Cover Photo taken from nfl.com & All Logos were taken from wikipedia.org
The Super Bowl has come and gone but football season never ends and team needs are becoming more clear each day. This Mock Draft addresses each teams current biggest needs heading into the 2021 season.
Round 1
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Trevor Lawrence is in a class above the rest, let me know when you find a Mock Draft with a different first pick.
2. New York Jets
Selection: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Zach Wilson has recently been rising up draft boards. Some even say he may be ahead of Lawrence, but I think that is insane. Lawrence has been compared with some of the greatest Quarterback prospects to ever come out. With that being said, Wilson is still incredibly talented and if the Jets are able to land some weapons in Free Agency they may have a quick turnaround.
3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston)
Selection: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
This seems like a match made in heaven, the Heisman Trophy winner is absolutely electric on the field. The Dolphins landed their franchise Quarterback last year with Tua, now it’s time to surround him with the weapons to succeed. Reuniting the former college teammates will only accelerate their development and give Tua a go-to receiver.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
I really like this fit for Fields. Matt Ryan is at the end of his tenure in Atlanta so grabbing their next franchise Quarterback at number four makes sense. Fields can learn a lot from Ryan and will have some great weapons at his disposal when he sees the field. The home town kid will be set up for early success.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Joe Burrow was running for his life last season and is coming off of a season-ending knee injury. Sewell is without a doubt the best Tackle in this years draft class and should be protecting Burrow’s blind side for years to come.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
I think the Eagles front office is kicking themselves for passing up on Justin Jefferson last year. So this time they do not miss out on his former teammate. Chase opted out of football for the 2020 season but simply dominated on the field in 2019, by putting up nearly 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns. By landing Chase, the Eagles will give Jalen Hurts or whoever is behind center a true number one receiver.
7. Detroit Lions
Selection: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
With the addition of Jared Goff the Lions have a guy who still has a ton of potential. If they truly believe Goff is their Quarterback of the future, than Dan Campbell needs an impact player in the middle of his defense. That is exactly what he gets out of Micah Parsons who is the best Linebacker at the top of the Draft.
8. Carolina Panthers
Selection: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
For whatever reason the Panthers do not seem very content with Teddy Bridgewater despite only being a year removed from signing him to a three-year $63 million deal. If they only see Teddy as a bridge Quarterback, than selecting Lance seems like the right move. Lance was not able to play last year as NDSU did not have a season. However, people are quick to forget that he had a ridiculous 2019 season where he did not throw an interception. Not turning the ball over will drastically help out the young defense Carolina began to build last season.
9. Denver Broncos
Selection: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Cornerback may be the biggest need on Vic Fangio’s defense and Surtain II has all the makings of a lock-down cornerback. He is aggressive and has good size to contest bigger receivers. If the Broncos decide to roll with Drew Lock or look at adding a guy via Trade or in Free Agency, than addressing the defensive back position at 9 is the best bet.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
I think its safe to say Dak will be back next season, whether that is on the Franchise Tag or a long-term deal that remains to be seen. In the meantime, the Cowboys need to get younger on the Offensive Line. The once most dominant line in the league was atrocious last season. Injuries piled up and age has caught up to guys like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin.
11. New York Giants
Selection: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Giants are all in with Daniel Jones and need to get him some weapons to throw the ball to. Slayton and Shepard are good no. 2 options but are not game changers. With the return of Saquon, adding a receiver like Waddle will allow Jones to make the leap in his third NFL season.
12. San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Farley is fantastic at press, man-to-man coverage. He is big and not afraid to get physical with opposing receivers. The only reason I have him behind Surtain II is because Farley played solely on the left side at Virginia Tech. Overall he is a top ten talent and with Richard Sherman reportedly on his way out, Farley fills an immediate need in the 49ers secondary.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
The Chargers must address the offensive line in the draft and do so here by taking Vera-Tucker. Most experts see him kicking inside to play Guard but he is capable of anchoring an offensive line from the Tackle position. Last season, Herbert was under pressure almost every time he dropped back. Tucker will help keep a clean pocket for the young QB.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season but was an absolute terror for opposing Quarterbacks in 2019. Landing Rousseau at no. 14 will be a steal for Mike Zimmer and the Vikings organization. Last season the Vikings pass rush lost Danielle Hunter to a season ending injury. Pairing Hunter and Rousseau together as book ends on the defensive line, Quarterbacks will have nightmares before facing the Vikings.
15. New England Patriots
Selection: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
It is no secret that New England had absolutely no production from the Tight End position last season. Pitts became a focal point at Florida for their offense. The 6-foot-6 Tight End can catch, run, and block, making whoever is playing Quarterback for the Patriots this season one happy man.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The son of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee was raised to play in the NFL. He enters the draft as one of the best Cornerbacks available, and has experience playing inside and out. Patrick Peterson is rumored to be on the way out of Arizona, which will open the door for Horn, who will be a quality starter in the Cardinals secondary for years to come.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The Raiders have a very average Linebacker group, but here they address that problem by selecting Owusu-Koramoah. He is a very gifted athlete who can cover the slot and is an efficient blitzer. I like his fit in the Raiders defense and Vegas now has a do-it-all linebacker that each team needs in todays NFL.
18. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Dolphins selected DeVonta Smith with their first pick, now they look to continue to build around Tua and draft a player who will protect him. Miami has an underrated defense so it all comes down to building an offense that makes Tua comfortable.
19. Washington Football Team
Selection: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Washington really needs a Quarterback. I strongly believe they are a Quarterback away from taking the NFC East Division. Mac Jones does lack some mobility, but he is extremely accurate and has the arm strength to compete with anyone. Jones will be able to come in and learn from Alex Smith the same way Patrick Mahomes did.
20. Chicago Bears
Selection: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Mayfield has the ability to play inside and out, and is a powerful run blocker who finishes his block. After missing out on Wentz, I get the sense that Mitchell Trubisky will be back in Chicago. The Bears Offensive Line was questionable last season and getting a versatile lineman like Mayfield will pay off.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Selection: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The loss of Anthony Castonzo will play a huge factor into Indy’s draft plans. After trading for Carson Wentz, I don’t think they wanted to give up a first-round pick for him this year because of the talented Tackles. Keeping Wentz up right will go a long way to him returning to form. Cosmi is an absolute monster standing at 6-foot-7 and has a ton of experience playing both Left and Right Tackle. He is a day-one capable starter and will plug into one of the best offensive lines in the league.
22. Tennessee Titans
Selection: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Titans pass-rush was lackluster last season to say the least. The Clowney experiment didn’t pay off but here, they get a guy who can get after the Quarterback and wreck havoc in the backfield.
23. New York Jets (via Seattle)
Selection: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
I am extremely high on Bateman, despite him not playing in 2020. He might be the best route-runner in the class and has reliable hands. They took Zach Wilson with the second overall pick and now they’re giving him pieces to grow with.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Harris has overtaken Travis Etienne for my best Runningback. When looking at the Steelers offence last season, there was a glaring hole at that position. A lot of people are putting the blame on Ben Roethlisberger, but when you are forced to throw the ball forty-five times a game, you won’t win many games. The Steelers finished dead last in rushing last season and were incredibly hard to watch down the stretch. Harris will come in as the featured back as the Steelers get back to their old ground-and-pound ways.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams)
Selection: Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Barmore is a run stuffing stud that can sure up the middle of the Jags Defensive Line. For a big guy, he has good lateral movement and can get to the passer. Beefing up the Defensive Line in Jacksonville should be one of the top priorities for new Jags Head Coach Urban Meyer.
26. Cleveland Browns
Selection: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Cleveland needs to upgrade at the Linebacker position to say the least. They had production from the position last year but it was a weakness on the team. Mack Wilson had a down year and Sione Takitaki is far from a great Linebacker. Zaven Collins has the size and speed to be an every-down linebacker in today’s modern game.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
This feels like a Ravens pick. The Ravens are facing some uncertainty at pass-rusher as Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue are pending Free Agents and will demand big contracts. Ossai is quick off the edge and will provide some much needed youth on their defensive line.
28. New Orleans Saints
Selection: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Kwon Alexander will most likely be a cap-casualty and Demario Davis isn’t getting any younger, making Linebacker a top priority for the Saints. Quarterback could be an option here, but I think Drew Brees passes the torch to Jameis Winston this off-season. Bolton has good range and can cover sideline to sideline, making him a good value pick at 28.
