2021 NFL Mock Draft Projections 1.0 12/20
By: Matt Morley
Tags: NFL, Draft, Football, Sports, NFL Draft

Introduction

With the NFL draft months away, it’s never too early to start studying the college prospects entering the draft and hoping your favorite team lands your favorite prospects. The NFL draft is one of my favorite sporting events of the year and I look forward to seeing young players live out their dream of being selected by an NFL franchise. In my first NFL mock draft, I will use the order of my power rankings to dictate who is drafting at what position. Obviously this is not how the draft order is determined as the first 18 picks are determined by the worst record, but the ensuing picks are determined from the playoffs. In this mock draft there will be no trades as that adds too many variables to make an accurate projection. Nevertheless, here is my 2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0.

1. New York Jets

The Pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

Analysis: Not much explanation needed here. What can’t Trevor Lawrence do? He has all of the intangibles for a modern NFL quarterback and looks to have a promising future in the NFL. The Jets are desperate for a generational talent to turn around this franchise and he is the perfect player to do just that. I don’t know if Trevor Lawrence wants to play for the Jets considering how bad they really are, but I think firing Adam Gase will help the Jets’ chances of avoiding an Eli Manning-type situation. We’ll just have to wait and see how this plays out.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Analysis: The Jaguars aren’t in a much better position as an organization than the Jets, and you could make the argument that they’re in a worse position given they have the number 2 pick. The Minshew Mania days are behind us as the Jaguars are looking to grab another generational talent in this upcoming draft with Justin Fields. Fields is more of a threat on the ground than Lawrence, but he can throw just as well as he can run. I think Fields is the clear cut number two pick in this draft and hopefully the Jaguars don’t screw this up like they usually do.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

The Pick: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Analysis: Before Joe Burrow went down with a season ending ACL tear, the Bengals likely needed to address the offensive line position with their first pick in the draft to protect their franchise quarterback. Now that Burrow’s been injured, this pick is a must for the Bengals. Sewell is the undisputed best offensive lineman in the draft and the Bengals have a perfect opportunity to draft him third overall. They can’t screw this up. Sewell is the pick.

4. Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Analysis: At 6’2”, 203 lbs., Patrick Surtain II is a beast of a corner. Surtain has NFL genes as he is the son of Patrick Surtain, a three time pro-bowler in the NFL who played eleven seasons. Patrick Surtain II is arguably a better prospect coming out of college as he played 15 games as a freshman for Alabama and has logged 107 total tackles, 20 passes defended, and four interceptions in three years at Alabama. He is the number one corner coming out of college this year and fills a need for a Cowboys team that has struggled to find a true number one corner. Patrick Surtain II will start right away on this Cowboys defense and is the type of defender you can trust in any coverage.

5. Atlanta Falcons

The Pick: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Analysis: Micah Parsons is without a doubt the best defensive player in this year’s draft. He can play multiple positions for this Falcons defense and his versatility alone makes him a great pick for nearly every team. The Falcons should be in a rebuilding mindset and Micah Parsons is the perfect player to build your defense around.

6. Detroit Lions

The Pick: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Analysis: There has been a lot of debate over who the best wide receiver in the upcoming NFL draft is. A lot of experts are projecting LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to be the first off the board, but I think Devonta Smith is the most talented receiver in his class. Smith is currently a heisman candidate as he’s posted a phenomenal season with Mac Jones at quarterback. The Lions could use a speedy deep threat to compliment Kenny Golladay and allow Matt Stafford more deep ball opportunities in the Lions offensive attack.

7. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans)

The Pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Analysis: With Devonta Smith already off the board, the Dolphins gladly take Ja’Marr Chase out of LSU. At 6’0”, 207 lbs., Chase has a great build to play in multiple formations in the Dolphins’ offense. Chase was the 2019 Fred Biletnikoff winner, solidifying him as the best receiver in college football that year. Him and Vikings rookie Justin Jefferson were a huge reason why Joe Burrow and LSU had the success in 2019 that they did. There’s a great chance he’s the first wide receiver selected in the 2021 NFL draft, but the Dolphins grab him in my mock after he falls past the Lions.

8. Carolina Panthers

The Pick: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Analysis: The Panthers addressed their defensive line in the first round of the draft last year selecting Derrick Brown out of Auburn, so I think they look to bolster their secondary this year. Caleb Farley is 6’”2, 207 lbs. which is great size for an NFL cornerback. In only 2 seasons as a starter for Virginia Tech he has totaled 56 tackles and 19 passes defended. His six interceptions may not be eye opening, but he’s largely avoided in the pass game for the opposing team because of his lockdown ability. I expect the Panthers to pick the best defensive back available with this pick, and Farley is that guy.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

The Pick: Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami

Analysis: Gregory Rousseau opted out of the 2020 college football season with the uncertainty of COVID-19 likely being the reason why. This shouldn’t matter as his one full season at Miami was enough to impress any football fan that watches his highlight tape. In 13 games, Rousseau had 54 total tackles, 19.5 of them for a loss and 15.5 total sacks. Those numbers are incredible for a freshman and his 6’6”, 251 lbs. frame is exactly what the Chargers need on Defense. They need all kinds of help on Defense and Rousseau will add to a defensive line that struggled to put pressure on the quarterback this year.

