Football

NFL Mock Draft V2.0

March 27, 2021
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Wellity, Wellity, Wellity. Look who’s back!

It seems like the entire NFL flipped me, along with every other mock drafter, a GIANT middle finger over the course of the last few weeks with an insane free agency period and massive trades involving some important draft picks. Almost like they don’t even care about the accuracy of our original predictions! Unbelievable…..

But I digress. 

Here are some quick takeaways from the 2021 Free Agent period to this point:

-Half of the league couldn’t (or still can’t) do a thing until they were cap compliant 

-Tampa apparently doesn’t need a salary cap and is bringing back ALL 22 starters from last years Superbowl team

-The word ‘Restructure’ has never been uttered this much in the history of mankind

-The Giants are making smart moves….Is Ernie Accorsi back?

-Beers are on Dak Prescott!

-SURE San Fran, we believe that you want to keep Jimmy *wink*. We’re all extremely SUUUURREEEE you traded the next three years of 1st rounders to take the best player available *nodding sarcastically*

-So the Cardinals are ALL in….

-Rumour has it, the Patriots have signed more free agents than the total number of words Bill Belichick utters during a press conference

And on that note! With the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select:

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

Nothing Changes. Jacksonville has been signing solid role players during free agency and franchised tagged their Left Tackle. All signs point to Trevor Time!

  1. TRADE! Carolina Panthers (from New York Jets)- Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU Cougars, 21 Years old

San Francisco created a stir when they obtained the 3rd overall pick for THREE future 1st Rounders. The Jets were probably offered the same package that Miami received at 3, but did not want to move down all the way to 12. All Quarterback needy teams are now scrambling to put together a package in order to get in the number 2 position to assure themselves one of the top 3 QB prospects. In the situation, Carolina decides that their coaching staff and team makeup would fit better with a talented rookie to build around instead of Teddy Bridgwater. They trade the number 7, a 2022 1st Rounder, and 3rd round picks in 2022 and 2023 for the right to select the gunslinger from BYU. Joe Brady can do some unique things with Wilson’s skillset

  1. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami & Houston)- Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio St. Buckeyes, 21 Years old

Teams don’t trade their futures unless they 1) think they’re close to a championship 2) think they’ll obtain their future Franchise QB or 3) All of the above. By moving up to the number 3 spot, it means that the 49ers like both Zach Wilson and Justin Fields, and will be perfectly happy to select who’s there when they pick. This move also allows them to offload the contract of Jimmy Garoppolo in favour of a cheaper Rookie contract, and with the massive extensions on the horizon for Bosa, Warner, McGlinchey and Samuel, an extra $25 million will go a long way. Fields could be special under Shanahan’s tutelage.

  1. Atlanta Falcons- Micah Parsons, Inside Linebacker, Penn St. Nittany Lions, 21 Years old

The Falcons will probably be auctioning this pick to everyone who will be interested in Trey Lance. Unfortunately I don’t see there being a bidding war for anyone outside of the top 3 QBs, and Atlanta will ultimately need to make their selection here. They could also take Lance here as a project, but with the restructuring of Matt Ryan’s contract it means he’ll be the top guy for a while longer. Parsons running in the 4.3s will rocket him up draft boards and land him in the top 5.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals- Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon Ducks, 20 Years old

Insert the GIF of Cosmo Kramer wearing the Technicolor Dreamcoat with a cane walking down the street, and you’ll get an idea of how Cincinnati will strut up to the podium to hand in this card. Quarterback fever leads the Bengals absolutely stealing the best Offensive lineman in this draft and protecting Joe Burrow for a very long time.

  1. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia)- Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, LSU Tigers, 20 Years old

How perfect does this play out for the Dolphins? They obtain two additional First round picks over the next two years ultimately to only move down three spots and select their plug and play WR1 for the next 10 years. Chase is a gamebreaker who can become a Larry Fitzgerald/Deandre Hopkins calibre pass catcher and make Tuas life much easier going forward.

  1. Detroit Lions- Devonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

When you lose your top three Receivers in one offseason, it’s probably not a bad idea to look at replenishing that pool with some new talent. Smith is as polished as you’ll get when it comes to route running and has game changing speed as well. Anyone who thinks he should drop because he’s only 170 pounds obviously doesn’t watch football, because Smith will be a terrific pro.

