2021 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

The 2020-2021 NFL season has concluded as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will hold the 32nd overall pick. The consensus #1 overall pick is known and the draft order is set. As of now, this is what the first round of the NFL draft could look like. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15)

The Jaguars have a need at quarterback and this is the year to select arguably the best quarterback the college world has ever seen. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, has all the tools to be the next generational quarterback in the NFL. From his arm strength to his athletic ability at 6’6, the Jaguars will definitely benefit from having Lawrence under center. 

QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

2. New York Jets (2-14)

New York could go in a few directions with the second overall pick. This pick could also be a piece in a potential Deshaun Watson trade. Sam Darnold may be on the move and if so, the Jets need to go quarterback. Ohio State product, Justin Fields, would be a solid option for New York. Fields has great mobility and will give the Jets a new-look offense to build around for the future. 

QB Justin Fields, Ohio State

3. Miami Dolphins via. Houston Texans (4-12)

Wide receiver or offensive line are two ways the Dolphins could use the 3rd pick. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is available. Wide receiver, Devonta Smith, would be a solid pick for Miami. The Dolphins already have a big receiver in DeVanta Parker, so pairing him up with Smith could be very beneficial for quarterback, Tua Tagavailoa. With Smith and Tagavailoa both playing at Alabama, the two already have experience playing with one another. 

WR Devonta Smith, Alabama

4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12)

The Falcons may not draft this high for the forceable future, and Matt Ryan isn’t getting younger. Atlanta should take the franchise’s future quarterback. Zach Wilson had a shaky 2019 season but a phenomenal 2020 season. Wilson has shown that he can improve off of his mistakes, and sitting behind Ryan for at least a year could really benefit the BYU product. 

QB Zach Wilson, BYU

5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)

Cincinnati desperately needs help on the offensive line. Penei Sewell is arguably the best offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace. Sewell is an elite offensive tackle who is very strong and consistent. If the Bengals were to select Sewell, he would be the anchor of the offensive line for a long time. 

OT Penei Sewell, Oregon

6. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1)

The Eagles selected Jalen Reagor last year, but are still in need of another wide receiver. LSU’s, JaMarr Chase, would be the right pick for Philadelphia. Chase opted-out of the 2020-2021 college football season, but he still should be dominant out wide. Chase would be a phenomenal target for Carson Wentz, if he isn’t traded, or Jalen Hurts. 

WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU

7. Detroit Lions (5-11)

Detroit needs a lot of help on defense and is another team that can go in multiple directions. Micah Parsons would be a great upgrade for the Lions defensive unit, and a player to build around for years to come. He has all it takes to be very successful at the next level. 

LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

8. Carolina Panthers (5-11)

Teddy Bridgewater was under center for the Panthers in 2020 and could be once again in 2021. Selecting Trey Lance, out of North Dakota State, 8th would be a smart choice. Lance only played one game this season, but didn’t throw an interception in 2019. Even if he sits behind Bridgewater in 2020, the Panthers can still draft it’s future at 8. 

QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State

9. Denver Broncos (5-11)

The Denver Broncos could look to upgrade at linebacker or select an edge rusher, but with the team recently releasing cornerback A.J. Bouye, need to find his replacement. Patrick Surtain II would be a great defensive back to take Bouye’s spot. He has the talent to be franchise corner for the Broncos in the 2020’s. 

CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)

Dallas needs to upgrade its defense and cornerback Caleb Farley can definetely do that. The Virginia Tech product is a physical presence staring down receivers. Farley is an amazing start to a rebuilding Cowboys defense. 

CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

11. New York Giants (6-10)

The New York Giants need another weapon if they want Daniel Jones to be the team’s franchise quarterback. His season was shorter than expected, but Jaylen Waddle is a great option for Daniel Jones to throw to. With Waddle’s route running and speed he should be the #1 wide receiver for the Giants. 

WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

12. San Fransisco 49ers (6-10)

The 2019 NFC champions had a down year, most of which was due to significant injuries. The 49ers have a solid left tackle in Trent Williams, however, can look now for his replacement. Rashawn Slater can be that future replacement. While Williams starts at left tackle, Slater can kick inside to guard. When it’s time, Slater will them move out to tackle. 

OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

13. Los Angeles Chargers 

The Chargers need to protect reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert. The Chargers will go to Virginia Tech and select Christian Darrisaw. Darrisaw can be the franchise left tackle for Los Angeles. If the Chargers select the Virginia Tech lineman, Herbert will definitely be pressure and hit less. 

OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

14. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)

Minnesota can go offensive line, cornerback, linebacker, and maybe even quarterback, but an edge rusher would be the smartest at this spot. Kwity Paye has the upside and talent to go after quarterbacks in the NFC like Aaron Rodgers. With the 14th overall pick the Vikings will select its forceful edge rusher. 

EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

15. New England Patriots (7-9)

New England loves tight ends, and potential the best tight end prospect in recent memory is available. Florida’s Kyle Pitts is a phenomenal talent. His ability to get down field and make contested catches is insane. Pitts even has the ability to line up wide as a receiver. The Florida product should be a top target for whoever the Patriots quarterback is in 2021. 

TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

Patrick Peterson is likely on the move this offseason, which means the Cardinals will have to find another cornerback. Jaycee Horn, out of South Carolina, should be the Cardinals selection at 16. He has the ability to be an outside corner for the Cardinals, but also has the ability to play in the slot. 

CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8)

Las Vegas is in desperate need of another linebacker and one is just sitting on the board. Zaven Collins won both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award in 2020. He was recognized as the best defender in college football in 2020. Collins will for sure be a force in the middle of the Raider defense for years. 

LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa

18. Miami Dolphins (10-6) 

With Zaven Collins off the board, the Dolphins will look for the next best player at the linebacker position. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a great option for Miami. Owusu-Koramoah playing alongside Jerome Baker will be very beneficial for Notre Dame defender. 

LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

19. Washington Football Team (7-9)

Taylor Heinicke was resigned to a 2-year, $8.75 million contract after just falling short in the Wild Card round. Heinicke did play very well, but he shouldn’t be the quarterback of the future. Alabama product, Mac Jones, is available. Jones set the single-season record for completion percentage in 2020. Washington can pick from multiple positions, but selecting Jones is more ideal. 

QB Mac Jones, Alabama

20. Chicago Bears (8-8)

The Chicago Bears snuck just inside of the playoffs, but fell short to the New Orleans Saints. Allen Robinson II is seeking a huge contract and is probably leaving Chicago. Whoever the quarterback is for the Bears is in 2021, will need a receiver playing opposite of Darnell Mooney. Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman is a great pick for the Bears. He isn’t the fasted, but his strength makes up for it. Bateman will be a go-to target for the Bears offense. 

WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

21. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) 

The Colts are in need of finding a starting quarterback, but can look for a trade or sign one in free agency. A very forceful and strong pass rusher is available for the Colts to upgrade. Gregory Rousseau will be a great fit in Indianapolis. He is a very raw prospect, but is very strong and is a force to be reckoned with. 

EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami (FL)

22. Tennessee Titans (11-5)

Tennessee may need another wide receiver if Corey Davis leaves in free agency. Even if that happens, defensive tackle is a position fo need for the Titans. Christian Barmore can plug right into that starting lineup and be a force in the middle of the Tennessee defense. 

DT Christian Barmore, Alabama

23. New York Jets via. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)

This pick was acquired by the Jets in the Jamal Adams trade. In this scenario, the Jets selected Justin Fields with the 2nd overall pick. New York will need to add a weapon for Fields. One receiver has been climbing up draft boards and is sitting right in the Jets lap. Kedarius Toney is a speedster that Fields will definitely benefit from. With Toney added to the core, and maybe another couple of pieces, the Jets offense could be very good in the future. 

WR Kedarius Toney, Florida

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

The Steelers fell off of a cliff to finish out the 2020-2021 season, losing the last three out of four games, and getting bounced in the Wild Card round. Pittsburgh needs an offensive tackle, but James Conner is likely out of the door this offseason and the Steelers need to find his replacement. Clemson running back, Travis Etienne, was amazing in college and is the total package. His running ability and the presence he has in the receiving game will be amazing for the Steelers’ offense. 

RB Travis Etienne, Clemson

25. Jacksonville Jaguars via. Los Angeles Rams (10-6)

The Jaguars could look to draft a receiver at 25 to help out Trevor Lawrence, however, every team needs to protect its’ quarterback. Offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, out of USC, is definitely an improvement to the line. He will keep Lawrence in his feet. 

G Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

26. Cleveland Browns (11-5)

Cleveland made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Browns have Myles Garrett who is a star, but can improve on the other side. The Cleveland Browns will select Azeez Ojulari out of Georgia with the 26th overall pick. Having Garrett and then Ojulari on either side of the defense is scary. 

EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia

27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

Baltimore could select a player on either side of the ball. They can go in many directions at 27. The Ravens could take a wide receiver, an edge rusher, or an offensive lineman. Baltimore had an issue at center in the 2020-2021 season and arguably the best center on the board is sitting for the Ravens to take. Creed Humphrey can anchor the Ravens interior offensive line for many years to come and can fix the issue up front. 

C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

28. New Orleans Saints (12-4)

New Orleans needs another edge rusher and Jaelan Phillips will be their guy. He can start right away and even still has room to grow. Phillips is a monster and will run after any quarterback possible. He is the second of three possible Miami edge rushers that will be selected in the first two rounds. 

EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami (FL)

29. Green Bay Packers (13-3)

The Packers need another receiver to play opposite of Devante Adams. They can go and select a speedster in Rondale Moore. The Purdue wideout can be an amazing weapon for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. 

WR Rondale Moore, Purdue

30. Buffalo Bills (13-3)

Buffalo has Devin Singletary and Zack Moss at running back but need to upgrade. Najee Harris is available and can be a force for a long period of time in Buffalo, New York. Harris was arguably the best running back in college football last season, and if the Bills can select the Alabama back, watch out for an Allen/Harris one-two punch. 

RB Najee Harris, Alabama

31. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)

The Chiefs offensive line was horrible in the Super Bowl, but most of the starters were out due to injuries. Kansas City can find a new edge rusher. Joseph Ossai in available for the defending AFC champions. 

EDGE Joseph Ossai, Texas

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)

The defending Super Bowl champions are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady. Tampa Bay can find a new left tackle to protect the 7-time champion. Samuel Cosmi can play on the left side and protect Brady for the rest of his time in Florida. 

OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas