Football season is already half over and for some teams, the NFL Draft is already within their sights. While the COVID-19 pandemic muddied the waters for scouts, the picture has begun to get clearer as we get more film on prospects.
With all of that said, here is my first 2021 NFL Mock Draft!
Round 1:
1- New York Jets: Trevor Lawrence QB, Clemson
Trevor Lawrence remains the best prospect in this class and an easy choice as the first overall pick. The Jets look to be moving on from Sam Darnold and should move on from Adam Gase as well if they seek to get the Trevor Lawrence era off to a good start.
2- Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Fields QB, Ohio State
Going into the year, Fields was seen as a consolation prize in a strong quarterback class. Thus far into 2020, he’s been impeccable, locking in his status as college football’s best quarterback. His improvement this season is incredible and Jacksonville should be sprinting to the podium.
3- Washington Football Team: Zach Wilson QB, BYU
Washington simply can’t go into the 2021 season with the same quarterback room as they have now. While they could go after a free agent, I like their chances with Zach Wilson much better. Wilson has been 2020’s biggest surprise as the BYU Cougar has cemented himself as a legit NFL prospect. He doesn’t have the strongest arm but this kid is a ball player.
4- Dallas Cowboys: Gregory Rousseau ER, Miami
Dallas is in a tough position with a pick this high. Depending on the impending decision regarding Dak Prescott and Tyron Smith’s outlook, Dallas could go in a few different directions with this pick. Assuming Dallas is content with Prescott and Smith, Dallas has to go defense to fill many holes. Rousseau, regarded as the draft’s best pass-rusher, would give Dallas an instant upgrade of one of their biggest positions of need.
5- Los Angeles Chargers: Penei Sewell OT, Oregon
SPRINT TO THE PODIUM!!! Reuniting Sewell and Herbert would be a dream come true for Anthony Lynn and the Chargers. Sewell is one of the most highly touted tackle prospects in history and happens to fill the biggest void on the Chargers roster. A match made in heaven.
6- Miami Dolphins: Micah Parsons LB, Penn State
Miami has greatly improved in 2020. The defense has been strong and Tua has showed promise through his first few games with the team. Why not give this talented defense another fantastic piece in Penn State’s Micah Parsons, this defense’s new leader at the MIKE.
7- Cincinnati Bengals: Christian Darrisaw OT, Virginia Tech
The biggest surprise thus far, Christian Darrisaw is in the express lane to becoming the 2nd tackle taken in this class. He’s been phenomenal so far in 2020 and has flown to the top of mock drafts and big boards. He gives the Bengals their best shot at securing a franchise tackle.
8- New York Giants: Kwity Paye ER, Michigan
The Giants are in a tough position in the upcoming draft. Do they move on from Daniel Jones? In this draft, they keep Jones around for another year and instead take one of the most physically talented players in the class, Michigan’s Kwity Paye. Paye has been on a rampage to open the season and might end up being the first pass-rusher off the board come April.
9- Carolina Panthers: Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
For the Panthers, this might be a situation where the best player available also fits a need. While Farley decided to opt-out of the 2020 season, he remains the most talented corner in this class. With incredible size, length, and speed, he would give the Panthers a shutdown corner for the future.
10- Atlanta Falcons: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB, Notre Dame
What a fun player. Atlanta needs some fun players. Owusu-Koramoah is a versatile piece that could help the Falcons in any number of spots. With a defense in shambles, getting a chess piece like Owusu-Koramoah could give Atlanta the trump card they need.
11- Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II CB, Alabama
Denver should start to be taking peaks at a quarterback here but with just North Dakota State’s Trey Lance on the board, I think Denver would be more comfortable taking college football’s best corner instead. Surtain has proved that he is worthy of a Top-15 selection and would pair well with the Denver secondary.
12- San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance QB, North Dakota State
Wouldn’t this be a blast? The 49ers have come to realize this season that Jimmy G simply isn’t a game-changing quarterback. He can win games but the offense has stalled with his inability to make plays out of structure and drive the ball down the field. Lance is everything that is opposite of Jimmy G. A wildly talented QB with room to grow. Pairing Lance with Shanahan would be the best collab since peanut butter and jelly.
13- Detroit Lions: Jaylen Waddle WR, Alabama
Speed Kills! Waddle is this draft’s most dynamic weapon. He’s as fast as Ruggs and maybe even more elusive. Before a season-ending injury, Waddle was on his way to one of the best seasons ever for a receiver. He’s a no-brainer for a Lions team in need of playmakers on both sides of the ball.
14- Minnesota Vikings: Wyatt Davis IOL, Ohio State
Minnesota would have loved for Lance to fall to 14, however, that was not the case. The Vikings interior offensive line has still struggled after investing some capital into the positions. Wyatt Davis is the best interior offensive lineman in the class and would provide protection for Cousins who has struggled this season.
