The NFL Draft is upon us! With plenty of reports and evaluations having been done, I will give my final predictive mock draft. This is not what I would do, but rather what I predict will happen on Thursday night.
2021 NFL Draft – Final Predictive Mock Draft (Trades included)
Pick 1 – Jacksonville Jaguars
The Pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
There is not much to say about this pick, as Trevor Lawrence has been the presumptive number 1 pick ever since his freshman season. The Jaguars will be lucky to have such a refined, almost flawless prospect at their disposal.
Trevor Lawrence NFL Draft Profile
Pick 2 – New York Jets
The Pick: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Zach Wilson is an incredible playmaker when the play breaks down. His arm talent, athleticism, and pure arm strength make for a very well-rounded quarterback. Although he may need some time to develop, Wilson ultimately has a very high ceiling to become a quality franchise quarterback for the Jets.
Pick 3 – San Francisco 49ers (via HOU thru MIA)
The Pick: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Sorry, 49ers fans. Although I personally believe that Justin Fields and Trey Lance are better overall prospects than Jones, it is looking more and more likely that the 49ers will select Mac Jones. However, with Kyle Shanahan as the head coach, the 49ers can mold Jones into a solid starter and win plenty of games.
Pick 4 – (TRADE via ATL) – New England Patriots
Trade Details:
Falcons Receive: Pick 15, 96, 2022 1st, 2022 4th
Patriots Receive: Pick 4
The Pick: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Reports say that the Patriots are believed to be pursuing Justin Fields, and rightfully so. Fields is an athletic, accurate quarterback who can make every throw on the field (no pun intended) and provides a very high ceiling. Pairing Belichick with Fields ought to be an interesting duo.
Justin Fields NFL Draft Profile
Pick 5 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
I am of the opinion that the Bengals should select Kyle Pitts. However, reports say that the Bengals are sold on selecting Ja’Marr Chase. With the chemistry between him and Burrow already created, it should make for a fun duo for fans to watch. The Bengals can easily get a plug and play offensive tackle at the top of the 2nd round.
Ja’Marr Chase NFL Draft Profile
Pick 6 – Miami Dolphins (via PHI)
The Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
With all the picks that Miami has, they select the best player available, in this case, Kyle Pitts. Pitts is extremely versatile and brings a unique skillset to the table. He will be a huge factor for opposing defensive coordinators to account for, and the Dolphins surround Tua with weapons to see if he can be their franchise quarterback.
Pick 7 – (TRADE via DET) – Washington Football Team
Trade Details:
Lions receive: Pick 19, 74, 2022 1st, 2022 3rd, 2023 4th
W.F.T. receives: Pick 7, 2022 5th
The Pick: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Washington’s roster is all around very solid, and neither Ryan Fitzpatrick nor Taylor Heinicke are the future at the quarterback position for them. They make an aggressive move to pursue a quarterback who has a very high ceiling in Trey Lance. He may take some time to develop, and having Ryan Fitzpatrick as a mentor is a very good situation for Lance, who can become Washington’s franchise quarterback of the future.
Pick 8 – Carolina Panthers
The Pick: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
After trading for Sam Darnold, the Panthers patch up their offensive line with a true franchise tackle. At the young age of 20, Sewell is NFL-ready and will be their guy at that position for years to come. Giving Darnold protection and McCaffrey better blocking is a very ideal pick for them, and great value here with the 8th pick.
Penei Sewell NFL Draft Profile
Pick 9 – Denver Broncos
The Pick: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Although they do not get a quarterback, they still get Drew Lock, who likely is getting his last chance this season, some more protection. With Garrett Bolles providing very solid play, they sure up the other side of the offensive line with Rashawn Slater who has proven himself time and time again to be one of the more consistent tackles in this draft class.
Rashawn Slater NFL Draft Profile
Pick 10 – Dallas Cowboys
The Pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
This has been the chalk pick for a while and it seems to be staying that way. Surtain is a very technically sound lockdown corner, who will certainly provide quality play at the cornerback position for a secondary that struggled in 2020. Across from Trevon Diggs, Surtain will boost that secondary very well.
Patrick Surtain II NFL Draft Profile
Pick 11 – New York Giants
The Pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Despite acquiring Kenny Golladay in free agency, the Giants still surround Daniel Jones with even more weapons. Golladay’s contested catch ability and Waddle’s speed would make for a very exciting receiving duo.
Jaylen Waddle NFL Draft Profile
Pick 12 – Philadelphia Eagles (via SF thru MIA)
The Pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Although I truly believe Caleb Farley is the better scheme fit, Horn is a quality cornerback without the injury concerns. His ability in man coverage is very impressive, and I would not be surprised if he ultimately proves himself to be the best cornerback in the draft.
