2021 NFL Mock Draft
It’s April and that means draft time in the NFL. As teams get ready for the big event to kick off on April 29, here’s my current mock draft based on how I project individual players and team needs. In other words, this is more of an indication of how I see draft talent rather than what I actually think teams will do later this month, as I’m obviously not nearly as plugged-in as some of the top NFL insiders. Here’s how I think the first two rounds could shake out:
#1: Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Trevor Lawrence, ClEmson
This pick has been set in stone for months now, and a new era of football in Jacksonville will kick off with Lawrence and new head coach Urban Meyer. Lawrence is one of the best prospects we’ve seen in recent years after throwing for 90 touchdowns to just 17 interceptions through 40 college games. This is a historic quarterback class, but Lawrence stands head and shoulders above his peers. He’s the total package with arm strength, processing ability, pocket presence, and foot speed, and he’s continued to improve in terms of passing accuracy. Lawrence has future MVP potential in the NFL.
#2: New York Jets - QB
Zach Wilson, BYU
In most draft classes, I would have Zach Wilson rated as the best quarterback on the board. Make no mistake about it - his standing as the 2nd-best QB in this draft has more to do with Lawrence’s historic upside than Wilson’s lack of ability. Zach Wilson has the ability to throw on the move and deliver balls with supreme accuracy, and he can zip balls downfield despite not having a stable platform. Wilson has a slightly concerning injury history, but a phenomenal 2020 campaign with 32 touchdowns and 3 interceptions didn’t completely come from out of nowhere. The Jets’ new regime may want to see what they have in Sam Darnold, but they won’t have another opportunity to get a quarterback this good for some time.
#3: San Francisco 49ers - QB Justin Fields, Ohio State
The 49ers sent three first-round picks and a third-rounder to move up to this spot, and they will want to maximize the upside of the selection. Fields has special physical tools and is an incredibly accurate passer. His production was a bit up-and-down last season with some ugly games along the way, and there are valid concerns about his game including slow processing and inconsistent decision-making. Those things could make him a candidate to spend a season on the bench in the NFL, and San Francisco has the opportunity to make that happen with Jimmy Garoppolo on the roster. Fields is a dynamic two-way player, and his downfield passing has been consistent. A season on the bench would help iron out some consistency issues, and Fields’s upside in Kyle Shanahan’s offense is a terrifying thought for the rest of the NFC West.
#4: Atlanta Falcons - QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Four quarterbacks off the board in quick succession here as the historic class gets paid its dues in the draft. Trey Lance may have the most physical ability out of the top four QBs here, and his rushing ability is a phenomenal asset. Lance has a cannon of an arm and rarely makes bad decisions. However, his accuracy, anticipation, and timing all need work. Lance is a project, and he likely can’t start right away. That works well for Atlanta, though, who still have Matt Ryan in place. New head coach Arthur Smith reportedly wants to work with Matt Ryan, but the Atlanta brain trust is very impressed with Lance. The long-term upside is worth a selection here, despite players on the board who could help the Falcons more right now.
#5: Cincinnati Bengals - OT Penei Sewell, Oregon
Penei Sewell only played a season and a half of college football, but he proved enough to make him the obvious first offensive lineman off the board. He allowed zero sacks and just 2 QB hits in 926 snaps in the 2019 season as no opponent came close to bettering him over a full game. His footwork and short-area burst are absurd for a 6’6”, 331 lb behemoth - his highlights are arguably the most fun to watch of any player in this draft. Keep in mind that he was only 19 years old in that 2019 season and he won’t turn 21 until the fall. The Bengals need to do a better job of keeping Joe Burrow upright after he took 32 sacks in 10 games in his rookie season before a season-ending injury. With Riley Reiff now on the roster, the tackle isn’t as grave a need as it was before free agency. However, Sewell is the best non-quarterback in this draft and he’ll go a long way in securing the pocket next season.
#6: Miami Dolphins - WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
The Dolphins came into the offseason with the clear goal of adding receiving help for Tua Tagovailoa with the signing of Will Fuller. He, DeVante Parker, and Mike Gesicki form a solid foundation for the team. But why not add the best receiver in a loaded class to the mix? Justin Jefferson just put together the best rookie season of all time, but he wasn’t even the best receiver on his team in college. That would be Chase who had 84 catches for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in Joe Burrow’s 2019 Heisman-winning campaign. Chase would have been a first-round pick after that season, but he was still just a sophomore. After not playing in 2020, Chase may not have the media’s attention as much as a year ago. However, nothing has really changed. Chase still has elite ball skills and combines sneaky speed with a physical 6’1”, 200 lb frame. Despite a talented pass-catching group in place for Miami, Chase could be the best receiver on the squad right away and they can’t pass that up here.