15- New England Patriots: Ja’Marr Chase WR, LSU
This is a case of taking the best player available. Florida’s Kyle Pitts could very well be the selection here come draft day, however, Chase was just too good to pass up on. Whenever the Patriots decide to select their new franchise quarterback, he will have a true No.1 receiver to start off his young career with.
16- Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman WR, Minnesota
The Bears very well could lose their one and only true offensive playmaker this offseason as Allen Robinson is set to hit free agency. While it isn’t a perfect transition, Minnesota Gopher Rashod Bateman is a talented player in his own right. He isn’t a world-class athlete, but he is similar to Robinson in more ways than one.
17- Cleveland Browns: Joseph Ossai ER, Texas
Cleveland is finally having the season that many have hyped up over the years. The run game is carrying the offense and Myles Garrett has led a vaunted defense. Garrett, however, needs a running partner on the other end o the line and Texas’ Jospeh Ossai has proved this season that he has the tools to become a possible first round player.
18- Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari ER, Georgia
With Clowney on a 1-year contract and Landry seeming to be a 7-8 sack a year guy, Tennessee could look to get another pass-rusher. Ojulari bends like a wet noodle and has put fear in the eyes of SEC tackles this season. He is still coming into his own, but the physical tools are there.
19- Philadelphia Eagles: Jaycee Horn CB, South Carolina
This team needs help. The Eagles are set to make the playoff but that’s more of a crime than it is indicative of their play. Wentz looks lost and the defense hasn’t been any better. This team has holes all over and it starts at WR and the secondary. Horn has flown up boards and would lock up the CB spot opposite of Darius Slay.
20- Arizona Cardinals: Eric Stokes CB, Georgia
Patrick Peterson, Budda Baker, and Isaiah Simmons team up for a strong back 7. Adding another top-shelf prospect at corner would give this team a young and talented defense for years to come. Stokes has shown he is the better of the Bulldog corner duo and may have a case as CB3.
21- New York Jets: Kyle Pitts TE, Florida
This is a draft made in heaven for the Jets. After selecting generational quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jets strike right back with who I consider to be the Draft’s best offensive weapon. Pitts is just built different. He’s a mismatch against every defender and has made a case as one of the draft’s best tight ends ever.
22- Miami Dolphins: DeVonta Smith WR, Alabama
Miami’s offensive weapons are built upon jump-ball receivers at the moment. Giving Tua his college weapon back, a player who excels at creating separation would be a great service for the young lefty. Smith doesn’t have the profile of most receivers as he is on the thin side, but his play more than makes up for it.
23- Indianapolis Colts: Jalen Mayfield OT, Michigan
The Colts should start looking for the successor to Philip Rivers, but that transition doesn’t start just yet. Mayfield has gotten off to a nice start thus far and could cement himself as one of the top tackles. The Colts are a solid roster but could use some more depth up front.
24- Baltimore Ravens: Chris Olave WR, Ohio State
After an MVP season, Lamar Jackson’s 2020 season has been a bit disappointing. Marquise Brown’s play has decline and the Ravens could use another weapon to help Lamar Jackson get back to MVP form. Olave has been Justin Fields’ best friend and would also do wonders for Lamar, giving him a reliable target.
25- Jacksonville Jaguars: Shaun Wade CB, Ohio State
The Jaguars should be happy with the play of CJ Henderson and Sydney Jones IV. Both have been promising this season, however the nickel play has been underwhelming to say the least. Hayden and Herndon have both been picked apart by opposing QBs. Shaun Wade could slide right in as the team’s nickel and play a position more natural for him as well.
26- Las Vegas Raiders: Jay Tufele DL, USC
I consider Tufele to be the only defensive lineman worthy of a first-round selection. He is by far the most consistent of the top DLs and has a pretty high ceiling as well. He would be the perfect Raider.
27- Tampa Bay Bucs: Aidan Hutchinson ER, Michigan
Hutchinson’s season has unfortunately ended, however he proved time and time again that he is one of the draft’s best pass-rushers. He bends surprisingly well for someone of his size and it never hurts to have too many solid defensive lineman. The Bucs defense just got even scarier.
28- Buffalo Bills: Sam Cosmi OT, Texas
Some might consider this a steal and for a team that looks to do no wrong, it might be. The Bills are on a tear and Josh Allen has planted himself among the NFL’s best young quarterbacks. Giving him a young tackle to grow with is ideal.
29- Green Bay Packers: Rondale Moore WR, Purdue
YES!!!!!!!!!!
30- Kansas City Chiefs: Creed Humphrey IOL, Oklahoma
Kansas City is in as good a shape as any franchise in football. They have the most talented QB in NFL history and a defense able to create turnovers. With a pass-heavy attack and a mobile quarterback, getting a guy like Humphrey at center could be a huge get for the Chiefs.
