2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT

 

 

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-15) 
Trevor Lawrence-QB-Clemson    Value EVEN
6'3"/221
NFL Comparison: Athletic Peyton Manning/Better Matt Ryan

Lawrence has a combination of football IQ, leadership, arm talent, size, athletic ability and college production that is unmatched even by the best recent QB prospects. One would likely have to go all the way back to 1965 with Joe Namath to find a QB prospect with as much instant star power and can’t miss potential as Lawrence.

Lawrence is a rare prodigy in team sports than can only be compared to LeBron James, Sidney Crosby and Bryce Harper. Like those guys, the only thing that will stop Lawrence from winning and achieving greatness would be a lack of a supporting cast. Lawrence is fortunate to have a big name coach in Urban Meyer to take the pressure off of his shoulders. Thing are looking up in DUVAL!!!!!!!

2. NEW YORK JETS (2-14)
Zach Wilson-QB-BYU    Value near EVEN
6'2"/214
NFL Comparison: Derek Carr/Jay Cutler/Jim McMahon

Wilson has an elite arm, plays with a swagger and toughness that Jet fans will love. Wilson has a lot in common with Cutler (both good and bad) in terms of great arm talent, solid size and some arrogance. Like Cutler and Carr he had only one great college season. He is also similar to McMahon as a BYU product that is a straight up gunslinger. All three of those guys proved to be solid starters yet McMahon was the only one to win a title and he needed the 85 Bears defense. Wilson is a nice start for the Jets but they will need a lot more help on defense and on the perimeter if they hope to compete in the AFC.

 

3. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-10)
Trey Lance-QB-North Dakota St 
6'4"/226
NFL Comp: Marcus Mariota/Steve McNair

As long as Jimmy G is still in San Francisco I am taking Lance here. They may still take Mac Jones or Justin Fields but Lance has the perfect skill set for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Lance used a lot of play action in college and played under center substantially more than any other QB in this draft.

Lance has the athletic tools and skill set to become an elite QB as long as he is given time to learn. I compare him to McNair who has similar size and was a great athlete coming from a small school in Alcorn St. McNair sat two years before becoming a full time starter. Like Mariota, Lance is good at taking care of the football but he will need more consistent play at the NFL level to have a better career than Mariota.


4. ATLANTA FALCONS (4-12)
Kyle Pitts-TE-Florida  Value near EVEN
6'6"/245/4.44/22 reps
NFL Comp: Tony Gonzalez/Taller Vernon Davis

Matt Ryan is still a top 10 QB when given talent around him. He’s also still ‘only’ 35 years old. The Falcons could trade down or they could draft a QB here. However, most think they will take the athletic freak from Florida. Pitts has a knack for scoring (12 TDs in 2020) and is a matchup nightmare that can play inside or wide. The only concern is using a pick this high a TE. In the past guys like Vernon Davis and Eric Ebron have been good but not worth the top 10 pick. New coach Arthur Smith will need to get Pitts 8-10 targets per game to be worth the pick.

 The Falcons have a history of smoothly going from one go to guy to another. They went from Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez to Julio Jones. Now for the next 10 year they have Calvin Ridley and Pitts. They could trade Julio or have him in a lesser role.

 

 

5. CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-11-1)
Penei Sewell-OT-Oregon  Value +3
6'5"/331/30 reps/80.13 wingspan
NFL Comp: Trent Williams/Jason Peters

Last year I compared Joe Burrow to Jim Kelly, Troy Aikman and David Carr. If the Bengals fail to protect him by NOT taking a franchise tackle then Burrow is likely to end up more like Carr than Aikman and Kelly, the two guys in Canton. Sewell is too good to pass up even if the Joe wants to reunite with Ja’Marr Chase. They can make it up to Joe by targeting Terrace Marshall in the second round. There will be plenty of other WR’s there. This is the only chance they have to get a franchise changing blindside protector.

6. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Ja’Marr Chase-WR-LSU   Value near EVEN
6'1"/201/4.34/41 vert
NFL Comparison: Hines Ward/Faster Michael Crabtree

Chase was the best WR in 2019 by far. He won a National Title and the Biletnikoff Award. He is also a high character guy that Head Coach Brian Flores covets. He is a big play machine that had 20 TDs and averaged 21.2 ypc in 2019. The Dolphins could have the clear cut #1 guy for Tua.  

7. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-9) Projected trade w/DET
Justin Fields-QB-Ohio St   Value near EVEN
6-3/227/4.46
NFL Comp: Aaron Rodgers/Dak Prescott 

The Lions have a ton of needs and should be looking to trade down. According to the draft value chart, the difference between picks 7 and 15 is 450 points, the Patriots have pick #46 worth 440 points. Throw in a third rounder next year and we have a deal perfect for both teams. The trade would ensure Fields doesn’t go to the Detroit’s division rivals in Chicago who may be looking to trade up from 20 to get Fields.

New England gets its QB of the future while Detroit gets more picks. Fields was the clear cut #2 QB behind Lawrence yet his stock may be falling according to many sources. It is remarkably similar to Rodgers in 2005. If he slides he will be an absolute steal. Fields has everything you look for in a QB. He has the arm, athletic ability and has played his best in the biggest games. The small concerns about his epilepsy are really a moot point. The slander he has faced in the draft process has been really confusing considering how well he has played and the fact that he’s never had any off the field issues.

 

8. CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-11)
Rashawn Slater-OT/G-Northwestern  Value -4
6'4"/304/80.13 wing
NFL Comparison: La'el Collins/Duane Brown

Carolina put the franchise tag on RT Taylor Moton. The rest of the O-Line is average at best. Slater proved himself against the top pass rushers in the Big Ten including Chase Young. He can come in and compete to start at left tackle or guard from day one.

9. DENVER BRONCOS (5-11)
Micah Parsons-LB-Penn St   Value near EVEN
6'3/"246/19r  NFL Comparison: Lavar Arrignton/Ryan Shazier

The Broncos are going to get the best defensive player in the draft. Vic Fangio and Parsons could be a perfect match. Fangio has a history of utilizing linebackers in many ways and in different schemes. He was great with Patrick Willis in San Fran and Kahlil Mack in Chicago. Parsons is a versatile LB that can play inside, drop into coverage or rush the passer. That’s why he reminds me of fellow Penn St stud Lavar Arrington.

10. DALLAS COWBOYS (6-10)
Patrick Surtain-CB-Alabama   Value -2
6'2"/208/4.42/40v/18r
NFL Comp: Antrel Rolle/Jalen Ramseu

Dallas still has a major need at corner and Surtain is NFL ready. He is also a long and physical defender. He started all three years at Alabama and would no doubt start from day one in Big D as well. This guy has a NFL pedigree and has proven he can thrive with a high pressure program.

11. NEW YORK GIANTS (6-10)
DeVonta Smith-WR-Alabama Value near EVEN
6'0"/167
NFL Comp: Desmond Howard/Ted Ginn/DeSean Jackson

2021 is a make or break year for third year QB Daniel Jones. The Giants already signed Kenny Golladay and now they add the explosive Heisman winner. Smith can give the Giants an element they have lacked since they got rid of Odell Beckham. Smith is very undersized for a #1 WR but if he could be used in a deep threat role he could thrive. Like Howard (the last Heisman Winner that was a WR), Ginn and Jackson, he may need to carve out a role as a kick returner to stay in the league long term.

12. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-11-1)
Jaycee Horn-CB-South Carolina  Value +5
6'1"/205/4.4/41.5v/19r
NFL Comp: Troy Vincent/Xavier Rhodes

Eagles fans get the next Troy Vincent with the big corner out of South Carolina. Horn is the son of former Saints WR Joe Horn and is a physical guy that has proven himself against the top WR’s in the SEC.

13. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (7-9)
Jaylen Waddle-WR-Alabama     Value +3
5'10"/180
NFL Comp: Eric Metcalf/Steve Smith Sr

The Chargers have bigger needs, but Waddle is too good to pass up here. Waddle is an electric playmaker that can be used in ways that complement the skill sets of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. He could have a very similar role to the #13 pick in the 1989 draft in Metcalf. Metcalf was ahead of his time and would have been an absolute weapon in today’s NFL. Young QB Justin Herbert could take another big step with a playmaker like Waddle.

14. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-9)
Christian Darrisaw-OL/OT-VA Tech
6'5"/322/30 reps/82.13 wingspan
NFL Comp: Laremy Tunsil/Taylor Moton

Once the weakness of their team, the Vikings continue to add young players to an improving offensive line. They have used a first or second round pick on the offensive line the past three draft. The core of RT-Brian O’Neill,C-Garrett Bradbury and RG-Ezra Cleveland gives them great building blocks. The las piece is that big left tackle. Darrisaw has the size, length and feet to become a starting left tackle in the NFL.

15. DETROIT LIONS (5-11) Projected Trade Down with New England
Kwity Paye-EDGE/DE-Michigan Even
6'3"/261/36r/4.57
NFL Comparison: Shawne Merriman/Ryan Kerrigan

The Lions stay in state and get much needed help on the edge. Paye has the freakish athletic tools that scouts, and coaches crave. This would be an ideal draft for the Lions to trade down and still get an impact defender like Paye.

16. ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)
Alijah Vera-Tucker-RT/G-USC   Value -3
6'5"/308/32r
NFL Comp: Billy Turner/Joel Bitino

With the top 3 receivers and top 2 corner gone, the Cardinals go the safe route and take the versatile lineman from So Cal. Vera Tucker is a high character guy that played guard and tackle at USC. DJ Humphries is a stud at left tackle, but the other four starters are all 30 or over. Vera Tucker can compete for a starting job at either guard spot or at right tackle.

17. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (8-8) 
Creed Humphrey-C/G-Oklahoma     Value N/A for the Raiders
6'3"/302/70.5 wingspan/29r
NFL Comp: Jeff Saturday/Alex Mack  

The Raiders love to draft guys with high college production from big schools. In the past they have not followed traditional boards. Humphrey was the two time Big 12 Lineman of the year. He can start at center or guard from day one.

18. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Teven Jenkins-OL-OK St   Value -8
6'6"/317/81.0 wingspan/36r
NFL Comp: Billy Turner/Joel Bitino 

The run on offensive lineman continues with Jenkins. Miami seems to be happy with what they saw out of 2020 first round pick Austin Jackson at left tackle. However, second round pick Robert Hunt would fit better inside at guard. Jenkins is a pure right tackle which is more valuable for Miami considering he would be protecting Tua’s blindside.

 

19. WASHINGTON Football Team (7-9) 
Mac Jones-QB-Alabama   Value near EVEN
6'3"/214
NFL Comp: Mark Sanchez/Kirk Cousins

If Jones does not go to the 49ers at #3, he could easily fall into the late teens given the lack of QB need from other teams. Jones has all the intangibles you look for in a QB. He is smart, has great poise, is an accurate passer and is a proven winner. Like Cousins he is a pure pocket passer with intelligence and accuracy. However, he is similar to Sanchez in that they both had limited starts in college and were surrounded by studs everywhere on the offense. At #3 he would be a reach but at #19 Jones is just right.

20. CHICAGO BEARS (8-8)
Greg Newsome-CB-Northwestern  Value -4
6'0"/192/4.39/40v
NFL Comparison: Kyle Fuller/Joe Haden

The Bears go up the road to Evanston and get a replacement for Kyle Fuller. Newsome is similar to Fuller with his length and athletic ability. Newsome seems to be the consensus pick according to many other draft sites. The Bears will need to trade up if they want a franchise QB for the future.


21. INDIANNAPOLIS COLTS (11-5)
Rashod Bateman-ASU-WR  Value +6
6'0"/190/4.43
NFL Comparison: Keenan Allen/Nelson Agholor

The Colts will look to trade back but with all the QBs gone and no player that has slipped far it will be hard to find the perfect trade partner. They go with another weapon on the outside for new QB Carson Wentz.