#7: Detroit Lions - WR Devonta Smith, Alabama
While I still see Ja’Marr Chase as the best receiver in this class, a Heisman-winning 2020 campaign put DeVonta Smith right on his heels. On his way to 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns, Smith showed that he has the full package of ball skills, route-running, body control, and foot speed. The Lions lost Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones this offseason, and they will want to find a way to add pass-catching talent for new quarterback Jared Goff. Smith would likely be the team’s best receiver from Day 1. Smith is a game-breaking specimen at wideout and he fits any scheme in the NFL. The Lions can start to rebuild a young offensive nucleus around him.
#8: Carolina Panthers - TE Kyle Pitts, Florida
It’s unfair to simply call Kyle Pitts the best tight end in the draft. He is a tremendous route runner and has strong downfield speed. He showed the ability to consistently separate from cornerbacks in college and has a massive catch radius at 6’5”, 235 lbs. Pitts is also an improving run-blocker and should be able to contribute in that facet of the game. The Panthers would assemble a tremendously talented young offensive nucleus with Pitts joining Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Robby Anderson. Matt Rhule and Joe Brady would have a tremendous time working with that group.
#9: Denver Broncos - LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
I had originally mocked a cornerback for the Broncos in this spot, but they addressed that need in a huge way in free agency with the signings of Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby. Linebacker will currently be manned by Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell, but some more talented could be added to the group. Micah Parsons would bring a brand of physicality and playmaking to Vic Fangio’s defense that is currently lacking in the linebacker corps. Parsons could drop in the draft a bit due to not playing last season and being named a “ringleader” in the Penn State hazing scandal, but teams shouldn’t hesitate to capitalize on his talent. He is a phenomenal pass-rusher as well as a consistently stonewalling tackler. Parsons also has the athleticism and speed to reliably succeed in pass coverage. Parsons is a no-brainer pick here.
#10: Dallas Cowboys - CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
The Cowboys had a tough time in pass coverage last season, but Trevon Diggs looks like a legitimate long-term contributor with upside. Dallas could look to bolster the cornerback position with Patrick Surtain II, Diggs’s former Alabama teammate. Surtain has been starting at Alabama since his freshman season and he hasn’t allowed over 65 yards in a single game over the past two seasons despite facing some of the top receivers in college football. He’s as technically sound as it gets and he has played more coverage snaps than any player in college football over the past 3 years. His speed is still a bit of a question mark, as is his change-of-direction ability, but that does more to limit his ceiling than anything else. He’s a high-floor prospect who should make an impact as a starter right away.
#11: New York Giants - OT/OG Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Giants fans will moan and groan about another first-round offensive lineman, but Rashawn Slater makes too much sense here with his positional versatility. A starter for Northwestern from 2017 to 2019, Slater is a special talent who plays much bigger than his 6’3” frame would suggest. With processing speed like a robot and remarkable athleticism, he can make opposing defenders who try to trick him look silly. The Giants lost Nate Solder and Kevin Zeitler this offseason, and they have needs across the offensive line. Slater can start at right tackle, as he did in college, to form a stout duo on the outside with Andrew Thomas. He can also line up at either guard spot. For a Giants offense with plenty of skill talent but an inconsistent offensive line, Slater’s pro-ready game and versatility make him an easy choice here.
#12: Philadelphia Eagles - WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
The Eagles have more needs than they can possibly hope to fill in this draft, so I’m giving them arguably the best available player on the board here. Waddle is just 5’10”, 182 lbs, but he is one of the fastest players in this draft and is a blur with the ball in his hands. Reuniting Waddle with his former quarterback in Jalen Hurts is the cherry on top here, and the duo’s past experience together should serve Philadelphia well. Jaylen Waddle has everything you could want out of an elite deep threat in the NFL - top-end speed and acceleration, ball-tracking, and contested-catch potential. However, he should be able to contribute in a number of ways, and he would go a long way towards helping an offense with some of the least amounts of playmaking from skill position players in the NFL.
#13: Los Angeles Chargers - OT Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
There are some who believe Christian Darrisaw is the most pro-ready offensive lineman in this draft, and it’s hard to argue that point after he didn’t allow a single sack or QB hits in 668 snaps last season. Darrisaw’s 6’5”, 314 lb frame and powerful hands make him an unmovable force at the line of scrimmage, and he faced a talented slate of opposition last season with nobody getting the better of him. The Chargers addressed the interior of their offensive line with the signings of Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler, but they still need a partner for Bryan Bulaga on the outside. Justin Herbert broke just about every rookie passing record last season, and the Chargers should look to continue to fortify his offensive line. Darrisaw is a Day 1 starting left tackle for this team.
