The mock...
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Two-round 2021 NFL mock draft: Four QBs early, DeVonta Smith reunites with Tua
Dane Brugler 2h ago 107
The quarterback movement this offseason will be fascinating.
Do the Colts bring back Philip Rivers or move on? How does the new Jets head coach feel about Sam Darnold? Do the 49ers have an upgrade in mind for Jimmy Garoppolo? What about Chicago? New England? Washington?
The questions go on and on. Several quarterback-needy teams will look to the draft to find the answers, which is one of the reasons many expect four quarterbacks to be selected in the top 10, which has only happened once — in 2018.
Aside from worthy quarterback talent at the top of the draft, several around the league also voiced a lack of optimism about the 2022 quarterback draft class (based on early scouting) as another contributing factor why teams will be more aggressive drafting quarterbacks in April.
What we know is there is more demand than supply, making this two-round mock draft an exercise of quarterback musical chairs.
Note: Picks 1-24 in the first round and picks 33-56 in the second round have been set. Which teams will make the other picks will be determined by playoff results.
First round
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Regardless of the head coach or general manager, Lawrence is the guy at No. 1. While I wouldn’t put the “generational quarterback” label on him, he is a generational talent with his combination of size, mobility, arm talent, processing speed and intangibles.
2. New York Jets — Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
This is where the intrigue really starts. Should the Jets keep Darnold and build up the roster (either by drafting Oregon’s Penei Sewell or by trading back)? Or should they start fresh with a new quarterback? And if so, which one? Wilson’s accuracy and off-platform playmaking skills are why several around the league think he is the favorite at No. 2.
3. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans) — DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Dolphins are proceeding with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback and they should have their sights set on getting him help. To take the next step in his development, Tagovailoa needs to learn the difference between “college open” and “NFL open” and reuniting him with Smith, who has elite ball skills and separation quickness, would speed up that learning curve.
4. Atlanta Falcons — Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Similar to when the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes in the top 10 with an entrenched starter already on their roster, the Falcons have an opportunity to secure the future of the position with this pick. Matt Ryan has a complicated contract, but he is still a starting-level quarterback, and that would allow Atlanta to have patience with Fields before examining trade scenarios for Ryan.
5. Cincinnati Bengals — Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Bengals (and Joe Burrow) might be on pins and needles at No. 5, hoping Sewell gets past the Jets, Dolphins and Falcons. Sewell isn’t the flawless prospect some make him out to be, but he is still an outstanding player with his big-man balance and flexibility — and he doesn’t turn 21 until October.
6. Philadelphia Eagles — Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Regardless of their quarterback situation, the Eagles need more firepower on offense. Chase, whose 84 catches last season were for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, both SEC records, has the gear-changing acceleration and elite finishing skills that make him an immediate NFL weapon.
7. Detroit Lions — Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Lions could be in the wide receiver market with this pick, but they also need difference-makers on defense. Although maturity concerns will follow him into the NFL, Parsons has a freaky combination of height, weight and speed, along with the skills to be a three-down player.
8. Carolina Panthers — Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The Panthers need to upgrade at quarterback. It will just come down to how they feel about those in the draft. The concerns with Lance are obvious (he has only made 17 starts, all against FCS competition), but his talent, work ethic and college production are strong selling points. And with Teddy Bridgewater and P.J. Walker under contract, Carolina won’t need to rush Lance’s development.
9. Denver Broncos — Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
If one of the top four quarterback prospects is still on the board, the Broncos will have an interesting decision to make. But the defense needs upgrades at every level, including at cornerback. Although he is still learning the position, Farley has a Pro Bowl ceiling due to his athleticism, length and natural ball instincts.
10. Dallas Cowboys — Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Many fans will disapprove of any pick that isn’t a defensive player, but the Cowboys’ offensive line woes were a constant theme all season. Not only does Slater have NFL-ready talent, he offers the versatility to play tackle or guard, giving the Cowboys much-needed flexibility.
11. New York Giants — Kyle Pitts, WR/TE, Florida
One of the priorities for Dave Gettleman this offseason will be to get his quarterback more weapons. Yes, Evan Engram was named a Pro Bowler, but he is entering a contract year and Pitts can play tight end or wide receiver and create mismatches with his size, athleticism and ball skills.
