Our first Mock Draft takes a look at how the first round could unfold:
1. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: You can lock this one in stone. Its about locked in as a pick can be at this point. Rumor was even floated this last week that he already has their playbook. Fairly confident that Trevor is the pick here.
2. Zach Wilson, New York Jets: I would not sharpie this pick in just yet, but its close. Maybe use your pen, with some white out nearby. The 49ers trade and Sam Darnold being shipped out puts the writing on the table for what everyone in league thinks will happen at #2.
3. Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers: The first twist of the draft comes with Niners. The entire Football world has been ablaze with rumors that Mac Jones is Shanahan’s favorite, that they are locked into the Alabama product, he is the best fit, etc. I think Shanahan is enjoying all the smoke he is directing toward the press and he is going to snag the QB who may have the most upside in this draft. This lets the 49ers retain Jimmy Garoppolo for one more season and get off his contract next year.
4. Penei Sewell, Atlanta Falcons: But what about Kyle Pitts! He is a generational talent! This is just for Clicks, where is the trade! Let’s just hold the phone for a moment. If we go back only about 1-2 months, many people had Penei Sewell going 2 or 3 to the Jets or Miami. He is still the same Oregon product with unlimited upside that he was then. If you look at the New Orleans Saint’s 1st round draft trends (where Fontenot was previously) the last 4 out 5 picks (Ruiz, Ramczyk, Davenport, Rankins) have been in the trenches. With Ryan restructured, they can retain him and build the roster for 1-2 years out and get their guy than. This team is not a QB away from winning and Penei would be a good start in the right direction at a Premium position. I do not think a trade is in the cards for teams after seeing the 49er’s price for teams still looking.
5. Jamar Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: I think there is a huge hole on the Offensive Line for the Bengals. I also believe that they will do anything to keep their Franchise QB happy. The big cats decide to get another play maker to keep fueling their offense. They love using multiple receiver looks, and Chase can help fill the void left by AJ Green. Plus, Burrow gets his favorite weapon back from his LSU days.
6. Rashawn Slater, Miami Dolphins: *Queue the roars from Dolphins fans on draft night if this happens* To start, I’ll answer why not a pass catcher. Chris Grier made it clear with his trade down he was looking to take full advantage of the Texans trade netting additional draft capital. Trading back up though tells us they staff has their eye on someone or some position in this draft. Many people think Pitts or Chase, but I believe it is the whoever is left between Sewell/Slater. The drop off at OL is much steeper than WR in this draft, and Dolphins get the last blue chip OL with this selection. They have a similar TE target (to Pitts) in Mike Giesecki on the roster (albeit not as naturally gifted). Their pass catchers already have been upgraded, and they still have high picks to upgrade later.
7. Justin Fields, Washington Football Team via Detroit (WAS sends 19th pick/2022 1st/82nd pick): The first big trade of the night comes between WFT and the Lions. Washington’s roster is coming together with the signings of Curtis Samuel and William Jackson, and with the front seven on defense looking better and better each year it was time to go get their guy. They pay a hefty price but lock up who some see as QB2 for the near future.
8. Kyle Pitts, Carolina Panthers: The transcendent TE talent comes off the board to the Panthers who add another top end talent to support Sam Darnold in the upcoming year. Arsenal of Pitts/Anderson/Moore/McCaffery engineered by Joe Brady will give Coordinators fits in 2021.
9. Mac Jones, Pittsburgh Steelers via Denver (PIT sends 24th pick/2022 1st/2022 4th): Another big shake up in the Top 10. Mac has been the center of heated debate, and I believe the Steelers could make a move to get him. Pittsburgh has not been afraid to make a move to get “their guy” look when they traded up to get Devin Bush. After missing out on the Justin Fields sweepstakes (limited draft capital this year), they draft Big Ben’s replacement. The extension Roethlisberger signed is does not inspire confidence, and if his play slips even more it leaves the door open to move on to the next signal caller.
10. Patrick Surtain ll, Dallas Cowboys: It is no secret the Cowboys need an upgrade in the secondary. Surtain is the top prospect in the draft, and fits Dan Quinn’s scheme perfectly. He teams up with old teammate Trevon Diggs to help upgrade the Dallas secondary that looks to compete this year for a division crown.
11. Jaylen Waddle, New York Giants: An embarrassment of riches, is how this can be described for the Giants. They sign Golladay and Rudolph, and now they get one of the top playmakers in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waddle is electric and at 11 is a value they cannot pass up. Eliminating excuses for Daniel Jones continues to be a priority for Big Blue.
12. Jaycee Horn, Philadelphia Eagles: The eagles trade back and get one of the top defenders remaining at a position of need. The defensive backfield has been in disarray for some time in the city of brotherly love, and Horn brings swag and confidence that brings hope to this defense.
13. Jaelan Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers: Brandon Staley makes his mark on the LA defense with his first draft as a Head Coach. If Phillips medicals and off field (retired from football for a year) check out, he is the best edge in this draft. Staley, who coached under Vic Fangio, builds his defense into a juggernaut opposite Joey Bosa.