22. TENNESSEE TITANS (11-5)
Caleb Farley-CB-VA Tech   Value +5
6'1"/207
NFL Comp: Prince Amukamara/Byron Maxwell

If not for injury concerns Farley would be right up there with Surtain and Horn as the projected top corner in the draft. Corner is by far and away the biggest need in Tennessee as let their starters leave this off season.   

23. NEW YORK JETS
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah-LB-Notre Dame   Value +7
6'2"/221/4.34/41 vert
NFL Comp:  Thomas Davis/Darius Leonard

JOK was Mr. Versatility in South Bend, as he played all linebacker spots and even played some strong safety. The Jets have holes everywhere on the roster. New Head Coach Robert Saleh will find a variety of ways to use him.

24. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-) 
Christian Barmore-DL3T/1T-Alabama     Value +3
6'4"/310
NFL Comp: Randy Starks/Muhammad Wilkerson

The Steelers go with the value pick in Barmore to add some much need youth to the Defensive Line. Cameron Hayward continues to play at a high level but he will be 33, Barmore could learn a lot from playing with Hayward and Stephon Tuitt.  


25. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Trevon Moehrig-FS-TCU  Value +5
6'1"/202/4.52
NFL Comp: Malcolm Jenkins/John Johnson

The Jaguars get the best player on the board and fill a major need on the back end. The Jaguars had arguably the worst secondary in the NFL in 2020. Moehrig is no speed demon but he makes up for it with great instincts and physical play.

26. CLEVELAND BROWNS (11-5)
Jaelan Phillips-EDGE/DE-Miami  Value +4
6'6"/260/21r/4.58
NFL Comparison: Robert Quinn/Jadeveon Clowney

The Browns get another pass rusher to give Myles Garrett some help. Phillips provides both value and depth for the them.

 

27. BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-5)
Azeez Ojulari-EDGE-Georgia   Value +2
6'2"/249/26r/4.63
NFL Comparison: Shaquil Barrett/Jerry Hughes

The Ravens love to draft guys with high college production from big schools. Ojulari had 9.5 sacks last year and would be a perfect fit as an OLB in the Ravens system.


28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (12-4)
Jayson Oweh-EDGE-Penn St   Value near EVEN
6'5"/257/4.37/39.5/21r
NFL Comparison: Danielle Hunter/Dion Jordan

The run on pass rushers continue as the Saints get the ultra-athletic pass rusher in Oweh. It is safe to say that thus far the Marcus Davenport experiment has failed.

 

29. GREEN BAY PACKERS (13-3)
Terrace Marshall Jr.-WR-LSU   Value -2
6'3"/204/4.41/39 vert
NFL Comparison: Martavis Bryant/Rueben Randle

The Packers need another WR to help Aaron Rodgers get back to the Super Bowl. Last year I had them taking Brandon Aiyuk in my mock. They might have win the Super Bowl if they took him, Tee Higgins or Chase Claypool last year.


30. BUFFALO BILLS (13-3)
Gregory Rousseau-EDGE/DE-Miami  Value +4
6'6"/266
NFL Comparison: Everson Griffen/Jason Pierre Paul

The Bills go with the young raw pass rusher that will have time to develop under Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison.  

31. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Pat Freiermuth-TE-Penn St   Value -18
6'5"/251
NFL Comparison: Hunter Henry/Zach Ertz

This ray me a reach but the Ravens offense was elite when they had two receiving tight ends in 2019. The drop off from Freiermuth to the next tight is significant. The Ravens will not pick again until pick #104.


32. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (11-5) 
Kadarius Toney-WR-Florida  Value -2
5'11"/193/4.38/39.5v
NFL Comp: Sterling Shepard/Percy Harvin

Yet another weapon for Tom Brady. Toney can have an incredible impact as an offensive weapon playing in Tampa.