#14: Minnesota Vikings - EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan
Paye has one of the most unique stories in this draft as he was born in a refugee camp in Guinea and migrated to the United States with his mother and brother when he was just six months old. Since then, a down-on-his-luck kid has grown into a 6’4”, 272-pound pass-rushing behemoth. Paye is a ridiculous athlete for his size, and his combination of finesse and power will allow him to make a difference lining up at a number of positions on the defensive line. The Vikings will get Danielle Hunter back from injury this year, but they could stand to get younger on the defensive line, and Paye would give the team some much-needed pass-rushing juice. Paye’s technique and pass-rushing toolbox could use some development, but his physical ability is undeniable and he’s improved steadily every year.
#15: New England Patriots - LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
As much as the Patriots struggled in 2020, they really don’t have many needs entering the draft. The offensive line is set in stone as a top-end group while the defense added Matt Judon, Henry Anderson, and Kyle Van Noy in free agency. The Patriots also addressed a barren pass-catching group by bringing in a number of players in free agency. So at #15, I’m giving New England a dynamic, unbelievably versatile defensive weapon in JOK. His remarkable speed and athleticism allow him to run with wide receivers in the slot, explode past the line of scrimmage, and make sideline-to-sideline plays. He would immediately be the smallest linebacker in the NFL at 6’1”, 215 lbs, but Bill Belichick would be thrilled to work with a multi-positional player who can contribute in a number of ways right away.
#16: Arizona Cardinals - CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
A second back procedure for Caleb Farley raised a ton of red flags for draft analysts, and it wouldn’t necessarily be shocking to see him fall into the second round depending on how teams view his health. What isn’t questionable is Farley’s upside to turn into a high-level starting cornerback in the NFL. With a 6’2”, 207-lb frame, he can cover bigger wide receivers downfield, but he doesn’t lose any speed as he’s one of the fastest corners in this class. Farley had six interceptions in two seasons and, despite opting out of the 2020 season, we’ve seen enough of him to project him as a Day 1 starter. The Cardinals need to get younger at the cornerback position, and Farley represents a high-upside project at the corner.
#17: Las Vegas Raiders - OT Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
The Raiders’ offensive line needs a major face-lift, and the team should look to dip into a talented group of players at this pick. Teven Jenkins allowed no sacks and just 2 QB hits in over 1,300 snaps over the past two seasons. At 6’6”, 310 lbs, he’s one of the strongest players in the draft and he tosses around smaller edge rushers with ease. Jenkins hasn’t faced top-notch opposition in the Big 12, and he is already going to be 23 years old on draft day. However, he represents a plug-and-play prospect at offensive tackle, and he’d go a long way towards solidifying the Raiders’ offensive line.
#18: Miami Dolphins - IOL/OT Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
Alijah Vera-Tucker shot up draft boards this year after playing at the tackle spot last season, further expanding his remarkable versatility as a starter at three positions at USC. Vera-Tucker lacks ideal size or speed for the outside in the NFL, so he’ll likely be better suited to play guard. However, his experience at multiple positions is undoubtedly valuable and he’s a plug-and-play starter for Miami at offensive guard. The Dolphins got their top wide receiver in Ja’Marr Chase to pair with Tua Tagovaiola, now they get another offensive lineman who makes a huge difference upfront.
#19: Washington Football Team - WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
After signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to helm the offense, Washington will be looking to add another pass-catcher to a group that has limited upside outside of the speedy Terry McLaurin. Rashod Bateman seems to be a perfect complement to McLaurin as a physically dominant player with a finely-tuned route-running and release package. Bateman is a stud with the ball in his hands, breaking tackles with ease, and he has the ability to line up in the slot or outside. He won’t wow you with game-breaking speed or acceleration, but Bateman is a surefire starting wide receiver in the NFL with his physicality, versatility, and technical refinement.
#20: Chicago Bears - CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
The Bears could look to draft Mac Jones here, but I’ve made no secret about my lack of love for the player and I don’t think that would be the best use of this selection. The Bears lost Kyle Fuller over the offseason and need to add another physical man corner to play across from second-year CB Jaylon Johnson. Jaycee Horn is a beast at the catch point and has remarkable ball-tracking and playmaking tendencies from a defensive player. As with most young cornerbacks, Horn’s technique and diligence could use some ironing out. However, he is a logical fit for the Bears defense and would fill a major need. Caleb Farley’s murky injury status could push Horn up the board for some teams, but in this scenario, the Bears land him as the third cornerback off the board.
#21: Indianapolis Colts - EDGE Jayson Oweh, Penn State
Jayson Oweh didn’t become a full-time starter for Penn State until he was a junior, but he registered 7 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 39 hurries in 744 career snaps. He’s a physical freak at the position at 6’5”, 257 pounds with remarkable speed off the line of scrimmage. Oweh improved significantly as a run defender last season, and he now looks to be an every-down player in the NFL. The Colts don’t have any glaring needs, but Oweh is an enticing, high-upside project on defense. Oweh is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential, which makes him a great long-term prospect for the Colts to work with and develop.
