2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
The NFL season has just four games remaining on the 2020 regular season schedule until the playoffs where a champion will be determined. College football ends very soon with conference championships happening within the next two weeks.
Come April, the NFL draft will be the highest talked about football topic with elite prospects entering the NFL such as Trevor Lawrence and Ja’Marr Chase. The NFL draft is one of the more important tasks for an NFL franchise as young players can produce and develop at a cheaper rate and shape the future for the team.
In recent drafts, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens have thrived off draft picks, forming elite rosters. Whether a team needs a franchise quarterback or a stud defensive player, the draft is a useful tool for every franchise.
Here is an updated draft order with the 2021 mock draft.
1.) New York Jets — (0 – 12)
As the only winless team in the NFL, the Jets own the first pick meaning they retain the rights to Trevor Lawrence barring no Eli Manning type situation come April. Unless the Jets decide Sam Darnold is the future of the franchise, Lawrence will come in and become the face of the Jets with the first selection of the draft.
Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson
2.) Jacksonville Jaguars — (1 – 11)
It seems quite likely the Jaguars move on from Gardner Minshew come draft month. After showing flashes of a future in the NFL, Minshew got injured and is now sitting behind Mike Glennon. It’s obvious Jacksonville is eyeing a QB in this year’s draft, therefore they take the second best available QB in Justin Fields.
Justin Fields, QB Ohio State
3.) Cincinnati Bengals — (2 – 9 – 1)
Before injury, Joe Burrow was leading a Bengals team that was almost the new Cleveland Browns of the league prior to Burrows first overall selection in last years draft. Burrows injury is unfortunate, but now it is evident they need to draft linemen to protect this young star. Penei Sewell is the best offensive linemen in the draft and it would be the obvious choice for Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati organization.
Penei Sewell, OL Oregon
4.) Dallas Cowboys — (3 – 9)
There is a lot of uncertainty around the Dallas Cowboys going into this offseason. Dak Prescott will either be paid, or not be paid. He could be franchise tagged again, but the tag for Prescott next season is an even larger cap hit for 2021 for Jerry Jones. Even prior to Prescott’s injury, Jones was uncertain that Prescott was able to win for the Cowboys and be the franchise guy. It’s unfortunate that it could potentially end this way for Prescott and the Cowboys, but mediocrity is never good for any team in the NFL. It is time for Dallas to move on and start over. Envision Andy Dalton staying another season or two to groom the next quarterback for the Cowboys.
Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State
5.) Los Angeles Chargers — (3 – 9)
Justin Herbert is a star in the making. The Chargers offense as is top ten in the NFL right now along with a top ten defense. They have not been able to hold onto games late, but it would be a whole different story if they were fully healthy all season. Safety Derwin James was ruled out due to injury yet another season, and running back Austin Ekeler missed several weeks as well. With all that being said, there’s a chance Los Angeles reaches for Kyle Pitts here, but the ideal choice would be the top corner in Patrick Surtain out of Alabama.
Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama
6.) Philadelphia Eagles — (3 – 8 – 1)
The Eagles are a mess this season. Carson Wentz is set to have his new contract kick in next season, as he sits on the bench for this Sunday’s game against the Saints. Whether it’s Jalen Hurts or Carson Wentz under center, it’s evident Philadelphia needs receiving help. No better way to help the cause then to add the best target the draft has to offer in Ja’Marr Chase.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU
7.) Carolina Panthers — (4 – 8)
Some feel that the Panthers do not see Teddy Bridgewater as the future of the team. The Panthers have been a solid team, but also drafted all defensive players last draft, essentially not adding a lot to the offense to begin with. This season it’s time for Matt Rhule and the Panthers to begin to build around Bridgewater and see what he really can do. DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, and Curtis Samuel are a perfect three way punch that can open up the field for each other. Add a dominant target like Kyle Pitts, the offense becomes even more dangerous moving forward.
Kyle Pitts, TE Florida
8.) Atlanta Falcons (4 – 8)
The Falcons defense has gotten a lot better since the firing of Dan Quinn, but there still needs to be changes made in the offseason. With Surtain already taken, look for Atlanta to snag the next best available corner on the board.
Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech
9.) Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans) — (4 – 8)
The Dolphins acquired this pick in the Laremy Tunsil trade with Bill O’Brien, who was fired earlier this season. The Dolphins have a shot to win the AFC East, make the playoffs, and still draft within the top ten. The Dolphins have a lot to work with now and in the future, but look for Miami to build around Tua Tagovailoa and select a receiver to help the offense.
Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama
10. Denver Broncos — (4 – 8)
Denver has a lot to think about this offseason in relation to the QB-situation. Drew Lock has not been performing like the franchise quarterback the Broncos wish he could be. Lock has shown flashes of excellence, and could get better as he’s just in his second NFL season. The Broncos offense is very young and that takes a lot more time to develop than with a veteran like Drew Brees or Tom Brady. The defense has had struggles of their own this season as well. Von Miller missed all of this season, but will return come 2021. The defense is on the older side and it’s time to get younger.
Micah Parsons, LB Penn State
In the Hunt:
11.) Washington Football Team — (5 – 7)
Zach Wilson, QB BYU
12.) Detroit Lions — (5 – 7)
Gregory Rousseau, DE Miami
13.) Chicago Bears — ( 5 – 7)
Mac Jones, QB Alabama
14.) San Francisco 49ers — (5 – 7)
Rashawn Slater, OL Notthwestern
15.) Arizona Cardinals — (6 – 6)
Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama
16.) New England Patriots — (6 – 7)
Kyle Trask, QB Florida
17.) Baltimore Ravens — (7 – 5)
Devonta Smith, WR Alabama
18.) Las Vegas Raiders — (7 – 5)
Jaelan Phillips, DL Miami
Playoff Teams:
19.) Minnesota Vikings — (6 – 6)
Marvin Wilson, DT Florida State
20.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — (7 – 5)
Travis Etienne, RB Clemson
21.) Miami Dolphins — (7 – 5)
Dylan Moses, LB Alabama
22.) Indianapolis Colts — (8 – 4)
Carlos Basham Jr, Edge awake Forest
23.) New York Jets (via Seattle Seahawks) — (8 – 4)
Samuel Cosmi, OL Texas
24.) Cleveland Browns (9 – 3)
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame
Divisions Leaders:
25.) New York Giants (5 – 7)
Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan
26.) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles Rams) — (8 – 4)
Christian Darrisaw, OL Virginia Tech
27.) Tennessee Titans — (8 – 4)
Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
28.) Buffalo Bills — (9 – 3)
Shaun Wade, CB Ohio State
29.) Green Bay Packers — (9 – 3)
Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota
30.) Kansas City Chiefs — ( 11 – 1)
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC
31.) New Orleans Saints — (10 – 2)
Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State
32.) Pittsburgh Steelers — (11 – 1)
Najee’ Harris, RB Alabama
