The 2020 NFL season brought many surprises with many teams making a huge push for the playoffs and several other teams disappointing. For 18 teams, they are starting their rebuilding process in the offseason. Those teams preparing in the offseason are already looking in their front office, coaching positions, and potential free agents for this next season. The rest are currently preparing for the 2020 NFL Playoffs starting with the Wild Card Round this weekend. These are teams that have a more stable team through efficient free agencies and NFL Drafts. Expect these teams in the second of the 2021 NFL Mock Draft to make a significant push or surprising pick.
2021 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-16
2021 NFL Mock Draft – End of Regular Season (Picks: 17-32)
17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) – Defensive End/Defensive Tackle Jaelan Phillips (Miami)
The defensive line for the Raiders has seen many of their players switch in-and-out as starters. This season, Las Vegas has only accounted for 21 sacks (29th in the league) and 61 tackles for loss (tied for 20th in the league).
18. Miami Dolphins (10-6) – Offensive Tackle Rashawn Slater (Northwestern)
The lack of an elite receiver corp was not the only downfall of their offense this past season. The offensive line of the Dolphins has allowed 34 sacks this season where it was difficult for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to extend the plays.
19. Washington Football Team (7-9) – Quarterback Mac Jones (Alabama)
Washington has seen three different quarterbacks start for them this season. They will need a new franchise quarterback to lead them into future NFL Playoff appearances. Jones is pro-ready but he will have a great teacher in Alex Smith.
20. Chicago Bears (8-8) – Offensive Tackle Wyatt Davis (Ohio State)
The offensive line for the Chicago Bears has been a disaster this year as they have allowed 36 sacks this season. The Bears’ offense is ranked 22nd in the league in passing yards per game (228.4) and 25th in rushing yards per game (102.9).
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15)** – Offensive Tackle Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
Now that the Jaguars have their franchise quarterback, the Jaguars will a solid offensive line to keep him consistent in the pocket. The Jaguars have given up 44 sacks this season, which is tied for the seventh-highest allowed in the league.
22. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) – Quarterback Kyle Trask (Florida)
The Colts are set to lose veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to retirement after this season. They will need a new franchise quarterback to lead their consistent and productive offense in 2021.
23. Cleveland Browns (11-5) – Linebacker Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
Defensively, the Browns have several playmakers on the edge and in the secondary but they will need more support in the second-level. Their defense ranks 24th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (110.8). Collins will provide instant support as the starting middle linebacker.
24. Tennessee Titans (11-5) – Cornerback Shaun Wade (Ohio State)
The Titans have gone from the Wild Card team this past season to the AFC South title winners this season. They will need to make some serious upgrades in the secondary as they are ranked fourth in the league in passing yards allowed per game (277.4).
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) – Defensive Tackle Christian Barmore (Alabama)
The Buccaneers will need to solidify their rush defense as well as get into the backfield often. Vita Vea will be back but they will more help in their interior defensive line.
26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Wide Receiver Rondale Moore (Purdue)
Even with the Ravens receiving some high-value wide receivers within the past two seasons, the Ravens are still one of the least efficient passing offense in the league. The Ravens are last in the league in passing yards per game (171.2).
27. New York Jets (2-14)*** – Offensive Tackle Samuel Cosmi (Texas)
Much like Jacksonville drafting their franchise quarterback followed by a tackle in the first round, the Jets must protect their new franchise quarterback in the pocket. The Jets have allowed 43 sacks
28. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) – Running Back Travis Etienne (Clemson)
While James Conner is an efficient running back, the Steelers need more consistency in the running game. This season, Pittsburgh is ranked last in the league in rushing yards per game (84.4).
29. New Orleans Saints (12-4) – Safety Jevon Holland (Oregon)
The Saints will need a new franchise quarterback, but they are too low in the 2021 NFL Draft to find an efficient first-round selection. They can find the best player available in the defensive backfield for their roster.
30. Buffalo Bills (13-3) – Offensive Tackle Alex Leatherwood (Alabama)
Buffalo will need to protect their franchise quarterback Josh Allen as much as possible inside the pocket. Leatherwood is an offensive lineman that can also solidify the rushing offense.
31. Green Bay Packers (13-3) – Wide Receiver Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
The Packers will need more high-caliber talent at the wide receiver position outside of Davante Adams. Bateman would be able to get more impact from veteran Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) – LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
Finally, the Chiefs have become a more efficient defense this season than in their Super Bowl-winning season. They have one portion of the edge that needs to be upgraded but they will need help at the middle linebacker position. The Chiefs are ranked 12th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game.
2021 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-16
**(The Los Angeles Rams traded the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in a trade package deal for Jalen Ramsey)
***(The Seattle Seahawks traded the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in a trade package deal for safety Jamal Adams).
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