29. Green Bay Packers
Selection: Terrace Marshall Jr, WR, LSU
As I’ve said before, the Packers drastically need to give Aaron Rodgers some weapons. A true number two option beside Devante Adams may be exactly what the Packers need to get over the hump.
30. Buffalo Bills
Selection: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
The Buffalo Bills may have been the biggest surprise of the 2020 NFL season. Everyone had high expectations but who would have thought they would make it to the AFC Championship? As good as they were, they struggled running the ball and Devin Singletary only reached the endzone twice. As good as Josh Allen is as a runner, I don’t want to see him take unnecessary hits. Travis Etienne is a strong, physical, and elusive runner who can do it all.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Wyatt Davis, OL, Ohio State
After watching the Super Bowl, this shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone. As good as Patrick Mahomes is, he can’t do very much if he has no pass protection. Obviously their Offensive Line was banged up in Tampa but it was evident that they could not block anyone. Drafting Wyatt Davis, and the return of Laurent Duvernay-Tardif will help beef up the middle of the line.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE, Vanderbilt
The Bucs are up and surprise, surprise, Tom Brady is once again a Super Bowl champ. With Brady committed to playing for another 20-years, the Bucs have the opportunity to take whoever they want as there are no glaring needs. Shaq Barrett wants to get paid what he is worth so that may lead to him signing elsewhere. Bring in Odeyingbo who can contribute in rushing the passer.
Round 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
34. New York Jets
Selection: Asante Samuel Jr, CB, Florida State
35. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
36. Miami Dolphins (via Houston)
Selection: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
37. Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa
38. Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
39. Carolina Panthers
Selection: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
40. Denver Broncos
Selection: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
41. Detroit Lions
Selection: Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
42. New York Giants
Selection: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
43. San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
44. Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
45. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Minnesota)
Selection: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
46. New England Patriots
Selection: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
47. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
48. Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Deonte Brown, OL, Alabama
49. Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Patrick Jones, EDGE, Pitt
50. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
51. Washington Football Team
Selection: Richie Grant, S, UCF
52. Chicago Bears
Selection: Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
53. Tennessee Titans
Selection: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
54. Indianapolis Colts
Selection: Jay Tufele, DL, USC
55. Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
56. Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
57. Los Angeles Rams
Selection: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
58. Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
59. Cleveland Browns
Selection: Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF
60. New Orleans Saints
Selection: Carlos Basham Jr, EDGE, Wake Forest
61. Buffalo Bills
Selection: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
62. Green Bay Packers
Selection: Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
63. Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Hamilcar Rashed Jr, EDGE, Oregon State
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
Round 3
65. Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
66. New York Jets
Selection: Javonte Williams, RB, South Carolina
67. Houston Texans
Selection: Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
68. Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
69. Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
70. Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
71. Denver Broncos
Selection: Aaron Banks, OL, Notre Dame
72. Detroit Lions
Selection: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
73. Carolina Panthers
Selection: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
74. Washington Football Team (via San Francisco)
Selection: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
75. Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Shaka Toney, EDGE, Penn State
76. New York Giants
Selection: Chris Rumph II, EDGE, Duke
77. New England Patriots
Selection: Forfeited
78. Los Angeles Chargers
Selection: Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
79. Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
80. Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
81. Las Vegas Raiders
Selection: Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
82. Miami Dolphins
Selection: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
83. Washington Football Team
Selection: Chatarius Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
84. Chicago Bears
Selection: Quinn Meinerz, OL, Wisconsin-Whitewater
85. Philadelphia Eagles (via Indianapolis)
Selection: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
86. Tennessee Titans
Selection: Ifeatu Melinfonwu, CB, Syracuse
87. New York Jets (via Seattle)
Selection: Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pitt
88. Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
89. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
Selection: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
90. Cleveland Browns
Selection: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
91. Minnesota Vikings (via Baltimore)
Selection: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
92. Cleveland Browns (via New Orleans)
Selection: Demetric Felton, RB/WR, UCLA
93. Green Bay Packers
Selection: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
94. Buffalo Bills
Selection: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
95. Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Tommy Togiai, DL, Ohio State
96. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State