12. San Francisco 49ers — Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The 49ers don’t have any cornerbacks under contract for next season so saying cornerback is a need is an understatement. And in this scenario, need matches talent with Surtain, who might not have elite speed or twitch but has NFL-ready cover skills and instincts.
13. Los Angeles Chargers — Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Chargers offensive line was among the worst this season. Imagine what Justin Herbert and the offense could do with more protection up front? Darrisaw is a bully who moves with balance and would give the franchise a long-term answer at left tackle.
14. Minnesota Vikings — Gregory Rousseau, edge, Miami (Fla.)
The lack of a consistent pass rush by the Vikings will eat at Mike Zimmer all offseason. The organization might be in position to draft the top pass rusher on its board, and that could be Rousseau, who has the length, flexibility and upside to blossom in Minnesota.
15. New England Patriots — Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Patriots will examine several quarterback options this offseason, but it might not matter much unless they add more playmakers. Waddle and his special athleticism would be an instant shot of adrenaline for the offense.
16. Arizona Cardinals — Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
There is no question Horn needs to improve his discipline and finishing skills to stay on the field in the NFL. But he is a long, agile athlete with the instincts and competitive mentality that remind some scouts of Aqib Talib, and he would give the Cardinals an immediate upgrade at the position.
17. Las Vegas Raiders — Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
With his explosive nature, Owusu-Koramoah could easily be a top-10 pick, although his role will vary depending on scheme. That will cloud his projection. One of the few certainties with the Raiders’ defense? It needs athletic playmakers and Owusu-Koramoah could fill that void.
18. Miami Dolphins — Kwity Paye, edge, Michigan
The Dolphins received surprising pass-rush production from Emmanuel Ogbah and Andrew Van Ginkel, but there is no such thing as too many pass rushers. Paye is an outstanding run defender and his twitchy lower body and relentless energy help him break down the rhythm of blockers.
19. Washington Football Team — Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G, USC
Although Cornelius Lucas played above expectations this season, left tackle is a position Washington will consider upgrading. Vera-Tucker was graded as a second-round guard before the season, but he moved to left tackle and played at a high level, boosting his draft grade.
20. Chicago Bears — Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
There is an obvious need at quarterback in Chicago, but the demand outweighs the supply, especially with several other teams needing quarterbacks drafting in this range. The Bears also need to invest in their offensive line and Jenkins has experience at left tackle, right tackle and guard.
21. Indianapolis Colts — Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
One of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the draft, Campbell, who was high school teammates with Surtain, doesn’t always play confident, but his size and athleticism are first-round worthy. At 6-foot-2, he has outstanding length and moves like a much smaller player.
22. Tennessee Titans — Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The Titans need to address several spots in their front seven and a versatile player like Collins will be very intriguing to coach Mike Vrabel. At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, he can rush the passer or play in space as an off-ball linebacker who creates impact plays. He had 11.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions and scored two touchdowns this season.
23. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks) — Azeez Ojulari, edge, Georgia
With three of the top 34 picks, the Jets can address plenty of needs, including pass rusher. Only a redshirt sophomore, Ojulari needs to diversify his pass-rush plan, but he is an explosive athlete with the dip-and-rip cornering skills to pressure the pocket.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers — Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Ben Roethlisberger’s future in Pittsburgh is uncertain and the Steelers already know his successor isn’t on the roster. Jones is a tough prospect to evaluate because of the perfect situation around him at Alabama, but he deserves credit for his poise in the pocket and consistent decision-making.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams) — Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Only a redshirt sophomore, Barmore has been my top-ranked defensive tackle since the summer, but that ranking was based more on potential than consistent production. However, the Philadelphia native has continued to develop this season and unlocked his power and athleticism, which is what the Jaguars need on their defensive line.
26. Cleveland Browns — Jaelan Phillips, edge, Miami (Fla.)
With Myles Garrett frequently facing multiple blockers, the Browns need to add another pass rusher opposite him. Phillips is a first-round talent with his athletic movements and handwork, but his landing spot on draft day will come down to teams’ medical grades.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Bruce Arians wants a reliable pass-catcher at running back and neither Ronald Jones nor Ke’Shawn Vaughn have proved to be that (and Leonard Fournette likely not back). The Bucs were ready to draft Antonio Gibson for that role in last year’s second round before Antoine Winfield fell to them, so I expect Harris to be strongly considered here if still available for Tampa.