#22: Tennessee Titans - CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
The Titans allowed the second-most passing touchdowns and the fourth-most passing yards last season before releasing Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler over the offseason. They need to invest in cornerback in this draft. Some teams will have Asante Samuel Jr. off their board entirely as he stands at a diminutive 5’10”, 180 lbs. However, the Titans put a lot of faith into Jackson over the past few years, and they don’t seem to be scared off by undersized corners. Samuel is a tremendous athlete who is constantly making plays on the ball, and he can play across the field, covering a number of types of players. Samuel may lack the size to hang with massive possession receivers downfield, but his natural feel for the game and balance should translate right away.
#23: New York Jets - OT Walker Little, Stanford
There may not be a more difficult player to evaluate in this class than Walker Little. At 6’8”, 313 lbs, he has the ideal size for the tackle position with special footwork for his size and a powerful anchor. The problem? He’s only played 72 snaps over the past two seasons. A knee injury ended his season in Week 1 of 2019 and he opted out of the 2020 season. The lack of information on his development and a lack of real playing time since 2018 will have scouts concerned. However, NFL teams always have the most information on these prospects, and I believe a team is going to see his upside as worthy of a first-round pick. The Jets already got their quarterback of the future in Zach Wilson. Now, they can pair Mekhi Becton with Walker Little to form a high-upside tackle pairing of the future.
#24: Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
As of now, the Steelers have yet to resign Alejandro Villanueva in free agency, leaving them with a massive hole at left tackle. Villanueva could still return to the team, but tackle would remain a need as Zach Banner has underwhelmed at right tackle. Dillon Radunz is on the smaller side for an offensive tackle, but he makes up for a lack of size with arguably the best athletic profile at his position in this class. Radunz will need some adjustment time as he played in an overwhelmingly run-heavy offense at North Dakota State, but he has the explosiveness and athleticism to be a long-term starting-caliber tackle. The Steelers need to invest in a young player at the position, and Radunz makes a lot of sense for them.
#25: Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
The run on offensive tackles continue here as the Jaguars land what they hope will be a long-term starting offensive tackle to protect Trevor Lawrence. Cam Robinson was signed to a franchise tag over the offseason, but the team has yet to agree to a long-term contract with him, and they could look to add another Alabama tackle to eventually take his place. Leatherwood doesn’t have great movement ability and he struggles to make an impact at the second level. However, he is a force when he has his feet set and most opposing pass rushers have no hope of powering past him. His length and powerful lower body are highly desirable traits at the position, and his lack of athleticism isn’t a dealbreaker.
#26: Cleveland Browns - CB Greg Newsome II, Northwestern
The Browns addressed some of their cornerback problems with the signing of former Rams’ player Troy Hill, a player capable of playing both inside and out. Denzel Ward also returns as a high-end press corner. However, Greedy Williams’s health is far from a guarantee at this point, and the Browns could stand to add depth at the position. Newsome only played 387 snaps last season, but he allowed just 12 catches on 34 targets for 93 yards over that span. Opposing passers had a 31.7 passer rating against him last season. He didn’t see a ton of high-level opposing talent and he doesn’t jump off the charts in either athleticism or physicality. However, he is technically sound, has great length, and is a smooth player in coverage. He’s a nice developmental piece for Cleveland at such an important position.
#27: Baltimore Ravens - LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Zaven Collins might be my favorite player in this draft. At 6’4”, 260, he has rare size at a linebacker position that continues to trend smaller and smaller. Make no mistake, though - he moves like a player 40 pounds lighter than him. Collins is the total package. He can cover receivers in space - he had four interceptions in only eight games last season. He is a strong contributor in run defense. His best attribute, though, may be his pass-rushing as he is going to dominate one-on-one matchups, particularly against running backs in pass protection. The Ravens did just draft Patrick Queen last season, but Collins is a very different type of player and is a great fit for a blitz-heavy Baltimore defense.
#28: New Orleans Saints - S Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Late first-round picks are usually made with a best-player-available focus. However, most teams picking in the late first-round don’t have as many overwhelming needs as the Saints. Trevon Moehrig can help fill multiple needs. As the leader in college football in pass breakups over the past two seasons, his size and length are a huge factor as he closes in on the catch point. Moehrig isn’t going to be a single-high safety in the NFL, but that works for New Orleans who found a way to keep Marcus Williams. Moehrig can consistently handle coverage in the slot, though, a position of increasing importance. The Saints could also look to add a pass-rusher here, but Moehrig makes a lot of sense as a multi-faceted safety with few holes in his game.
