Football

2021 NFL Mock Draft V1.0

March 1, 2021
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With the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft…..

You didn’t expect me to get right into it that quickly, did you? 

I know we all want to put any semblance of 2020 behind us, but before we do, we need to revisit the NFL season that was before we know where we’re going with the NFL season that will be. Here are some things we need to remember from the previous year that was:

-The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lived up to the preseason hype and put on a show in the playoffs, winning their first Superbowl in almost 20 years.

-Even without an Offensive Line, the Kansas City Chiefs almost won back-to-back Championships

-Buffalo and Cleveland actually made the Playoffs? Wait, Buffalo and Cleveland actually WON playoff games?

-Aaron Rodgers is the MVP (sorry New England, I mean Tampa, I mean wherever Tom is playing fans)

-Can anyone stop Derrick Henry?

-The Jets can’t even lose properly. Never stop believing Jags nation!

-Injuries, Injuries, and more Injuries

-COVID (I’ll only say it once, because it sucks and it deserves to get COVID…..dammit)

-The Raiders, Rams and Chargers combined for a total of 0 fans in year one of their new collective stadiums (at least the Chargers were used to it)

-The Texans HATE the Texans

-The league is richer with Quarterback talent (of all ages) than any other time in recent memory

Now that we have THAT out of the way, we can focus on the crazy offseason 2021 has to offer us. Half of the league is already over the cap, the Quarterback market is insane, and all of this is happening before a draft that’s full of College prospects who’ve either just come off of a shortened season, or no season at all. Never before has scouting been at the forefront quite like this, and Front Offices across the league will have to earn their pay cheques in what some are dubbing the most important NFL Draft in league history.

Professional Wrestling promo aside, the 2021 draft will be one for the ages, and the majority of NFL franchises will have to rely on drafted and undrafted rookies to make their final rosters to remain within the tightened salary cap restraints. And with all of that in mind…..

With the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select:

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson Tigers, 21 Years old

In what should be a surprise to no one, the Jags take the new face of their franchise. With a position that requires so much poise and character, you won’t find anyone more suited for the spotlight than Lawrence (dating back to high school, he’s only lost a total of 5 games!). The recent (non-throwing) shoulder injury shouldn’t worry anyone, he’ll be back in time for training camp at 100%. 

COMPARISON: John Elway

  1. New York Jets- Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU Tigers, 20 Years old

Speculators have the Jets trading for, or drafting a Quarterback with their number TWO selection. Well, it ain’t happening in this scenario! Sam Darnold is a talented Quarterback, but  has been surrounded by bad coaching and a lack of talent since he entered the league. The Jets new regime should see this and attempt to rectify the situation by taking the 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner as the top Receiver in College Football. Chase outperformed, and ultimately has a higher upside than his former running mate, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist Justin Jefferson. Plus, he’ll be healthier than every other top Wideout in the draft as he opted out of the 2020 season.

COMPARISON: Larry Fitzgerald

  1. Miami Dolphins (from Houston)- Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon Ducks, 20 Years old

All this talk about moving on from Tua after one year needs to be put to bed. The Dolphins have found a groove in rebuilding their franchise, and they won’t be irrational and waste their top pick from just a year ago. Instead, they climb the mountain that is Penei Sewell, the 2019 Outland Trophy winner for the top Lineman in the country. Looking at the impact a top-level tackle can make (see 2020 1st Round pick Tristan Wirfs with the Superbowl Champs), the Dolphins should be ecstatic to land the best one in the draft.

COMPARISON- Orlando Pace

  1. Atlanta Falcons- Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU Cougars, 21 Years old

Matt Ryan has been nothing short of fantastic in his 12-year career with the Falcons, but new regimes usually lead to new Quarterbacks. Looking towards life after Ryan, the Falcons would be wise to pick his Heir Apparent in the highly touted QB from BYU. Wilson has a penchant for improvisation, and it has allowed him to showcase his arm talent by combining his running ability and refusal to give up on a play. 