SECOND ROUND

 33. JACKSONVILLE JAGUAR
Travis Etienne-RB-Clemson  Value -4
5'10"/215/4.45/18 reps
NFL Comp: Dalvin Cook/Tony Dorsett

My hope as a Jags fan is for them to reunite Trevor Lawrence with his college running back. Etienne would be a great addition to help in both the pass and run game.

34. NEW YORK JETS
Asante Samuel Jr.-CB-FSU  Value +6
5'10"/180/4.41
NFL Comp: Brandon Flowers/Donte Jackson

Jets need a ton of help at corner and Samuel can play both outside and in the slot.

35. ATLANTA FALCONS
Zaven Collins-LB-Tulsa
6'5"/259/4.66/19r
NFL Comp: Anthony Barr/Jamie Collins

The Falcons get a quality defender in the versatile LB from Tulsa. Collins won several awards as a the top LB in the country last year. He is good against the run and can rush the passer too.

 

36. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Najee Harris -RB-Alabama      Value -15
6'1"/232
NFL Comp: Leonard Fournette/Ronnie Brown

True workhorse back to help out the Dolphins anemic ground game.
 

 

37. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Elijah Moore-WR-Ole Miss   Value +7
5'10"/178/4.35
NFL Comp: Tyler Lockett/Phillip Dorsett

The Eagles get the small but explosive WR after passing on Smith and Waddle in the first round.

38. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Rondale Moore-WR-Purdue   Value +5
5'7"/181/4.32
NFL Comparison: Cole Beasley/Tavon Austin

Like the Eagles the Bengals pass on a WR in the first round. Joe Burrow needs weapons and Moore is a Swiss army knife that can be used creatively by an offensive coordinator.

39. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jamin Davis-LB-Kentucky  Value Near EVEN
6'4"/234/4.48/42 vert/21 reps
NFL Comp: Zach Cunninghame

Davis has risen up draft boards and may even go in round one. Carolina loves having elite athletes at linebacker going back to Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. Davis is as good of an athlete as ANY player in this draft.

40. DENVER BRONCOS
Dillon Radunz-OT-North Dakota St 
6’6”/301
NFL Comparison: Brian O'Neil

The Broncos travel a few states over to get the athletic tackle that is rising up draft boards


41. DETROIT LIONS
Samuel Cosmi-OL/OT-Texas Value +6
6’6”/314/80.25 wingspan
NFL Comp: Riley Reiff

With the top receivers gone, the Lions get someone to protect new QB Jared Goff.

42. NEW YORK GIANTS
Nick Bolton-LB-Missouri   Value near EVEN
5'11"/239   
NFL Comparison: Danny Trevathan

The Giants pass on a LB in the first but still end up with a good player here.

43. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Alex Leatherwood-OT/G-Alabama     Value near EVEN
6’5”/312
NFL Comp: Cam Robinson

The 49ers get the big lineman that can play tackle or guard. Trent Williams was great in 2020 but they still should be looking at an eventual successor Tyler Biadasz

44. DALLAS COWBOYS
Landon Dickerson-C/G/OT-Alabama     Value -4
6’6”/333
NFL Comp: Brandon Linder

Tyler Biadasz struggled as a rookie so they may look to move him to guard. The Cowboys need to upgrade their once great offensive line.

 

45. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS  
Wyatt Davis-OL/G-Ohio St  Value near EVEN
6'4"/315/25r
NFL Comp: Bradley Bozeman

Jacksonville realizes they need to take an offensive lineman here if they want a plug and play starter for 2021. Urban Meyer gets his first Ohio St guy.

 

46. DETROIT LIONS  Projected trade with New England
Elijah Molden-S/CB-Washington  Value -7
5'11"/192   
NFL Comparison: Budda Baker

The extra pick allows the Lions get a versatile DB than can play slot, corner or safety.  


47. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Carlos Basham Jr.-DL5T/LDE-Wake Forest  Value +8
6’3”/274/ 20 reps
NFL Comp: Shaq Lawson

The Chargers get the best value on the board. Basham would be an ideal fit as a base end to complement Joey Bosa.
 


48. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Levi Onwuzurike-DL5T/3T-Washington  Value near EVEN
6'2"/290/29 reps
NFL Comparison: Shelby Harris


49. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Jevon Holland-S-Oregon  Value -2
6'1"/207/4.47/19 reps
NFL Comp: Marcus Maye

Holland is a versatile safety with great instincts. He can play as a deep or strong safety and even played nickel corner at Oregon.

 

50. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Joseph Ossai -EDGE-Texas  Value +5
6’4”/256/41.5 vert
NFL Comp: Mario Addison

The Dolphins get a young pass rusher with athletic ability that Brian Flores can develop.

 

51. WASHINGTON Football Team
Jabril Cox-LB-LSU   Value -2
6-3/232
NFL Comparison: Fred Warner/Jayon Brown

Cox may be the best coverage LB in this draft. Like Warner, we could look back on this in a few years and Cox could end up being a major steal.

  

52. CHICAGO BEARS
Jackson Carman -OT-Clemson    Value EVEN
6’5”/317
NFL Comparison: Bryan Bulaga

The Bears need upgrades along the line. Carman was a 4 year starter for Clemson

53. TENNESSEE TITANS
Alim McNeill-DL1T/3T-NC St  Value -11
6'2"/317
NFL Comp: Lawrence Guy

Big space eating nose tackle that would fit perfectly next to Jeffrey Simmons


54. INDIANNAPOLIS COLTS (7-9)
Liam Eichenberg-OT-Notre Dame   Value -3
6'6"/306/33r
NFL Comp:  Ricky Wagner

A possible replacement at LT. Eichenberg would be ecstatic to play with fellow Notre Dame alum Quenton Nelson.


55. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Javonte Williams-RB-UNC   Value +15
5'10"/212/22 reps   
NFL Comparison: Sony Michel/Travis Henry

It seems the Steelers always draft a RB high. They may need to trade up to get Williams but he falls in my draft due to the other teams not needing a running back.  


56. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (11-5) only pick
Richie Grant-CB/S-UCF EVEN
6'0"/197/4.57
NFL Comp: Vonn Bell

They find Shaq Griffin’s replacement from the same school.


57. LOS ANGELES RAMS (10-6)
Eric Stokes-CB-Georgia   Value +2
6'1"/194/4.31
NFL Comparison: Darius Slay

The Rams get the fastest DB in the draft. They will need it going up against the elite WR core’s in the NFC West

58. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (14-2)
Joe Tryon-DE/EDGE-Washington  Value +8
6'5"/259/22 reps
NFL Comparison: Whitney Mercilus

The Chiefs go best player available and have someone to help out Chris Jones and Frank Clark with the pass rush

 

59. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Daviyon Nixon-DL3T/1T-Iowa   Value EVEN
6'3"/313
NFL Comp: Davon Godchaux

The Browns continue to beef up the D-Line for those late season AFC North physical games.


60. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Tyson Campbell-CB-Georgia   Value +2
6'1"/193/4.41
NFL Comparison: Desmond Trufant

The Saints need another young corner to pair with Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore.

 

61. BUFFALO BILLS
Quinn Meinerz-OL/G-Wisc-Whitewater Value +3
6'3"/320
NFL Comp: Ali Marpet

The Bills get the small school stud that can come in and compete to start at guard and eventually take over at center for Mitch Morse.

62. GREEN BAY PACKERS
Aaron Robinson-CB-UCF EVEN
6'0"/186/4.39/37 vert
NFL Comp: Logan Ryan

The Packers get an athletic DB that can plug and play as a slot corner.

 

63. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Trey Smith-OL/G-Tennessee
6'6"/321
NFL Comp: Davon Godchaux

The Chiefs beef up the Offensive line with the big guard that was a two time All-SEC player at Tennessee


64. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Ronnie Perkins-EDGE/DE-Oklahoma     Value +3
6'3"/253/25r/4.71
NFL Comp: Yannick Ngakoue

Impact rusher that would be a great eventual replacement for Jason Pierre Paul.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Trades That Make At Least Some Sense

NBA Off-season Winners and Losers