#29: Green Bay Packers - WR Kadarius Toney, Florida
I can’t wait until I mock another high-level wide receiver to the Packers and they take a backup at quarterback or tight end instead. I kid, but only partially as Green Bay has been impossible to project in recent drafts. Here, I’ll give them a receiver with joystick-like movement and unreal acceleration to separate from defenders. Toney isn’t close to a polished route runner and he is untested as a contested catch player, but he’s a true playmaker with game-breaking flexibility and explosiveness. Toney may be limited to more of a gadget role early in his career, but the Packers can bring him along slowly and develop him into an integral part of their offense.
#30: Buffalo Bills - RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
The Bills aren’t a team with many needs heading into this draft, but they could stand to improve a ground game that produced the 6th-fewest rushing touchdowns and the 7th-fewest yards per attempt last season. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss were surprisingly ineffective given the overall potency of the offense. Etienne would be a breath of fresh air for Josh Allen and friends as a runner with home-run ability and absurd balance through contact. He also became a formidable receiver last season as he caught 48 balls for 588 yards, the most in the country among running backs. Etienne would enjoy a versatile role in the Bills’ offense, and he would go a long way to keeping opposing defenses honest.
#31: Kansas City Chiefs - OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
Samuel Cosmi is a tremendous athlete who at 6’7”, 309 lbs, also has the power to stifle opposing pass-rushers at the line of scrimmage. Cosmi was a three-year starter at Texas who allowed just 6 sacks on over 2,500 snaps. His technique needs some more development in a number of ways, but you can’t teach Cosmi’s combination of athleticism and power. The Chiefs released starting tackles Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher, so they need to address the position. That’s especially true after a Super Bowl LV game in which Patrick Mahomes was hit a whopping 9 times. Cosmi is a long-term starter for the Chiefs, and a smart investment at this point of the draft.
#32: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - IDL Christian Barmore, Alabama
This would be quite the slide for Christian Barmore, a player who many have going inside the top 20. However, the rich get richer here as the Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers add a high-upside defensive tackle to a position of some strength for them. Barmore only had one season as a starter at Alabama, but he racked up 8 sacks, 4 QB hits, and 27 hurries on 476 snaps last year. At 6’5”, 311 lbs, he has ideal size for the defensive tackle position. Barmore also possesses powerful arms, dominant hand usage, and special flexibility for a guy his size. Tampa already has Vita Vea, Ndamukong Suh, and William Gholston starting on the defensive line, but Barmore would be a dominant depth piece and a surefire long-term starter.
#33: Jacksonville Jaguars - EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
I almost mocked Ojulari to the Jaguars at #25, but they get their guy here. The Jaguars generated just 18 sacks last season, the second-fewest in the NFL, and they need to find a way to juice up their pass rush. Ojulari is a lightning-quick speed rusher who consistently keeps offensive linemen off-balance with a variety of rush moves. The power aspect of Ojulari’s game is limited, and he might struggle as a run defender at first. However, there’s no doubt that Ojulari would enhance Jacksonville’s pass rush and he’s a steal at this point of the draft.
#34: New York Jets - WR Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU
With 23 touchdowns over the last two seasons, Terrace Marshall Jr. has often been the forgotten man in an offense that has featured Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. At 6’3”, 200 lbs, Marshall has to fill in his frame to be a consistent contested catch player in the NFL. However, he has legitimate downfield speed and acceleration that are rare for a player with his height and length. The Jets brought in Corey Davis this offseason and still have Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims, so Marshall wouldn’t be overburdened right away. His upside is too good to pass up here.
#35: Atlanta Falcons - WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
Two wide receivers come off the board in quick succession here as the Falcons get a phenomenal complementary piece to Calvin Ridley as Julio Jones’s career is starting to wind down. At 5’9”, 178 lbs, Moore won’t wow you with physical dominance. However, he’s a catch machine who had just 10 drops on 200 catchable targets throughout his collegiate career. Moore’s intrigue doesn’t stop in the slot, though, as his speed suggests a more versatile role in his NFL future. He is a force to be reckoned with in the screen game, and he refuses to give up at the catch point. Moore could be among the most productive receivers right away in this draft.
#36: Miami Dolphins - EDGE Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Gregory Rousseau is one of the most fun players in this draft to project to the NFL as he has a basketball frame at 6’6”, 265 lbs. He racked up 16 sacks on 529 snaps in 2019 and he flashed special ability to get after the quarterback from the inside or outside of the defensive line. Rousseau needs to fill out his frame and develop his pass-rushing toolbox, but his physical profile alone is enough to put him in consideration for a Day 1 pick. Rousseau played wide receiver, tight end, outside linebacker, and safety throughout his high school career, and that positional versatility should lead to him being a valuable chess piece on defense in the NFL.