28. Baltimore Ravens — Joseph Ossai, edge, Texas
With Matt Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, Pernell McPhee and Tyson Bowser slated to hit free agency, the Ravens might be looking for pass-rush help in the draft. Ossai has some Justin Houston to his game with his body type, get-off speed and nonstop effort.
29. New Orleans Saints — Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Wide receiver isn’t atop the list of their most pressing needs, but the Saints are always looking to add dynamic athleticism on offense and have never been shy drafting Ohio State players.
30. Buffalo Bills — Jalen Mayfield, OT/G, Michigan
With several pending free agents on the offensive line, the Bills might be in a position to use an early round draft pick on a tackle or guard. Mayfield consistently improved as the Wolverine’s right tackle and he has the skill set to slide inside to guard if needed, which would give Buffalo flexibility.
31. Green Bay Packers — Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
One of the most impressive risers this season, Nixon flashes the power to stack blockers and quickness to leverage gaps, posting 13 tackles for loss in seven games. The last time the Packers drafted an Iowa defensive lineman, Mike Daniels proved to be a steal. Nixon could have a similar impact.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
The Chiefs are in great shape with their offensive skill players so an offensive lineman or a defender might be more likely. But if the Chiefs lean into their strengths, Toney would be an intriguing fit as a versatile player who can line up across the formation and be a big play waiting to happen.
Second round
33. Jacksonville Jaguars — Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
Once the Jaguars have their quarterback, investing in the offensive line is always a wise move. Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer called Davis’ recruitment “one of the most enjoyable” experiences he has ever had, but regardless of who ends up as the Jaguars’ head coach, Davis would be an upgrade over A.J. Cann at right guard.
34. New York Jets — Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
35. Atlanta Falcons — Jayson Oweh, edge, Penn State
36. Miami Dolphins (from Houston Texans) — Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
37. Philadelphia Eagles — Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
38. Cincinnati Bengals — Asante Samuel, CB, Florida State
39. Carolina Panthers — Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
With Russell Okung and Taylor Moton set to become free agents, the Panthers might need to replace both starting tackles. From his time in the Big 12, head coach Matt Rhule is familiar with Cosmi, who offers the intangibles and toughness that fit Carolina’s culture.
40. Denver Broncos — Jordan Smith, edge, UAB
41. Detroit Lions — Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
42. New York Giants — Carlos Basham, edge, Wake Forest
43. San Francisco 49ers — Joe Tryon, edge, Washington
44. Dallas Cowboys — Trevon Moehrig, FS, TCU
The last time the Cowboys drafted a safety in the first two rounds was when they took Roy Williams in 2002, so Moehrig would go counter to the organization’s drafting history. But he would give Dallas a much-needed upgrade over free safety Xavier Woods.
45. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Minnesota Vikings) — Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
46. New England Patriots — Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
47. Los Angeles Chargers — Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
48. Las Vegas Raiders — Jay Tufele, DT, USC
49. Arizona Cardinals — Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
50. Miami Dolphins — Josh Myers, OC, Ohio State
51. Washington Football Team — Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
52. Chicago Bears — Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
With Allen Robinson possibly playing elsewhere, the Bears could be in the market for a dynamic wide receiver worth developing. With skills like Stefon Diggs, Brown has big-play speed (he averaged more than 20 yards per catch the last two seasons) and will continue to rise throughout the process.
53. Tennessee Titans — Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
54. Indianapolis Colts — Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
55. Pittsburgh Steelers — Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
56. Seattle Seahawks — Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
Listing offensive line as a need for the Seahawks is an offseason tradition. Seattle had favorable results after drafting Damien Lewis, a mauling guard from the SEC, on Day 2 last year, so why not follow that formula? Smith could be plugged in as the starting left guard for the season opener.
57. Los Angeles Rams — Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State
59. Baltimore Ravens — Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
60. Cleveland Browns — Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
There are several upgrades needed in Cleveland’s secondary, including at outside cornerback. Melifonwu has room to improve his anticipation, but he has the rare physical gifts in his length, speed and fluidity to match up against different types of NFL receivers.
61. New Orleans Saints — Jevon Holland, FS, Oregon
62. Buffalo Bills — Rashad Weaver, edge, Pittsburgh
63. Green Bay Packers — Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
64. Kansas City Chiefs — Dayo Odeyingbo, DL, Vanderbilt