COMPARISON- Carson Wentz

  1. Cincinnati Bengals- Rashawn Slater, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern Wildcats, 22 Years old

The image of their Franchise being carted off the field should be a reminder to the Bengals of how important it is to surround a Quarterback with as much protection as possible (*Rashawn Slater has joined the chat*).  While only being 6’3, Slater is a tackle, with his arm length and solid anchor being his best traits. If you need any proof that Slater can protect Mr. Burrow, turn on the Northwestern/Ohio St. game from 2019, and watch his performance against last year’s Defensive Rookie of the year, Chase Young.

COMPARISON: Trent Williams

  1. Philadelphia Eagles- Devonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

After two straight years of WR whiffs in the draft, Philadelphia finally gets it right by selecting the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner. Smith is a perfect combination of speed and agility and can open up the Jalen Hurts era of the Philadelphia offense in absolute style. Now to just get under the cap for 2021….

COMPARISON- Marvin Harrison

  1. TRADE! Washington Football Team- Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio St. Buckeyes, 21 Years old

We have our first trade, and boy is it a big one! Washington takes advantage of having all of their young talent on their rookie contracts and takes a swing to find their next big time QB. They move the #19, a 2021 3rd Rounder, 2022 1st Rounder, and Antonio Gandy-Golden to Detroit for the #7 and leapfrog teams like Carolina, Denver and New England to select the gunslinger from the Buckeyes. Look for Washington to sign Cam Newton to allow Fields time to get his feet wet.

COMPARISON- Donovan McNabb

  1. Carolina Panthers- Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida Gators, 20 Years old

And the Carolina offense can create mismatches galore as they now roll out an offense with D.J Moore, Robby Anderson, CMC, and Kyle Pitts. Good luck opposing defenses! Pitts owns the middle of the field and is an absolute Redzone target vacuum. He’s a wide receiver in a Tight End body, and could end up being more Mike Evans than Noah Fant (either way, he’s in good company).

COMPARISON- Travis Kelce

  1. Denver Broncos- Patrick Surtain Jr, Cornerback, Alabama Crimson Tide, 20 Years old

The Broncos should be looking to upgrade their defense, and they should be trying to replicate their model from a few years back and solidify their secondary. Surtain is the most well-rounded corner in the draft and was the defensive leader on the defending National Champions. His size, speed, genetics (his dad was an 11-year NFL vet) and willingness to mix it up in the run game should make this a no brainer pick for Denver.

COMPARISON- Xavier Rhodes

  1. TRADE! New England Patriots- Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota St, 20 Years old

Wait, the Patriots traded up? In this offseason, everyone should be expecting the unexpected. After seeing Washington jump over them to select their QB of the future, Belichick and Co. are forced to move up in order to take their own. New England sends the #15, a 2021 3rd Rounder, and a 2022 3rd Rounder to Dallas for the #10 and the opportunity to take the high upside QB in Trey Lance. Trey didn’t have much film from 2020, which makes this pick the riskiest of the entire draft, but ultimately one the Patriots deem worthy on account of Lance’s massive potential.

COMPARISON-Somewhere between Russell Wilson (best case) and Johnny Manziel (worst case)

  1. New York Giants- Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

Dave Gettleman invested heavily on the interior lines in last year’s draft, and if he wants his team to take the next step, he’d be wise to invest this pick on an offensive playmaker. Waddle was considered the more explosive of the two Alabama receivers before his foot injury derailed his 2020 season and could have a similar impact that Odell Beckham had in his rookie season. (especially with a healthy Saquon Barkley back for the 2021 season).

COMPARISON- Santana Moss

  1. San Francisco 49ers- Micah Parsons, Inside Linebacker, Penn St. Nittany Lions, 21 Years old

When the 49ers last had a consistently competitive team, they had a top ranked defense with a pair of middle linebackers (Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman) who gave their opponents headaches weekly. As it stands, Fred Warner is fast becoming a top 5 middle linebacker in the NFL, so why not jump on the best player available and infuse a tackling machine like Micah Parsons into the mix to create a Bermuda triangle for opposing Running Backs and establish a fear for Wide Receivers and Tight Ends going over the middle.