10. Denver Broncos

The Pick: Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan

Analysis: With the Broncos just missing out on Rousseau, Kwity Paye is the obvious selection for a Broncos defense that needs an edge rusher to help them put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Paye is 6’4”, 271 lbs. and a beast on the edge for Michigan. His Junior year was his best showing as he had 50 total tackles with 12.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks in 12 total games. The Broncos need a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball and would likely take Farley or Surtain if they could, but the talent of Kwity Paye is hard to pass on given the players still available for them at pick 10.

11. San Francisco 49ers

The Pick: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

Analysis: The 49ers have no shame in their offensive game plan as it is well known that they want to control the pacing of the game and run the ball as much as possible. Wyatt Davis is the best interior offensive lineman in the draft and would start immediately for this 49ers offense that could use help in the trenches. The 49ers could look to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, but I don’t think the quarterbacks available at this point in the draft are better than Jimmy G. I like the 49ers to improve in the trenches with this pick if they can’t get the quarterback they want.

12. New York Giants

The Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, OLB, Notre Dame

Analysis: The Giants could go a lot of different ways with this pick and I think they take the talented Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with this pick. Other than the fact that he has one of the coolest names in the draft, Owusu-Koramoah is one of the best defenders in this class. In 23 games at Notre Dame he has accumulated 129 total tackles, 22.5 for a loss and 7 sacks. He flies around the field and is a leader on this Notre Dame defense. The Giants need to get better on defense in this year’s draft and Owusu-Koramoah is the type of player that can help you in more positions than one.

13. Philadelphia Eagles

The Pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Analysis: The Eagles took Jalen Reagor in the first round of last year’s draft and passed on the rookie breakout Justin Jefferson in favor of Reagor. Although he has been injured, he’s been rather disappointing in comparison to other receivers selected in the draft. I think the Eagles target another wide receiver with this selection and take Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the 13th pick. If the Eagles are moving on from Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts would need another weapon to help this offense be dangerous for opposing defenses. Couple Waddle with Reagor and these Eagles receivers are FAST.

14. Washington Football Team (WFT)

The Pick: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Analysis: Dwayne Haskins was benched earlier this year in favor of Kyle Allen and Alex Smith. I don’t think Washington views any of these three quarterbacks as their face of the franchise, but they could grab their guy here with Zach Wilson. Wilson has a great arm and would be a great fit for this offense as he should do well with Terry Mclaurin out wide. I think the WFT is most likely to make a draft trade to acquire more picks or a higher selection in the draft, especially if they make the playoffs.

15. Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Analysis: The Vikings need a lot of help in the secondary and Jayce Horn should do just that. The next best corner to come out of South Carolina, Horn has great size and speed that translates well to the NFL. Horn is a steal at pick 15 as he would surely be a top 10 selection if Caleb Farley and Patrick Surtain II weren’t in the draft pool.

16. Chicago Bears

The Pick: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Analysis: Rather than trading up in the draft to select a quarterback like they did for Mitch Trubisky, the Bears can stay put and take quarterback Trey Lance out of North Dakota State. Lance is 6’4”, 226 lbs. and is electric on offense. He can run, throw, and play with a swagger that the Bears could’ve used out of Mitch Trubisky up to this point. The Bears passed on Pat Mahomes and Deshaun Watson to select Trubisky years ago, but get a special talent in Trey Lance with the 16th pick in this year’s draft.

17. New England Patriots

The Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

Analysis: The Patriots need a lot of help on offense and Kyle Pitts is the type of talent the Patriots need. With the Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski duo now in Tampa Bay, the Patriots elect to take a special player in Kyle Pitts to help revive this offense. The Patriots drafted two tight ends in last year’s draft, but neither player has done much of anything on this offense. Kyle Pitts is one of the best tight ends to come out of college in a long time and he could rise up draft boards come next April.

18. Las Vegas Raiders

The Pick: Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama

Analysis: Christian Barmore is the best defensive tackle in this year’s draft and it’s for good reason. Barmore is a unit on the defensive front weighing in at 310 lbs. with a 6’5” frame. He logged six sacks in eight games this year and 2 forced fumbles. He terrorizes offensive lines and I expect his draft stock to surge up to a first round projection by April. The Raiders could use a beast up front to plug the middle and Cristian Barmore should be exactly what Jon Gruden is looking for

19. Arizona Cardinals

The Pick: Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern

Analysis: Kyler Murray got banged up a bit in 2020 and appears to be playing with a hurt shoulder at this point in the season. They should address the offensive line with their first pick in this draft to help protect him and prolong his career by keeping him healthy. Rashawn Slater can play any position on the offensive line and should be the selection for the Cardinals here given the other players available.

20. Miami Dolphins

The Pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Analysis: With Rashawn Slater being selected right before the Dolphins, offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is the pick here. The Dolphins have struggled at offensive line in recent seasons and they need to get better there to protect Tua Tagovailoa. Darrisaw has some versatility and can play guard or tackle for the Dolphins.

