Sam Kirk's 2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
As the College Football season comes to a close the NFL Draft begins to heat up. This season is more interesting as certain players opted out of their college season in hopes to stay healthy and ready for this 2021 draft in April. After a fun college football season, fans become anxious to see where these college players land on the pro level. Here is my first look at the mock draft for NFL Draft 2021. Here we go!
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15)
Trevor Lawerence, QB Clemson
Jacksonville has been too bad to get cute here. The mayor of Jacksonville even thanked the New York Jets for winning 2 games to close out the year. If Urban Meyer decides to roll with the Clemson product the pressure will be on Lawrence early to compete at a high level.
2. New York Jets (2-14)
Justin Fields, QB Ohio State
Fields showcased his potential in a blowout win against Clemson and should be the pick if the Jets were to stay at number two. The Georgia native has played against the best competition in the country and has had everyone gunning for him since his high school career. Worst-case scenario the Jets land a quarterback who can at least compete with Sam Darnold. Even with the 2 losses to cap off the year we have to put into perspective that this team was still one of the worst under Darnold
3. Miami Dolphins (from Houston 4-12)
Penei Sewell, OT Oregon
Sewell is exactly what any team should be looking for after taking their franchise quarterback. The Oregon product will be able to step in right away and be Miami’s anchor at the tackle position. It may seem like the Dolphins aren’t sold on Tua Tagovailoa just yet but they need to surround him with key pieces before they should make a choice to move on.
4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12)
Zach Wilson, QB BYU
The gun-slinging product from BYU has been sliding up draft boards since the start of the football season. Wilson feels pressure in the pocket well and can make most of the throws in the book. The combination of accuracy on the run and throwing from all arm angles shows great upside. Sitting behind Matt Ryan wouldn’t be a bad thing for Wilson.
5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) (TRADE W CAR)⇅
Trey Lance, QB North Dakota St.
The Panthers move up to take the next best quarterback prospect in Trey Lance. Lance, like Carson Wentz, comes from the North Dakota State dynasty that rules the FCS. This should be a good fit for the Matt Rhule system; do not be shocked if Carolina makes a move up in the draft to select their face of the franchise.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1)
Micah Parsons, OLB Penn State
Parsons is a do it all type of linebacker. He was a tackling machine at Penn State that showed he could also get after the passer. With a year off due to the pandemic, Parsons should be ready to compete once again coming off an 11-2 year at Penn State. The Eagles need to get younger and faster on defense and Parsons checks both boxes.
7. Detroit Lions (5-11)
Devonta Smith, WR Alabama
The hype around Smith has reached new levels after he absolutely torched both Notre Dame and Ohio State defenses. The Lions will likely lose Kenny Golladay next season and if their plan is to stick with Stafford, it makes it almost impossible for them to pass on Smith at 7. Smith can do it all, the real question is still going to be if the 175 pounds is enough to be durable in the NFL. But, time will only tell for this touchdown machine but putting him in a system with a stable quarterback should result in immediate production.
8. Carolina Panthers (5-11) (Trade w CIN)🔁
Kyle Pitts, TE Florida
Pitts is the tight end that all NFL teams are now looking for. After breakouts from Darren Waller and George Kittle in both of their respective offenses it makes this position worth drafting higher. Cincinnati is already stocked with enough weapons for Joe Burrow on the outside but adding Pitts to a group that will already include Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins should give Zac Taylor’s offense even more offensive explosion.
9. Denver Broncos (5-11)
Caleb Farley, CB VA Tech
Farleys physical style at corner has risen the Hokie up draft boards in the past few months. After an ACL injury, Farley was elite during his last two seasons in Blacksburg. Farley has played against the best talent and has all the tools one would look for in a number one cornerback. It would be hard to see Vic Fangio let such a defensive playmaker slide.
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Patrick Surtain, CB Alabama
Prior to Dak Prescott going down with a season-ending injury Mike McCarthy’s team was scoring points that were not the problem. After their brutal week 1 loss, they gave up 30 points in 4 straight games. Surtain will immediately help a Dallas secondary in dying need of another corner. Another tremendous prospect from the Crimson Tide secondary.
11. New York Giants (6-10)
Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU
If the Giants do not manage to land a wide receiver in the 2021 free agency period Dave Gettleman and his front office would be licking their chops seeing a prospect like Chase fall to 11. As we saw last year that sometimes that does in fact happen, the Dallas Cowboys were able to grab CeeDee Lamb last year after dropping to the middle of round 1, same goes for Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson. Who knows but if the LSU tiger falls outside the top ten expect Chase to join a Giants wide receiver trio also featuring Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton.
12. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)
Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
As a frustrating season full of ups and downs comes to a close for the team by the Bay they struggled to remain consistent in the back end of the secondary. With older proven veterans like Jimmie Ward and Richard Sherman taking an emerging prospect like Horn here is what can help this San Francisco defense return to the level they were once at.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9)
Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern
Slater is an aggressive blocker who can move all over the offensive line. Thinking about the history of injuries to players from this Chargers organization Slater can help protect the new face of the franchise in Justin Herbert. Slater knows how to win and was a big contributor in transitioning Northwestern to be a threat among the Big Ten.
14. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
Daviyon Nixon, DT Iowa
Nixon is an athletic freak at the defensive tackle position. There still is a lot that needs to be developed with Nixon who becomes passive at times. The Vikings young defense looked bad this year and Mike Zimmer was not shy about making that clear. Minnesota’s young secondary is going to need more players who can make an impact upfront.
15. New England Patriots (7-9)
Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama
This has been a popular mock for Jaylen Waddle so far who has been all over the place on mock drafts. Waddle was injured this year during Alabama’s magical run to yet another national championship. He managed to rehab enough to be available for the Crimson Tide’s victory over Ohio State. Waddle was just as impressive as Devonta Smith in prior seasons but there remain questions about him being all speed. No matter who the quarterback is in New England next year this would be a fun spot to see Waddle shine under Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels.
16. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
Wyatt Davis, OG Ohio State
Davis was a part of a special team in Columbus, Ohio this season the Buckeyes shined on the biggest stage routing Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers. The talent Davis is surrounded by in practice every day and across from him on Saturdays should help him transition a bit more to NFL football. The Cardinals were in it till the end of this season but the inconsistent health status of Kyler Murray put a damper on their final push. The Cardinals priority needs to be to protect Murray and let him use his slew of elite weapons at full health and with time in the pocket.
17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8)
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, EDGE Notre Dame
Owusu-Koramoah is an intriguing prospect out of Notre Dame who managed to make a trip to the College Football Playoff this season. This was a big-time player for this Notre Dame defense who played all across their talented defense in 2020. In ten games last season the Raiders defense gave up over 30 points and some of those moments cost them a shot in the postseason. Taking a chance on Owusu-Koramoah to become an elite playmaker on your defense is something Gruden and Raider nation need to think long and hard about.
18. Miami Dolphins (10-6)
Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
Moore is both a game-wrecker and one of the biggest gambles in the 2021 draft. He has shown an ability to play everywhere on the football field sometimes seen in special teams usage and in the backfield for running plays. The former Boilermaker is someone you want with their hands on the football, there is no question. But, Moore has also only played a total of 7 games in the last year due to injuries. The Dolphins have enough weapons, for now, to take a chance on a talent like Moore. The complaints down in South Beach are on the hands of Tua Tagovailoa, who let’s not remember was ruling college football for three straight seasons while under Nick Saban. Brian Flores needs to focus on getting him the right supporting cast around him before they decide if he is the guy, this could be a good step.
19. Washington Football Team (7-9)
Mac Jones, QB Alabama
There are obviously going to be questions that come with being an Alabama quarterback and playing with some of the most elite players destined for the NFL. But, Mac Jones who was doubted by many heading into college and answered the challenge of competing hard in 2019 coming up short, and finishing his career off with a national championship win over Ohio State in 2020. Jones was a great distributor of the football and knew how to get it in the hands of his most talented guys over and over again. Washington has enough young weapons led by Terry McLaurin to draw even more talent to the nation's capital.
20. Chicago Bears (8-8)
Rashon Bateman, WR Minnesota
The way that Chicago has handled the Allen Robinson situation gives me no confidence in him being a Bear in 2021. Chicago’s offense down the stretch was surrounding Robinson. Matt Nagy who has had a few seasons of average football is going to need to replace his pro bowl wideout. Bateman who doesn’t offer as much size as Robinson is elite with the run after the catch. He can still line up outside and contend for a deep ball as well but Bateman is the modern-day do it all wideout. This would be a great piece to join a young offense in Chicago.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LA Rams 10-6)
Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC
After taking a franchise quarterback Jacksonville is going to need to make sure he has enough to protect him after seeing Gardner Minshew on and off deal with injuries during his time as the starter. Vera Tucker has experience playing both guard and tackle after he was forced into a left tackle role in 2020 due to injuries on the Trojans front. His athleticism is a model for what NFL scouts look for in offensive lineman. Vera-Tucker would give the Jags a dynamic piece upfront to help build a brighter future in Jacksonville.
22. Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Jayson Oweh, DL Penn State
Oweh is a great athlete to have on your front edge. He has a build like a running back but that doesn’t stop him from being effective both as a pass rusher and run stopper. Any NFL franchise that lands Oweh would experiment with him in many roles and maybe an expanded role in pass coverage. With Justin Houston pending to be a free agent, the Colts should look to stock an inconsistent pass-rushing unit that has weakened their young secondary.
23. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia
Ojulari did not have the immediate effect that some may have thought he would have as a Georgia Bulldog. He came in a bit undersized to play his linebacker role. He had an expanded role in 2019 but really broke out in 2020. Now Ojulari sits around 215 pounds and he finished off his college career with a dominating win against Cincinnati. Cleveland’s front this season was enough to get them bought but the inconsistent health status of Olivier Vernon and Myles Garrett may mean they need to add depth to the group.
24. Tennessee Titans (11-5)
Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas
Ossai never found his true spot as a pass rusher at Texas till his senior year where he looked comfortable as ever. He has a high motor that comes with strong hands to attack the quarterback with. The former Longhorn is a natural playmaker on the defensive side of the football that can cause turnovers in a hurry. The Titans pass rush was unexpectedly bad, they couldn’t seem to ever get Harold Landry going and Jadaveon Clowney is just not that player who will be in a passers face all day. Ossai makes sense here to add more versatility to a team that has been so close so many times.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Eric Stokes, CB Georgia
Stokes can appear grabby at times and does not have the technique that the great cornerbacks at the NFL level have. But, the Georgia corner was effective in playing both in zone and man in the 2020 season. He is hard-hitting and likes to gamble when on the outside. The Bucs have had decent secondary play so far in their playoff appearances but there is always room for another corner and on a team that has no one close to a clear number one adding depth is necessary for Todd Bowles defense.
26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Terrance Marshall, WR LSU
Terrance Marshall is yet another LSU wideout who has remarkable skills. Marshall being the man behind Justin Jefferson and Jamarr Chase still was effective scoring 13 times in 2019 and another 10 in 2020. Marshall can go up and get a ball against almost anyone he lines up against. Baltimore showed that they needed more depth and wideout when they signed Dez Bryant in the middle of the season. It is time for them to move on from Bryant and Willie Snead and focus on building around the duo of Marquise Brown, Lamar Jackson, and their group of running backs. This gives Jackson a bigger option in the red zone when he can’t get a clear read.
27. New York Jets (from Seattle 12-4)
Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas
Cosmi was a big part of protecting Sam Elingher for two years at Texas. He showed the ability to both pass protect with his long arms and run block with his unexpected lateral quickness for the Longhorns offense. Unlike many linemen, Cosmi is a smooth athlete that will help the Jets solidify their two tackles for the future with the other being Mekhi Becton. Whether the plan is to keep Sam Darnold and continue to build the roster or not making sure their face of the franchise is protected in front of him is the most vital thing to the Jets future.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
Collins is a hard player to miss while watching the Tulsa defense. He is all around the football field constantly flying to the ball. He is a natural athlete that puts the runner to the ground on first contact. This is exactly the type of player that this Steelers defense needs. Bud Dupree played just 11 games this season showing that the Steelers were a bit thin and linebacker. They were exposed on defense in Pittsburgh’s 5 losses after an 11 game win streak to start the year. Collins would be an immediate impact player for Mike Tomlin's bunch, and another standout athlete to add to the defense.
29. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
Nick Bolton, LB Missouri
Bolton is a fierce player at the linebacker position. He runs through gaps on the offensive line with the determination and speed that he is going to run through the guy with the ball. He is best in the run game when blitzing from the middle. Bolton never gives up on a play and consistently chases the ball to bring down the runner. The Saints defense played big down the stretch when Drew Brees was injured but it is not just Brees who is getting older. This defense is mostly filled with a lot of guys in their thirties with rich contracts. Bolton provides some depth behind Demario Davis and Kwon Alexander who both have a knack for getting injured.
30. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
Chris Barmore, DL Alabama
Barmore was a key contributor for the Crimson Tide’s national championship defense. He is best at nose tackle where he is known for stopping the run and pushing the pocket back into the quarterback. Barmore makes offenses uncomfortable and he comes from one of the greatest programs in college sports, The Bills need help on their interior defensive line and were even looking at acquiring a defensive tackle previous to the trade deadline. Barmore joins another fun winning culture out in Buffalo, New York.
31. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
Chris Olave, WR Ohio State
Olave was the top target for Justin Fields during Ohio State's shortened 2020 season. He finished on a high note scoring twice against Clemson in a revenge game with the Tigers. Olave is a classic receiver who just has a way of getting open. After a successful season for Aaron Rodgers after the drafting of Jordan Love, the Green Bay front office finally gets him a weapon in round 1 of the draft.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)
Carlos Basham Jr., DL Wake Forest
“Boogie” Basham was a force for 4 years during his time at Wake Forest. Basham tends to line up in the middle of the defensive front but has the speed and size to play the outside at the NFL level. Basham is an all-around game wrecker that will help a Kansas City sometimes inconsistent Kansas City pass rush. Basham is a fun entertaining player that should fit into any locker room, especially a fun and animated one like Andy Reid has in Kansas City.
Writer
-By: Sam Kirk