COMPARISON- Navarro Bowman

  1. Los Angeles Chargers- Christian Darrisaw, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech Hokies, 20 Years old

Franchise QB? Check. Talented Skill Positions? Check. Complete Offensive Line? Bueller…. Bueller….  Getting a prospect like Darrisaw in the mix will make it easier to let Russell Okung leave in Free Agency, and pair Justin Herbert with his personal protector for the next 10-12 years. Not a bad start for Rookie Head Coach Brandon Staley.

COMPARISON- Laremy Tunsil

  1. Minnesota Vikings- Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech Hokies, 22 Years old

Minnesota hasn’t been able to replace Xavier Rhodes, and athletes like Farley don’t grow on trees. The former Wide Receiver has taken kindly to his new position and appears to be in the mix for the number one corner off the board. The Vikings are more than willing to take the second of back-to-back Hokies, but would most likely be happier to land Darrisaw if he would be available here.

COMPARISON- Johnathan Joseph

  1. (Traded) Dallas Cowboys- Alijah Vera-Tucker, Offensive Lineman, USC Trojans, 21 Years old

Dallas scores a couple extra 3rd round picks to move down five spots, and ultimately lands the player they probably would have taken at 10. Dallas experienced the worst-case scenario in 2020 with their Offensive line suffering a slew of injuries, and they will not want to be caught unprepared again. Vera-Tucker is a versatile blocker who can play 4 out of the 5 positions on the line.

COMPARISON- Joel Bitonio

  1. TRADE! Chicago Bears- Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

Another QB needy team moving up in the draft to take their next signal caller. Sensing a theme here? Teams who have a need at Quarterback will need to be aggressive during the draft to secure the apple of their respective eyes, and Mac Jones seems like the well-rounded prospect that can bring a winning attitude to Chicago right away. Jones could be the perfect target as he brings almost every trait to the table that Mitchell Trubisky lacked (ie. Leadership, decision making, football IQ).

COMPARISON- Matt Ryan

  1. Las Vegas Raiders- Christian Barmore, Defensive Tackle, Alabama Crimson Tide, 20 Years old

Las Vegas needs defense. Las Vegas needs defense. Las Vegas needs defense. Hopefully by saying it three times in the mirror, Mayock and Gruden will leave this draft with 4-5 defensive players that can help turn around a problematic unit from a year ago. If they follow this plan, Barmore would be a great start as a plug and play disruptor on the interior defensive line. His performance in the College Football Playoff should be an indicator that he can play at the top of his game when the lights shine brightest (and there are a LOT of lights in Vegas).

COMPARISON- Geno Atkins

  1. Miami Dolphins- Najee Harris, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

In the last two drafts, Miami will have secured a Quarterback and bookend Offensive Tackles with their first-round picks. With a fourth selection right here, they can connect the last dot by infusing the most well-rounded Running Back in the draft. Harris isn’t a burner, but his vision, balance, hands and route running have put him in a great spot to lead the Miami backfield for years to come. For Harris’ sake, hopefully his career equation can be Derrick Henry divided by Trent Richardson equals Mark Ingram.

COMPARISON- Le’Veon Bell

  1. (Traded) Detroit Lions- Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Gophers, 21 Years old

The rebuilding Lions have a vision in this draft: Increase their pick pool and infuse their team with young and athletic playmakers. In the trade with Washington, they accomplish both of these things by acquiring extra picks and installing Gandy-Golden and Bateman as their new 1-2 combo. This can allow them to Franchise tag Kenny Golladay, and eventually move him for more assets. Bateman just wowed at his pro day with a sub 4.4 40-yard dash, and combining that with his elite level hands, this could lead to many productive years ahead for the rookie ball hawk as the new number one for the Lions.

COMPARISON- Roddy White

  1. (Traded) Arizona Cardinals- Kwity Paye, Defensive End, Michigan Wolverines, 22 Years old

Arizona can light up a scoreboard, but their defense had trouble staying off the field in 2020. Kwity Paye is a high motor, nonstop energy pass rusher that can immediately make an impact (he can also kick inside on passing downs to maximize athletic rushers on the field). Trading down with Chicago allows the Cardinals to buy some time and let the draft board play out to take the top defensive player available and add a few more pieces down the line as well.