21. Cleveland Browns

The Pick: Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas

Analysis: Ossai has excellent size for an NFL linebacker with a 6’4”, 253 lbs. build. In 3 seasons at Texas, Ossai has totaled 165 tackles, 30 of them for a loss and 11.5 total sacks. He should help this Browns defense mightily as he can play in coverage and pressure the quarterback off the edge. The Browns would be ecstatic if Ossai falls to them at pick 21.

22. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)

The Pick: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Analysis: The Jets need a lot of talent to improve next year and be competitive again. They’re almost certainly selecting Trevor Lawrence number one overall barring any crazy trades or circumstances, so why not pair him with his Clemson counterpart in Travis Etienne. They might as well fire Adam Gase and hire Dabo Swinney so they can rebrand into the New York Tigers. That’s a bit far fetched, but landing Travis Etienne is certainly possible and would be a great addition alongside Trevor Lawrence. We’ll see what happens.

23. Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Analysis: I feel like the Ravens need to address the wide receiver position every year and they did by drafting Marquise Brown in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Now in 2021 they can find another talented wideout in Rashod Bateman to play alongside brown. Bateman is a red zone threat and a great route runner. He has good size (6’2”, 209 lbs.) and has the potential to be an all pro wideout if he continues in the right direction. This pick makes a lot of sense for the Ravens.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: Carlos Basham Jr., Edge, Wake Forest

Analysis: Basham is quickly rising up a lot of Experts’ mock drafts and there’s a good reason why. Carlos Basham (nicknamed Boogie) had a phenomenal career at Wake Forest and his talents should translate well to the NFL. He’s big (6’5”, 275 lbs.), quick in his movements, and his effort alone will catch the eye of many NFL scouts. He gets to the quarterback quickly and thats exactly what the Bucs need in a division of pocket passing quarterbacks.

25. Indianapolis Colts

The Pick: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Analysis: The Colts have come a long way from their woes at offensive line not too long ago that ultimately forced Andrew Luck into an early retirement, but they still have room for improvement. I think the Colts are in the market for a quarterback this off-season if Philip Rivers decides to retire, and securing one of the best offensive lineman in the draft will help entice quarterbacks to want to come to Indy. Cosmi has great size (6’7”, 309 lbs.) and should start right away for the Colts. This is a great value pick at 25.

26. Green Bay Packers

The Pick: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Analysis: The Packers desperately need another wide receiver to line up alongside Davante Adams as they haven’t had much production out of Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Allen Lazard is not exactly a top tier talent. Insert Rondale Moore, a speedy receiver out of Purdue that had a stellar junior campaign. His senior year was a bit disappointing and COVID-19 likely played a factor in that, but the speed alone is enough for the Packers to take a risk on this guy. If Jordan Love really is the future for this franchise, he’ll LOVE airing it out deep to Rondale Moore. Moore also runs crisp routes which is sure to entice Aaron Rodgers and company.

27. New Orleans Saints

The Pick: Dylan Moses, ILB, Alabama

Analysis: The Saints have a great defense but lack depth when it comes to injuries. On the offensive side of the ball they have plenty of talent and don’t need to address their offensive attack with their first round selection. Dylan Moses is a leader on an Alabama defense that produces NFL talent year after year. Moses may not start on the Saints as a rookie but should rotate in and see a significant role next year.

28. Tennessee Titans

The Pick: Jay Tufele, DL, USC

Analysis: The Titans need to beef up their defensive line this draft and they have a great opportunity to do so with Jay Tufele still on the board at pick 28. Tufele has been exceptional for the USC Trojans this year and his versatility on the line makes him a perfect pick for Mike Vrabel’s defense

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LA Rams)

The Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

Analysis: Back to back USC players are selected as the Jaguars look to help protect their franchise quarterback in Justin Fields with a versatile offensive lineman. Vera-Tucker can play almost anywhere on the offensive line and his quickness will help when Justin Fields is looking to scramble.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pick: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Analysis: The Big Ben days in Pittsburgh are coming to an end and I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a move to take a quarterback in this draft as I expect Roethlisberger to retire this off-season. Selecting an offensive tackle to help protect whatever quarterback lines up under center next year for the Steelers will be a great pick and Alex Leatherwood is an excellent protector for any quarterback. We’ll have to see if the Steelers make any moves prior to draft day.

31. Buffalo Bills

The Pick: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

Analysis: Shaun Wade has overcome a lot of adversity in his time at Ohio State and he may have been a top 10 selection if it weren’t for some extracurricular activities. His talent alone is too much to pass on and I think the Bills take him here to help bolster their secondary. The Bills could also go wide receiver here, but a lot of the top ones have already gone in this mock. They take the best player available here and get themselves a great compliment to Tre White.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

The Pick: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Analysis: Terrace Marshall Jr. put together an impressive campaign over the last two seasons and looks to be creeping into the first round based on his talent and size. The Chiefs are lacking a true number one X receiver as Sammy Watkins can’t seem to stay healthy. I think the Chiefs are looking to have a receiver that can take the pressure off Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in the passing game and adding Terrace Marshall to the mix makes this offense even scarier than it already is.