#37: Philadelphia Eagles - OT Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
The Eagles’ offensive line is one of many sore spots for the team, and it needs to be addressed with an early pick in this draft. Lane Johnson could retire after this season, and the duo of Andre Dillard and Jordan Mailata has a limited ceiling. If the Eagles are looking for a high-ceiling offensive tackle, they can get one in Mayfield. At 6’5”, 320 lbs, Mayfield is a powerful player with a strong core who rarely gets pushed off his line. However, he also has the nimbleness and quick footwork to mirror opponents. Mayfield’s technique is a mess at times, and he needs help with his discipline in hands and feet. However, he has the upside to be an elite player at the tackle position, if he cleans up his game considerably.
#38: Cincinnati Bengals - WR Rondale Moore, Purdue
In Rondale Moore’s freshman season in 2018, there wasn’t a cornerback who he faced who had a prayer of stopping him. He racked up 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns that season. However, Moore has been sidelined by injuries over the past two years and has just 64 catches for 655 yards and 2 touchdowns in that span. Stil, he’s a blur with the ball in his hands and a remarkably strong player for his 5’7”, 180 lb frame. If it weren’t for injury concerns, he’d be a clear-cut first-round pick. He joins Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins in a dynamic young receiver group for Joe Burrow.
#39: Carolina Panthers - EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Among the crazy stories in this draft class, Jaelan Phillips sure does stand out. He was hit by a car while riding a scooter at UCLA in 2018, suffering head and wrist injuries in the process. He suffered another concussion during the 2018 season and retired from football. Then, he returned to the game with something to prove as he racked up 9 sacks and 36 total pressures in his final seven games of the season. The medicals will be a question mark, but Phillips has remarkable power and timing in his pass-rushing. The Panthers could use another edge rusher across from Brian Burns, and Phillips has massive upside.
#40: Denver Broncos - EDGE Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
The Broncos highly value versatility on the defensive front, and Carlos Basham Jr. has the ability to contribute across the line of scrimmage. At 6’4”, 285 lbs, he has the size of an undersized nose tackle, but he flies across the field to make plays. He was inconsistent last season in terms of effort, hand usage, and decisiveness, but those are coachable traits which Vic Fangio could certainly iron out. Basham Jr. is a high-upside pass-rusher who should contribute in a number of ways right away.
#41: Detroit Lions - IOL Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Landon Dickerson might be the strongest player in this draft and at 6’6”, 326 lbs, he’s a fridge in the middle of the offensive line. He allowed just 1 sack through his three seasons at Alabama which he spent playing every position on the offensive line. Dickerson also proved to be scheme-diverse as Alabama shifted its offense from Tua Tagovailoa to Mac Jones, two very different quarterbacks. If Dickerson hadn’t torn his ACL in the SEC title game, he would have been a first-round pick this year. Here, the Lions capitalize on his drop in the draft to make him arguably the best value pick so far.
#42: New York Giants - LB Nick Bolton, Missouri
The Giants are putting together a physical brand of defense under second-year defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with talent at all three levels. They could use another ball-playing linebacker, though, and that’s exactly what Nick Bolton is. Some will criticize him for a lack of standout physical traits, but Bolton had the most stops in the SEC each of the past two seasons - he’s just plain productive. He handles himself well in coverage and has elite processing speed to make plays wherever he’s needed. Bolton would be a Day 1 starter for the Giants.
#43: San Francisco 49ers - S Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Indiana’s ascent into relevancy this past season was keyed by a tremendous pass defense; Jamar Johnson was an integral part of that effort. His interception of Justin Fields was an eye-opening highlight, but not a fluky play - Johnson’s coverage skills are special. He can cover receivers in the slot or downfield, in man or zone coverage. He didn’t play a ton of snaps over the past three years, but he has universal coverage capabilities that make him a valuable addition to a Niners secondary that suffered a ton of injuries last year.
#44: Dallas Cowboys - EDGE Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
After adding a cornerback to fortify their pass coverage, the Cowboys land a pass-rusher to enhance their pressure off the edge. Perkins needs to add some muscle to enhance his power rushing game, especially after losing weight over the course of his college career. Despite being undersized, though, he possesses a tremendous speed rushing game and has experience as a three-year starter for Oklahoma. Perkins needs to develop stronger hands and a more enhanced power game overall, but he will make an immediate impact for a Dallas team desperately in need of more pass-rushing help.
#45: Jacksonville Jaguars - TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
The Jaguars addressed the wide receiver position in the offseason by adding Marvin Jones to a group featuring D.J. Chark and Laviska Shenault. However, the offense is still lacking a reliable over-the-middle target for rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Pat Freiermuth doesn’t have the elite speed of some seam-busting tight ends in the league, but he makes up for that with a well-developed route tree and excellent in-line blocking. He’s a remarkably strong player and at 6’5”, 251 lbs, he can impose his will on smaller or weaker defenders. Freiermuth would be a nice addition to Urban Meyer’s new Jaguars offense.