COMPARISON- Robert Quinn

  1. Indianapolis Colts- Samuel Cosmi, Offensive Tackle, Texas Longhorns, 22 Years old

Now that the Wentz saga has played out and the Colts find themselves with their QB of the present (and hopefully future), their top priority should be replacing the giant hole at Left tackle with Anthony Castonzo’s retirement. Enter Samuel Cosmi, the 6’7 Longhorn who brings a level of nasty to his game that should mesh nicely with Quenton Nelson and allow the Colts to continue their dominant running game.

COMPARISON- Andrew Whitworth

  1. Tennessee Titans- Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, 21 Years old

In the playoffs, Baltimore exposed a weakness in the Tennessee defense by continually beating them to the punch with athleticism and speed. I’m sure Mike Vrabel won’t let their front office forget this during the scouting period and will target someone like Collins if he’s still available when they turn in their card. Zaven Collins can play multiple spots in their defense, and can pair with Rashaan Evans to make the Titan defense one of the leagues most athletic.

COMPARISON- Lavar Arrington

  1. New York Jets (from Seattle)- Travis Etienne, Running Back, Clemson Tigers, 22 Years old

With the first pick that was acquired from Seattle in the Jamal Adams trade, the Jets should be looking to add another weapon to their feeble offense. With this in mind, who better fits the mould of a weapon than Travis Etienne, the super athlete from Clemson whose game has evolved every year he spent in College. Add Etienne along with Chase, and suddenly the Jets offense looks to be taking shape around Sam Darnold. If they’re coached up right, this can be an exciting group for years to come!

COMPARISON- Garrison Hearst/Priest Holmes

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers- Liam Eichenberg, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 23 Years old 

Every year, there are a handful of players that the experts claim, “look like a Pittsburgh Steeler”. After watching the film on Eichenberg, I have to say that he looks like a Pittsburgh Steeler! Big, physical, and technical are words you would use to describe the hulking tackle from Notre Dame, and all of those traits bode well to be a Day 1 starter along their Offensive Line. 

COMPARISON- Eric Fisher

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars (From LA Rams)- Greg Rousseau, Defensive End, Miami Hurricanes, 20 Years old

Jacksonville would probably be more than happy to leave the draft just drafting Trevor Lawrence, but because of the Jalen Ramsey trade, they’re sitting with an additional 1st Round pick to help build their roster. Something the Jags have been missing since they Traded Yannick Ngakoue is a steady pass rusher that can get after the Quarterback, so they’ll look to in-state product Gregory Rousseau to rectify that. With Josh Allen, Myles Jack, K’Lavon Chiasson and now Rousseau, Jacksonville can now roll out an athletic, young defense that can help Urban Meyer settle in as Head Coach, and Trevor Lawrence evolve as the Franchise QB.

COMPARISON- Jason Pierre-Paul

  1. Cleveland Browns- Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue Boilermakers, 20 Years old

With a potential busy free agency period ahead for the Browns, the draft can be used to select the best players available at their respective draft slots. That being said, Cleveland lacks a true deep threat in their passing attack, so they will look to address that with a player of Moore’s calibre. Seeing what Kansas City is able to do with their speedy receivers, Cleveland can play a little copycat here and install a “Tyreek Hill” package for Moore to showcase his full arsenal and give opposing defenses problems every week.

 COMPARISON- Joey Galloway

  1. Baltimore Ravens- Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, 22 Years old

The big offseason news for Baltimore centers around their Left/Right Tackle Orlando Brown and his desire to be traded somewhere where he can play Left Tackle full time (Ronnie Stanley is one of the game’s best at LT and just signed a massive extension). Given the depth of the position in this year’s draft, it would be a smart move for Baltimore to maximize the return for Brown, while also replacing him with a rookie (and subsequent rookie contract). Jenkins is a very athletic Right Tackle who can easily take over the vacated spot and give the Ravens a win-win scenario.