31- New Orleans Saints: Dylan Moses LB, Alabama
The Saints defense needs linebacker help in a bad way. While their defense is better than in years past, Moses could slide right in and give the Saints’ defense the speed they need.
32- Pittsburgh Steelers: Liam Eichenberg OT, Notre Dame
Eichenberg isn’t the typical freak tackle that is taken late in Round 1, but he is no doubt a solid player. Eichenberg is fairly polished and depending not he future of the Steelers’ offensive line, could be a starter sooner than later. He is everything that Mike Tomlin and company look for in a Steeler.
Round 2:
33- New York Jets: Travis Etienne RB, Clemson
34- Jacksonville Jaguars: Pat Freiermuth TE, Penn State
35- Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Moehrig S, TCU
36- Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker IOL, USC
37- Miami Dolphins: Jayson Oweh ER, Penn State
38- Washington Football Team: Dillon Radunz OT, North Dakota State
39- Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Smith IOL, Tennessee
40- Carolina Panthers: Nick Bolton LB, Missouri
41- New York Giants: Derion Kendrick CB, Clemson
42- Denver Broncos: Jordan Davis DL, Georgia
43- Atlanta Falcons: Jaelan Phillips ER, Miami
44- San Francisco 49ers: Alex Leatherwood IOL, Alabama
45- Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Cisco S, Syracuse
46- New England Patriots: Desmond Ridder QB, Cincinnati
47- Detroit Lions: Christian Barmore DL, Alabama
48- Chicago Bears: Mac Jones QB, Alabama
49- Tennessee Titans: Marvin Wilson DL, Florida State
50- Cleveland Browns: Jabril Cox LB, LSU
51- Philadelphia Eagles: Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
52- Seattle Seahawks: Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
53- Miami Dolphins: Josh Myers IOL, Ohio State
54- Indianapolis Colts: Darius Stills DL, West Virginia
55- Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr. WR, LSU
56- Arizona Cardinals: Brevin Jordan TE, Miami
57- Las Vegas Raiders: Carlos Basham Jr. ER, Wake Forest
58- Los Angeles Rams: Teven Jenkins OT, Oklahoma State
59- Buffalo Bills: Tyson Campbell CB, Georgia
60- Tampa Bay Bucs: Jaylen Twyman DL, Pittsburgh
61- Green Bay Packers: Asante Samuel Jr. CB, Florida State
62- Kansas City Chiefs: Chazz Surratt LB, UNC
63- New Orleans Saints: Paulson Adebo CB, Stanford
64- Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Trask QB, Florida
Round 3:
65- New York Jets: Hamilcar Rashed Jr. ER, Oregon State
66- Jacksonville Jaguars: Amon-Ra St.Brown WR, USC
67- Los Angeles Chargers: Roger McCreary CB, Auburn
68- Houston Texans: Deonte Brown IOL, Alabama
69- Washington Football Team: Paris Ford S, Pittsburgh
70- Dallas Cowboys: Elijah Molden CB, Washington
71- Cincinnati Bengals: Patrick Jones II ER, Pittsburgh
72- New York Giants: Cameron McGrone LB, Michigan
73- Carolina Panthers: Kadarius Toney WR, Florida
74- Atlanta Falcons: Myjai Sanders ER, Cincinnati
75- Denver Broncos: Jackson Carman OT, Clemson
76- Washington Football Team: Sage Surratt WR, Wake Forest
77- New England Patriots: Forfeited
78- Detroit Lions: Kary Vincent Jr.
79- Minnesota Vikings: Jevon Holland S, Oregon
80- Chicago Bears: Tyler Shelvin DL, LSU
81- Cleveland Browns: Caden Sterns S, Texas
82- Tennessee Titans: Seth Williams WR, Auburn
83- Philadelphia Eagles: Ar’Darius Washington S, TCU
84- Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris RB, Alabama
85- Indianapolis Colts: Elijah Moore WR, Ole Miss
86- Minnesota Vikings: David Faalele OT, Minnesota
87- Arizona Cardinals: Quincy Roche ER, Miami
88- New York Jets: Tylan Wallace WR, Oklahoma State
89- Los Angeles Rams: Victor Dimukeje ER, Duke
90- Las Vegas Raiders: Zion Johnson IOL, Boston College
91- Tampa Bay Bucs: Dazz Newsome WR, UNC
92- Buffalo Bills: Charles Snowden LB, Virginia
93- Green Bay Packers: Spencer Brown OT, Northern Iowa
94- Kansas City Chiefs: Walker Little OT, Stanford
95- Cleveland Browns: Israel Mukuamu CB, South Carolina
96- Pittsburgh Steelers: Joe Tryon ER, Washington