#46: New England Patriots - QB Mac Jones, Alabama
For the life of me, I don’t understand where the Mac Jones hype is coming from. With all due respect to the leader of the best offense in the country last season, Jones isn’t as good as some people think he is. Jones is being considered for a top-four selection in the first round if you ask some media pundits. He lacks velocity and downfield accuracy, he has a severely limited athletic profile and no real rushing capability, and his one year of elite play came in an offense that provided him a bevy of open targets and all day to throw to them. The Patriots need to address their quarterback position at some point, and Jones does have some translatable skills including anticipation, timing, and underneath accuracy. However, I see his upside as being severely capped in the NFL and he’s not a first-round pick on my board.
#47: Los Angeles Chargers - S Jevon Holland, Oregon
The Chargers solved one of their biggest issues in the first round with an offensive tackle, and now they add a valuable jigsaw piece to the secondary. Jevon Holland played great football for two seasons at Oregon, one at free safety and one in the slot. The Chargers can stand to upgrade over Nassir Adderley at free safety, but they could also use more cornerback depth after losing Casey Hayward Jr. and Desmond King over the past year. Holland is a sound tackler and a ball-hawk in the secondary, and he has the versatility to play a number of positions in the NFL.
#48: Las Vegas Raiders - CB Elijah Molden, Washington
Among the versatile defensive backs available in the second round, Elijah Molden stands out as a heat-seeking missile of a tackler. He had just 22 missed tackles on 172 attempts and was responsible for 17 pass breakups over the past year and a half. Molden is just 5’10”, 190 lbs, which likely makes him a slot corner in the NFL, but he has the closing speed and physicality to spend time at safety as well. The Raiders are undergoing a period of transition in the secondary, and Molden would be a welcome addition to Gus Bradley’s defense.
#49: Arizona Cardinals - IOL Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
The Cardinals seem to have their tackles figured out for the long-term with D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum, but the interior of their offensive line could use an addition. Wyatt Davis rarely gets beat one-on-one in pass protection and he only allowed 4 sacks and 1 QB hit in three seasons at Ohio State. He has ideal physical tools and a measured play style that keeps him on balance. Davis is a plug-and-play starting offensive guard for the Cardinals.
#50: Miami Dolphins - RB Najee Harris, Alabama
The Dolphins added Malcolm Brown in free agency, but with a truckload of draft picks it makes sense to further invest in the running back position. Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed played very well for stretches of last season, but Miami’s rushing game needs a major supplement. Najee Harris was one of the most highly-recruited running backs in recent memory, and his talent turned into production at Alabama. Harris had over 2,700 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns over the last two seasons. With size and strength for days, he breaks tackles with ease, and he has a phenomenal catch radius. He’s not a fast ball-carrier and we’ve never seen him play behind a sub-par offensive line, but he’s a safe pick for guaranteed production.
#51: Washington Football Team - S Ar’Darius Washington, TCU
Some teams will have Washington off their board entirely - he’s a diminutive 5’8”, 178 lbs and there aren’t many players who have had success in the NFL at that size. Those teams would be missing out on a defensive back with the versatility to play in the slot or over the top. Washington’s instincts are absurd and he reads the game better than most every player he’s ever faced. He’s a great fit for the Washington defense, outside of the shared name, as his field vision and explosion would be all-the-more valuable when paired with their elite pass rush.
#52: Chicago Bears - OT Jackson Carman, Clemson
At 6’6”, 328 lbs, Jackson Carman is a behemoth on the offensive line whose pancakes stand out as he destroys some top-level opposition. However, his technique and consistency have been problematic throughout his career, and he never quite made the progression his physical profile suggested he should. He’s a project for the Bears, but one that can fill in at guard or tackle in his first NFL season. With his physical tools, the upside is phenomenal.
#53: Tennessee Titans - WR Dyami Brown, North Carolina
After losing Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, and Jonnu Smith this offseason, the Titans need to find a way to reinforce their pass-catching depth. Dyami Brown had 1,000+ yards in each of the past two seasons and racked up 20 touchdowns over that span. However, he has a limited route tree and didn’t develop technically as teams would have hoped while at UNC. Brown gets off the line of scrimmage quickly and can make plays downfield or over the middle. His route running will progress over time, and he’ll have a valuable supporting role on an elite Titans offense.
#54: Indianapolis Colts - DT alim McNeill, NC State
Alim McNeill is a centerpiece on the line of scrimmage who can impact plays by stuffing the middle against running backs and pushing the pocket against quarterbacks. He moves way faster than you’d expect for someone who is 320 pounds, and he was a consistent pass-rushing threat in college despite never really developing much of a pass-rushing repertoire. McNeill would form a formidable duo in the middle of the defensive line for the Colts.