COMPARISON- Bobby Massie

  1. New Orleans Saints- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Linebacker, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 21 Years old

What a situation the Saints find themselves in. $70 million over the salary cap, many aging veterans on the bubble, Quarterback situation in flux….. So why would they take a linebacker here? Well, because this guy is STILL sitting there for some reason, that’s why! When you put on the tape of Owusu-Koramoah, you see a playmaker who’s always in on tackles, fumbles, interceptions, and everything good the Notre Dame defense has done. New Orleans saw the impact that top tier linebackers can have when they played Tampa Bay in the playoffs, so let’s bring in one of your own and at least solidify the defense before they have to do a purge of veterans to get cap compliant.

COMPARISON- Lavonte David

  1. Green Bay Packers- Dylan Radunz, Offensive Tackle, North Dakota St, 22 Years old

I shall not leave Aaron Rodgers unprotected anymore. I shall not leave Aaron Rodgers unprotected anymore. This is the mantra Green Bay must be repeating to themselves since their NFC Championship loss to Tampa Bay (notice how a Super Bowl champion can impact so many teams?). Drafting Radunz will serve multiple purposes: 1) He can play four positions on the offensive line 2) He can play Left tackle in the event that Bahktiari isn’t ready to go for week 1 in 2021 3) He can take over as a full time Left tackle once Bahktiari calls it a career, or prices himself out of a roster spot. His upside is tantalizing.

COMPARISON- Reilly Rieff (with potential to be a David Bahktiari)

  1. Buffalo Bills- Jalen Mayfield, Offensive Tackle, Michigan Wolverines, 20 Years old

When you watched the 2020 NFL Playoffs, it was extremely clear that Offensive Line was the most important position for teams successes or failures. As stated above, this is a “match and compete” type of league, hence why I’ve mocked NINE Offensive Tackles in the 2021 1st Round. Buffalo looks to have a special roster that’s ready to compete for a number of years, but there are still some question marks on their Offensive Line due to Free Agency. Without spending top dollar on every one of their available players, they’re going to lose at least one or two starters on the line. Enter Jalen Mayfield, a solid Right Tackle for Michigan, who can come in and help plug some of those holes and allow the team to shave some dollars off their total cap number.

COMPARISON- Bryan Bulaga

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina Gamecocks, 21 Years old

Many people would have an Offensive Lineman of any kind mocked to the Chiefs here. The difference between the Chiefs and these other teams is that the Kansas City line was so decimated by injuries and opt outs, that they were down to their 3rd string players in some cases. The 1st team guys are mostly all back in 2021, so that solidifies the crew in front of Mahomes for now. Saying that, we can look to any other areas of need and address it accordingly. Jaycee Horn (son of former NFL Receiver Joe Horn) is a great selection here to shore up the defensive secondary and can help the defending AFC Champs get back to that level next year.

COMPARISON- Lito Sheppard

  1. TRADE! Atlanta Falcons- Azeez Ojulari, Defensive End, Georgia Bulldogs, 20 Years old

Why not finish the round with a trade? The 32nd spot always seems to be a hot ticket for rebuilding teams to move up and get, and Tampa Bay can take advantage of that to get a few more assets to stay on top of the mountain. The Falcons thought they had their pass rush solved for years to come when they drafted Vic Beasley and Tak McKinley (neither is still on the roster), but they’ve had to pivot. Already having Dante Fowler Jr. in house, they can look to take as pure a pass rusher as there is in the draft with in-state product, Azeez Ojulari. When I watched Georgia’s bowl game, every time they needed a defensive play, it was Ojulari who made it. The kid jumps off the screen as the type of dominant performer you need when the games are at their biggest. Since this trade will be happening between division opponents, the price will need to be a tad higher than normal, so look for Atlanta to move their number 35 pick (#3 in the 2nd Round), along with a 2021 4th rounder, and Defensive Tackle Tyeler Davison (Atlanta also has cap issues, so this would be an easy way to clear $3 million off the books, and Tampa Bay would get a cheaper rotational player on their Defensive line in the event that Ndamakong Suh can’t be re-signed).

COMPARISON- Frank Clark

-Kyle Kirkwood

Twitter: @realFOpodcast