14. Kwity Paye, Minnesota Vikings: A small EDGE run starts here with the Vikings selecting Kwity Paye. Danielle Hunter reportedly requested a trade, so bolstering the D-Line may be a priority. Paye is an athletic freak, with huge upside (similar to Hunter). Zimmer will look to maximize him in his front 7.
15. Devonta Smith, New England Patriots: The 2020 Heisman winner finds his new home Foxboro, with the retirement of Edelman, and regardless of the signings of Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor, Smith can step in and be Newton’s favorite target as Patriots look to return to glory this season.
16. Micah Parsons, Denver Broncos via Arizona Cardinals (DEN sends 24th pick, 71st pick, 2022 4th from PIT): Denver gets back into the action using their 3rd pick this year and the extra pick in the Pittsburgh trade. Cardinals are hungry for draft capital as they only have 5 picks, and Denver gets their guy they may have taken at 9. WIN-WIN.
17. Christian Darrisaw, Las Vegas Raiders: The versatile Parsons almost falls to them, but instead Mayock and Gruden look to fortify their offensive line with the Tackle many believe to be OT3 in this draft. Darrisaw is from a Power Five football school and is mauler in the trenches that Gruden will love.
18. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Miami Dolphins: But offensive weapons! We hear you Dolphin’s fans, but JOK is a defensive chess piece that Flores will get maximum potential out of. This is a top 10 player in my book (and not 10) and a steal at this point in the draft.
19. Teven Jenkins, Detroit Lions via Washington Football Team: Adding to their treasure chest of picks from WFT trading up, Lions get a true Knee-Cap biter in Teven Jenkins who is a mauling Offensive Tackle from Oklahoma State. Football is won in the trenches, and the rebuild starts there in Detroit.
20. Alijah Vera-Tucker, Chicago Bears: The bears elect to stay out of the QB madness and take (in my personal opinion) the 3rd best offensive lineman in this draft. Keeping Andy Dalton upright will be a priority as the Bears look to compete in the NFC in 2021.
21. Caleb Farley, Indianapolis Colts: Injury concerns push Farley down the board, but the Colts take a flier on a Corner who many tabbed as CB1. He helps fill a hole in Matt Eberflus’ Indy defense as the colts look to take charge in the AFC South.
22. Greg Newsome, Tennessee Titans: After purging their secondary of a ton of talent (Malcolm Butler, Adoree Jackson, etc.) Titans turn their head to CB in the 1st round taking Newsome. The Northwestern product is an elite athlete that skyrocketed up draft boards this year. Tennessee fills a big need, with a big talent.
23. Najee Harris, New York Jets: Will there be a running back taken in the first round? Well, in this draft there is. Harris was the best running back in college football last year. His all-around talent immediately makes him the starter and will help lighten the load on Zach Wilson in his first year.
24. Azeez Ojulari, Arizona Cardinals: After trading back, Cardinals select and EDGE to pair with Chandler Jones and JJ Watt. This helps also fill a need left when Hasaan Reddick left for Carolina. The Georgia product was great in 2020 and should have the opportunity to produce playing with an extremely talented front seven.
25. Christian Barmore, Jacksonville Jaguars: Word is the league loves Barmore and in a light Defensive Tackle class Jaguars get their guy. Taven Bryan has not panned out as a former 1st rounder, and #Duval looks to fortify the defense even further under Urban Meyer.
26. Zaven Collins, Cleveland Browns: Browns take the All-American Tulsa linebacker to add to a defense that continues to improve this offseason. Collins is extremely versatile playing in the box, in coverage, and even rushing the passer. The dawgs take aim at the AFC North crown, after finishing in the Wild Card last year.
27. Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens: After finishing near the bottom of the league in most Passing metrics last year, Ravens take the 4th receiver off the board in the former Golden Gopher. Bateman can play inside or outside, and instantly gives Lamar Jackson another target to lean on in the passing game.
28. Jamin Davis, New Orleans Saints: New Orleans has a hole at LB and with a strong Pro-Day and final collegiate season, Jamin Davis works his way into the 1st round. The athletic phenom can play next to Demario Davis to help bolster the New Orleans defense, after losing Kwon Alexander.
29. Samuel Cosmi, Green Bay Packers: Packers look to fortify an already strong Offensive Line unit with the former Longhorn. Cosmi had an unreal Pro-day posting numbers that are rarely seen from an offensive tackle. Packers love athletes at all positions and get another one in Samuel Cosmi.
30. Trevon Moehrig, Dallas Cowboys via Buffalo Bills (DAL sends 44th pick and 99th pick): Using a 3rd round comp pick and their 2nd rounder, the Cowboys get the best safety in the 2021 NFL draft. The Dallas secondary looks very different following this draft, as the look to improve a weak position group from 2020.
31. Landon Dickerson, Kansas City Chiefs: The Super Bowl runners-up look to add to their new look offensive line with Alabama product. If Dickerson’s knee injury checks out, he is definitely worth the first-round selection as the Chiefs look to improve the Offensive line and protect Patrick Mahomes.
32. Jayson Oweh, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After an absolute legendary pro-day, Buccaneers roll the dice on the Penn State EDGE rusher. Since the champs return all 22 starters, they are afforded a luxury selection and Oweh can hone his skills while being a situational rusher.
Grades vs. Daniel Jeremiah's Top 50 (N/A= not top 50 or F)
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