#55: Pittsburgh Steelers - RB Javonte Williams, North Carolina
The Steelers’ rushing offense was a thorn in the side of the team all season as they were unable to close out games they should have won late in the year. James Conner, Benny Snell, and Jaylen Samuels simply didn’t get the job done. Anthony McFarland has upside as a gadget player, but Pittsburgh needs more juice on the ground. Javonte Williams is as complete as a prospect gets at running back with a violent running style, elusivity to get in and out of breaks, and burst for days. His ball skills need to improve, and he hasn’t proven he can handle a massive workload, but he’d be a valuable addition for this team.
#56: Seattle Seahawks - CB Tyson Campbell, Georgia
The Seahawks allowed the second-most passing yards in the NFL last season, and they’ll be looking to add to their cornerback group with their first selection in the draft. Campbell is a high-level defender at the catch point thanks to his length and change-of-direction ability, and he’s a tremendous tackler as well. His instincts and discipline need practice, and he needs to put on some muscle, but the upside is there for him to become a high-level starter in the NFL.
#57: Los Angeles Rams - IOL Quinn Meinerz, UW-Whitewater
From his crop top jersey to his production against high-level opposition, Quinn Meinerz exploded onto the scene during Senior Bowl week. He has an ideal build for the center position, elite explosiveness, and smart positional awareness. With virtually no collegiate experience to think of, Meinerz is far from being ready to start in the NFL. However, Meinerz’s enticing potential makes him worthy of a second-round pick.
#58: Baltimore Ravens - OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
Orlando Brown’s future with the Ravens is still murky after he requested a trade earlier this offseason, and he still may not be with the team when the season starts. Eichenberg was a three-year starter at left tackle for Notre Dame and he didn’t allow a single sack on over 800 snaps in each of the past two seasons. Eichenberg is already 23 and he lacks high-end athletic traits for development, but he is as NFL-ready as it gets and has the floor of a solid starter right away.
#59: Cleveland Browns - LB Jabril Cox, LSU
The Browns have needs in coverage that they already addressed in this mock with Greg Newsome, but they also need another linebacker. Jabril Cox is a perfect match as a linebacker with tremendous coverage skills. He’s not a hard-nosed run defender, and his closing burst is lacking, but any scheme can utilize his abilities in coverage. The Browns would benefit from his presence on defense.
#60: New Orleans Saints - EDGE Joseph Ossai, Texas
After being born in Nigeria, Joseph Ossai didn’t play a single game of football until he was 10 years old. A late bloomer to the game, Ossai didn’t find his true position until 2020 when he was a full-time starting defensive end. He lacks high-end athletic traits, but his production as a pass-rusher speaks for itself. An every-down player with natural movement and the consistent ability to defeat blocks, Ossai has strong starting fundamentals for an NFL pass-rusher. His upside is capped given a lack of size and athleticism, but his skillset makes him a Round 2 pick.
#61: Buffalo Bills - DT Marvin Wilson, Florida State
A borderline first-round pick last season, Marvin Wilson returned to Florida State for his senior year in hopes of boosting his draft stock. Instead, the opposite happened as he had his worst season to date, seemingly losing his previously high-level upper body strength. Wilson isn’t a very explosive player, and his technique needs work, but his strength provides a solid baseline for play. The Bills have drafted Ed Oliver and Vernon Butler in recent years, both of whom have been a bit underwhelming, but Wilson could get the job done.
#62: Green Bay Packers - EDGE Payton Turner, Houston
Payton Turner only played in four games in 2020, but he had five sacks in those games to break through in a meaningful way. He hasn’t played top opposition at Houston, but he has a great frame and the ability to harness it in physical play. The Packers could stand to improve their pass rush for next season, and while Turner can likely contribute in a rotational role, his real value is as a developmental project who continues to improve.
#63: Kansas City Chiefs - WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee
Josh Palmer never caught more than 34 balls or had more than 484 yards in any of his three seasons at Tennessee, but he played in an offense that failed to utilize his physical frame and downfield acceleration. However, I’d be willing to wager that Patrick Mahomes will know how to utilize his intriguing talent. Palmer’s ball skills and play strength make him a logical replacement for Sammy Watkins who departed in free agency.
#64: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB Aaron Robinson, UCF
Aaron Robinson is a unique projection as a 6’1”, 193 lb player who has the skill and desire to mix it up in the box and play downhill. He has the size to play outside cornerback, but never showed the technique or consistency to beat wide receivers in one-on-one coverage in press. Robinson has great route recognition and loves to mix it up. His energy is infectious. The Buccaneers land a nice developmental piece for their secondary, one that Todd Bowles will love to experiment with.