  1. Traded to New York Jets (from Carolina Panthers)- Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida Gators, 20 Years old

I am adamant that the Jets would be in their best interest to hang on to Sam Darnold and put as much talent around him to build their team the proper way. Taking a QB with the 2nd pick and selling Darnold for pennies makes as much sense as trading Park Place for Baltic Avenue because you prefer the color purple. Kyle Pitts is a mutant, and would easily be in the Pro Bowl conversation as the top target in a young Jets offense. 

  1. Denver Broncos- Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota St, 20 Years old

Whoa. The Broncos take a hit or miss prospect here to replace their current hit or miss starter? I think anyone who’s seen the development of Josh Allen will try as hard as they can to see Lance through the same lens. He possesses all the tools you want in a franchise QB, now it’s just a matter of if he can live up to his massive potential. With all of the weapons Denver has on their offense, a rookie QB could progress much faster.

  1. Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Surtain Jr, Cornerback, Alabama Crimson Tide, 20 Years old

With a new defensive coordinator in house, the Cowboys will look to take a step forward on that side of the ball. Their focus in free agency would indicate that Dan Quinn is looking to get hard working athletes on the field, and Patrick Surtain-ly fits the bill here as a hard-nosed corner who can turn into a field cutter.

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

The Giants have quietly dominated free agency by filling a lot of holes and addressing many of their needs before the draft even starts. This puts them in the position to take who they feel is the best player at a position that needs an upgrade. Owusu-Koramoah would look very good in Patrick Graham’s defense next to Blake Martinez.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami & San Francisco)- Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

Philly tried everything in their power to move up and take Zach Wilson. Luckily Miami saved them from themselves and the Eagles now sit with more assets over the next two drafts to rebuild their team with young and cheaper talent. Finding their next playmaker needs to happen in this draft, and Jaylen Waddle could be a phenomenal all-purpose weapon that would make up for poor scouting at the Receiver position in recent history.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern Wildcats, 22 Years old

Signing Corey Linsley was a massive get for the Chargers, and if they can somehow fall into this selection of Slater then Justin Herbert needs to buy the front office a little something. Slater is a terrific pass blocker and would re-energize a group that’s been a tad underwhelming in recent years.

  1. Minnesota Vikings- Christian Darrisaw, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech Hokies, 20 Years old

Offensive line struggles have been an issue with the Vikings since the likes of Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson were clearing running lanes for a young Adrian Peterson. With a group that needs an injection of talent, look no further than the young and athletic Darrisaw who should be able to start sooner rather than later.

  1. New England Patriots- Alijah Vera-Tucker, Offensive Lineman, USC Trojans, 21 Years old

Conventional wisdom would have Mac Jones landing here 10 time out of 10. There’s something telling me that Cam Newton is exactly the type of Quarterback that Bill Belichick wants on his team until he calls it quits (why else would he have spent that much money on bringing in that many Offensive free agents?). The bigger story of the offseason is the loss of Joe Thuney and Marcus Cannon from their offensive line. Vera-Tucker could easily silde in to either of those positional openings and start for the Pats from day 1.

  1. Arizona Cardinals- Najee Harris, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

Steve Keim has pushed his chips to the middle of table with the offseason he has put together for the Cardinals. From JJ Watt to AJ Green, Arizona is doing whatever they can to bring great leadership to a team full of talented youngsters. Adding a bell cow like Harris with a Quarterback like Kyler Murray can be extremely fun to watch for fans and extremely difficult to watch for opponents.

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

Nothing changes here from the previous mock. The Raiders need several defensive pieces throughout the draft and this is a great start for them with the addition of Barmore, who disrupts the pocket from the interior and can help with multiple facets of improving the problem unit on the team.

  1. Miami Dolphins- Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech Hokies, 22 Years old

Miami will most likely be entertaining a few offers with Mac Jones still on the board, but seeing as how Caleb Farley is still sitting there, they need to make that selection. Adding Farley to the mix would allow Byron Jones to play a more hybrid role and expand the athleticism on the defense in their Nickel and Dime packages.

  1. Washington Football Team- Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

The Washington staff is going out of their way to say how happy they are with their current Quarterback room. Anyone else like the depth chart of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyler Heinicke and Kyle Allen?………………………….That’s what I thought. So let’s get back to reality and take a kid like Jones who can step in after a year of Fitzmagic and lead a talented young team to a great future.

  1. Chicago Bears- Kwity Paye, Defensive End, Michigan Wolverines, 22 Years old

Going with Andy Dalton as their starter would indicate that the Bears plan to be a run first/ball control offense. In turn, that would point management to loading up on the defensive side of the ball to assist the offense by whatever means necessary. Paye has a high motor than can start out as a pass rush specialist and learn from Khalil Mack on becoming a complete defensive end.

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

Left tackle has not been addressed in free agency yet, so the Colts seem to be looking to fill the void Anthony Castonzo’s retirement left on the franchise through the draft. Cosmi is a sneaky athlete for a man his size, and can easily play Left Tackle in the NFL and protect Carson Wentz as much as possible.

  1. Tennessee Titans- Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue Boilermakers, 20 Years old

With talent like AJ Brown and Derrick Henry in their system already, imagine adding this swiss army knife who just ran a 4.27 40-yard dash at his pro day (not to mention the 42.5 inch vertical)? Rondale Moore can easily play a Tyreek Hill hybrid style and terrorize defenses with the ball in his hands.

  1. New York Jets (from Seattle)- Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, 21 Years old

With Kyle Pitts already on the roster, the Jets could look to add a dynamic athlete on the defensive side with the second of their 1st round picks. Zaven Collins is a nice blend of size and speed that can play multiple positions in Robert Saleh’s defensive system and should provide great value at this point in the draft.

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

With an extremely tight salary cap situation, the Steelers need to rely on drafting their positions of need. The biggest hole on their current roster remains their Offensive Line, with Left Tackle being the major focus. Eichenberg is a lunch pale lineman that can inject a different demeanor at the Left Tackle position that’s been missing for a while now.

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

During his time at Ohio St, Urban Meyer coached teams rolled out dominant defensive line after dominant defensive line. The best way to predict what type of stamp he’ll put on his first foray into professional football should keep with the same ink. Rousseau oozes potential and could end up being a top pass rusher in the league very early on in his career.

  1. Cleveland Browns- Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Gophers, 21 Years old

Bateman is a prototype at the position and is too good to drop into the 2nd round. Cleveland is playing with house money at this point, as they don’t have many holes on their roster, so they can afford to take a flyer on Bateman to roll out with Landry, Beckham and their fantastic running game.

  1. TRADE! Atlanta Falcons (from Baltimore Ravens)- Travis Etienne, Running Back, Clemson Tigers, 22 Years old

The Falcons need a lot of help to repair their roster, and acquiring a second 1st round pick from the Ravens can expedite the process immensely. Micah Parsons can help transform the defense, and now Arthur Smith can bring in his new bell cow back in Etienne to transform the offense as well.

  1. New Orleans Saints- Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina Gamecocks, 21 Years old

The Saints offseason purge has been nothing short of massive to clear almost $80 Million off their roster in order to be cap compliant. That said, several of the casualties came from the defensive secondary, so addressing those issues in the draft is paramount. Horn is a fantastic athlete who also brings a little swagger to the table as well, which can help his professional transition to the Saints secondary an easy one.

  1. Green Bay Packers- Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle, Alabama Crimson Tide, 22 Years old

Aaron Rodgers still needs protection. Anything that involves those words can’t be taken lightly, so let’s plug in the biggest and baddest tackle left in Alex Leatherwood to knock some people around and help Green Bay punch back in those tough games they’ve folded in previously.

  1. Buffalo Bills- Azeez Ojulari, Defensive End, Georgia Bulldogs, 20 Years old

Buffalo is as talented a team as there is in the league. Without many holes to fill, let’s give them a top-notch pass rusher who can hurry opposing QBs into making poor decisions and help set up the offense in the best positions possible.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs- Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma St. Cowboys, 22 Years old

Kansas City cut both of their starting tackles from last year. Remember the Super bowl? Now put that over a 16-game schedule and Patrick Mahomes has a 4-year career. Let’s be smart here KC, pick a tackle and protect your Half a Billion $ man.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Landon Dickerson, Center, Alabama Crimson Tide, 23 Years old

With all 22 starters returning for the Super Bowl champs, what do you give them? How about the best Center and leader in the draft and add some depth to their fantastic offensive line.

-Kyle Kirkwood

Twitter: @realFOpodcast