid hips. Sewell is the definition of a “can’t miss.”
3) New York Giants: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State- Daniel Jones has shown that he is not the long term answer as a franchise quarterback. He struggles to keep control of the ball, and he does not come off of his first read quick enough. Even though they also need help along the offensive line, a lot of their struggles stem from Jones staying at the bottom of the drop.
The debate between Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence will be one that dominates the draft scene all year. It’s very reminiscent of the Andrew Luck-Robert Griffin III debate from years ago. Fields has improved drastically in his ability to read the defense. When you combine that with his arm talent and mobility, there’s plenty to like here from the Ohio State star.
4) Cincinnati Bengals: Micah Parsons, ILB Penn State- The decision by Parsons to not play in 2020 might have helped his draft stock more than actually playing. Sure, everyone already knows he’s a three down linebacker with big time athleticism. Nevertheless, he wasn’t the top five lock that he appears to be at this moment. Parsons is widely considered as the top defensive player in this draft, and he would be an excellent pick for the Bengals if they wound up in the top five.
5) Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama- The Cowboys chose to not pay Byron Jones last offseason, which has really hurt their defense this year. Surtain possesses the ideal height and length for the position, and mirrors receivers well along the boundary. He’s not an elite cornerback prospect at the moment because he’s a little slow out of his backpedal, which shows up against better route runners on tape. Despite this, he’s still the top corner in the class, and the easy selection for Dallas if they pick in the top 10.
6) Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama- Miami still needs help revamping their offense, which includes getting more elite weapons for Tua Tagovailoa. The curveball here, is that this selection is not Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase is a big time playmaker with elite ability down the field and at the catch point. He’s a terrific prospect, no question. Having said that, Waddle is a burner with a quality route tree and the ability to score every time he touches the ball.. He’s quick in and out of his cuts, which adds to his ability to take the top off of the opposing defense. In short, he’s a more complete player than Chase, which is why he’s currently my top wide receiver.
7) Washington Football Team: Zach Wilson, QB BYU- Trey Lance is widely regarded as “QB3,” in this draft, but that might be a misinformed opinion at the moment. Lance has a cannon for an arm, as well as dual threat ability, but he’s inaccurate at times because of his mechanics, and struggles to go through his progressions.
Zach Wilson is the exact same player, with a bigger arm, and is improving in the mental aspects of the game. He has no fear in terms of fitting throws into tight windows, and the arm talent to do so at the next level. Don’t be shocked if Wilson leapfrogs Lance as QB3 in this draft.
8) Los Angeles Chargers: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU- Chase had a stellar year at LSU with Joe Burrow in 2019, largely because Burrow gave him chances on 50/50 balls down the field. Chase has terrific body control at the catch point and a quality release at the line of scrimmage. With Mike Williams on his fifth year option next year, and likely to hit free agency following that, Chase could slide into the wide receiver two spot fairly easily.
9) Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State- Lance’s decision to play one game this year against a lesser opponent on minimal practice time is going to hurt his draft stock. Lance’s flaws were on display during the majority of the game. His inaccuracy and failure to go through progressions will now be the topic of conversation, even after he shines during the pre-draft process because of his big arm. Lance should still wind up in the top half of the draft, but if Wilson continues to shine at BYU, he could fall down the board, as I alluded to earlier.
10) Denver Broncos: Dylan Moses, ILB Alabama- Moses checks every box for a modern day linebacker. He has great instincts, he’s an elite athlete, and a quality tackler. Most importantly, much like Parsons, Moses is also a three down linebacker because he shows good instincts in coverage. Parsons is a lock to go in the top 10, but there is no reason Moses can’t join him in that area.
11) Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami- Rousseau has elite size and length for the edge position. When he wins a rep, it’s usually because of his physical traits and athleticism. Minnesota has had success in teaching technique to gifted athletes in the past (Danielle Hunter for example), and they will try to do so again in an attempt to revamp their defensive front.
12) Carolina Panthers: Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma- Humphrey was a projected first round pick if he came out last year, but opted to stay in school. Fortunately for him, the decision should not affect his draft stock that much. He’s athletic, he plays with good balance from top to bottom, and he’s able to gain leverage with power and technique. Humphrey would be a good boost to the interior line of the Panthers.
13) Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama- For some reason, the rumblings around the Lions are that Kenny Golladay could hit free agency this offseason. Even though the draft is loaded at receiver, and the Lions can replace Golladay on the cheap, the decision is still questionable.
If they ultimately go that route, Smith’s size, speed, and ability to win at the line of scrimmage would be an attractive option for Detroit in the middle of round one.
14) New England Patriots: Trey Smith, IOL Tennessee- If New England wins enough games to wind up in the middle of the pack, they will put themselves out of the quarterback discussion in this draft. The Patriots would then turn to their next biggest need, which is fixing their offense.
Smith is a mauler up front and could fit nicely in the Patriots new run heavy offense. When the Patriots inevitably let Joe Thuney go after this year, they will need to replace him. Smith can do that from day one.
15) San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech- The Niners will likely opt to trade down if they wind up selecting in the top 15. If they stayed put, they could address their secondary, which has been exposed a bit for its lack of depth during this season. Farley is a long, athletic cornerback with quality traits in man coverage. As long as Farley answers medical concerns, he’s a top 20 lock.
16) Miami Dolphins: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson- In order to select a running back in round one nowadays, that running back has to be a three down guy with home run ability and excellent vision. Etienne has improved immensely in the passing game, which means he now fits the criteria of a first round running back. Miami’s offense gets the feature back it needs moving forward.
17) Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota- Allen Robinson is likely walking in free agency, which means Chicago’s incredibly thin receiving core becomes even more thin. Bateman’s ability in 50/50 situations will have NFL coaches salivating. He needs to improve as a route runner, but Bateman has big time upside at the next level because of his athleticism and ability with the ball.
18) Philadelphia Eagles: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB Notre Dame- Owusu-Koramoah is excellent in coverage, which is a necessity for modern day linebackers. Athleticism is his strength, which allows him to lock down opposing tight ends without any help. He would be a necessary piece at the second level of the Eagles defense,
19) Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams: Jay Tufele, IDL Southern California- I don’t love Tufele in the top 20, but he could wind up there because of a lack of depth at the position. Tufele is better suited as a one tech in the NFL because he does a good job of collapsing the pocket. Even though he flashes as a three tech at USC, a space eater role would fit him nicely.
20) Las Vegas Raiders: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina- Horn has put together an excellent season in South Carolina. He has terrific ball skills, he plays aggressive, and he’s incredibly quick out of his T-step. In short, he’s a perfect fit for Jon Gruden’s defense.
21) Cleveland Browns: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR LSU- If the Browns do trade Odell Beckham Jr., they will likely replace him early in this upcoming draft. Marshall Jr., is excellent down the field, and he wins a lot of 50/50 throws. Baker Mayfield likes to give his receivers chances, which should allow Marshall to succeed in Cleveland should this scenario play out in April.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan- The Colts defense is improved, but they still need a game changer off the edge. Paye is a breakout star at Michigan during the 2020 campaign. He has a quick first step, and the ability to gain leverage against opposing tackles. Paye has impressive grip strength, which allows him to bully his way to the quarterback. This is a great fit alongside DeForest Buckner.
23) Arizona Cardinals: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida- Okay, so chances are Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense is unlikely to incorporate the tight end much no matter who is at the position. However, Kyle Pitts is an elite “move,” tight end. He can split out because of his athleticism, and he uses his size to separate both at the catch point, and in his route. Giving a guy like Pitts to a mastermind like Kingsbury should be unfair.
24) Tennessee Titans: Chris Olave, WR Ohio State- The Titans declined Corey Davis’ fifth year option, which puts them in the market for a receiver in this draft. Olave is a slippery route runner. He breaks clean at the top of his route, he sells fakes nicely, and his route tree is really strong. Olave has good hands as well.
25) New Orleans Saints: Rondale Moore, WR Purdue- If you haven’t figured it out, the theme of this draft is pass catchers galore. Head Coach Sean Payton will love a playmaker like Rondale Moore in his offense. Moore is a big time athlete and he’s lethal with the ball in his hands. He’s quick in and out of his cuts, which allows him to separate at the top of his stem from opposing defensive backs. This is a perfect fit.
26) Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State- Speaking of perfect fits, Wyatt Davis going to a run heavy team is “what you want.” Davis runs over 3-tech lineman with perfect technique in his upper body and immense power. He can get out to the second level and destroy linebackers. The Ravens interior offensive line does need some help, and Davis is a day one starter for most teams in the NFL.
27) New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State- Freiermuth and Pitts will be debated as “TE1,” throughout the draft process. Truthfully, it will depend on what the team drafting is looking for.
Freiermuth is more of a “do-it-all” tight end compared to Pitts. Not that Pitts is a bad blocker, but Freiermuth is better. He’s not as athletic as Pitts, but he separates in similar ways. Freiermuth uses his big frame to gain leverage at the top of his routes, and he wins contested catches with said frame.
In this mock, “Baby Gronk,” lands in the AFC East with the rebuilding Jets.
28) Buffalo Bills: Shaun Wade, CB Ohio State- Wade might be best suited as a nickel corner in the NFL. He mirrors extremely well from the slot, but he struggles locating the ball when he’s on the boundary. Fortunately, Head Coach Sean McDermott is excellent at putting his players in a position to succeed, particularly on the defensive end.
29) Green Bay Packers: Marvin Wilson, DL Florida State- Wilson’s tape is up and down. He flashes the ability to gain leverage at will along the interior. He also has a tendency to play high and completely take himself out of plays. Come “Draft SZN,” some team is going to fall in love with his physical traits and select him in the top 40.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Trask, QB Florida- While I don’t love the idea of Trask in round one right now, Pittsburgh is going to lose Ben Roethlisberger this offseason if the Steelers make a deep run. They could look to make a short term fix in free agency, or pursue a Sam Darnold/Daniel Jones/Dwayne Haskins type of player on the trade market. A more likely option is looking to the draft for a QB on a rookie deal to help them in terms of cap flexibility.
31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas- Cosmi is a big time athlete up front. He struggles with power rushers at times, but he’s excellent at cutting off edge rushers from successfully running the arch. Donovan Smith has been a turnstile this year, and it would be in the best interest of Tampa Bay to replace him as soon as possible.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Asante Samuel Jr., CB Florida State- Once you get past Jaycee Horn, the cornerback class is a minefield that NFL teams will have to navigate. Lots of players in this class have some NFL traits, but also some glaring weaknesses. Samuel is strong in mirror technique, as well as off-man coverage, but his ball skills are really lacking and he’s weak in press coverage. If the team that drafts Samuel can improve his ball skills, some team might have a quality number two cornerback on their hands.
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