Pick 13 – Los Angeles Chargers
The Pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Darrisaw’s scheme fit with the Chargers is perfect. Their zone-heavy run scheme makes for a perfect fit as Darrisaw is excellent as a reach blocker. He can also provide quality protection for the Chargers’ franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert.
Christian Darrisaw NFL Draft Profile
Pick 14 – Minnesota Vikings
The Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/IOL, USC
Vera-Tucker is an extremely dependable and versatile offensive lineman. He can play almost all five positions across the offensive line, and will provide quality play at every spot, which is exactly what the Minnesota Vikings need right now.
Alijah Vera-Tucker NFL Draft Profile
Pick 15 – (TRADE via NE) – Atlanta Falcons
The Pick: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Falcons trade down 11 spots, acquire more draft capital, and still get an absolute athletic freak at the linebacker position. Parsons can play pretty much any linebacker position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. Despite his athletic traits, he still needs some time to truly learn the intricacies of playing the linebacker position, but he really does have a lot to work with.
Micah Parsons NFL Draft Profile
Pick 16 – Arizona Cardinals
The Pick: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Cardinals stay put at 16 and get an excellent value pick here. Smith is a very well-rounded receiver who can play both in the slot and outside. He makes for a perfect pairing with DeAndre Hopkins, and Kyler Murray gets yet another quality weapon to throw to.
DeVonta Smith NFL Draft Profile
Pick 17 – Las Vegas Raiders
The Pick: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
The Raiders have a history of taking defensive linemen who don’t pan out, but hopefully this one ends differently. I personally don’t think Barmore is worth a first round pick, but adding him to the defensive line with Yannick Ngakoue, Maxx Crosby, and Clelin Ferrell could allow that pass rush to take a leap.
Christian Barmore NFL Draft Profile
Pick 18 – Miami Dolphins
The Pick: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
I personally believe that Jaelan Phillips is the best defensive player in the draft, but in this predictive mock he slips to 18. After getting a generational offensive weapon at 6, the Dolphins are more than happy pick up Phillips and add to their pass rush, one of the weakest points on their roster.
Jaelan Phillips NFL Draft Profile
Pick 19 – (TRADE via WAS) – Detroit Lions
The Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/SS, Notre Dame
The Detroit Lions defense has consistently been one of the worst in the league. Trading back, adding capital, and taking a quality defensive starter is a great move for them, and that’s exactly what they do in this mock draft. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is a player who can do almost anything defensively – play the run in the box, erase a tight end, cover a slot receiver… you name it, he can do it, and this is very good value for the Lions at 19 after trading back.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah NFL Draft Profile
Pick 20 – Chicago Bears
The Pick: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Bears only have one more season with Allen Robinson, and quite frankly Darnell Mooney is not a number 1 receiver. Drafting Rashod Bateman, who can deliver quality play as a true number 1 X receiver after Robinson leaves, is a great move for Ryan Pace and the Bears.
Rashod Bateman NFL Draft Profile
Pick 21 – Indianapolis Colts
The Pick: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
After posting unreal pro day numbers, Cosmi becomes the third tackle off the board. Anthony Castonzo’s departure leaves a gaping hole at the left tackle position for Indy, and the Colts get five years of an athletic freak at the left tackle position. Cosmi will almost surely be elevated playing alongside Quenton Nelson.
Samuel Cosmi NFL Draft Profile
Pick 22 – Tennessee Titans
The Pick: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
I do not believe Toney is worth a pick this high, but reports via some NFL insiders are that the league is significantly higher on Toney than the media. For that reason, I have the Titans taking Toney to pair him with AJ Brown. I do believe this is a great fit, as Toney is a solid run blocker and can even be an element in the run game himself. The creativity the Titans can use with him is an exciting thing to think about.
Kadarius Toney NFL Draft Profile
Pick 23 – New York Jets (via SEA)
The Pick: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
If any team would be willing to take the risk on Farley, it’s the Jets. Farley is an extremely talented player and if he overcomes his injury, he could easily be the best corner in this draft. Considering all the capital they have, the Jets would be more than willing to take that risk on a corner with extremely high potential in this mock draft.
Caleb Farley NFL Draft Profile
Pick 24 – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pick: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
I absolutely despise taking running backs in the first round, as I explained in my article on drafting for value. Regardless, this is a predictive mock, and reports are that the Steelers are looking to address the running back position early in the draft. Harris is the consensus number 1 RB, although I am of the opinion that Javonte Williams is better. Regardless, the Steelers get a quality player at the running back position to replace James Conner
Najee Harris NFL Draft Profile
Pick 25 – Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)
The Pick: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
After getting their franchise quarterback, the Jaguars have to protect him. Jenkins is a very physical tackle who will be a dependable blind side protector for Lawrence.
Teven Jenkins NFL Draft Profile
Pick 26 – Cleveland Browns
The Pick: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Although the Browns signed Jadeveon Clowney, he has injury concerns. As a Super Bowl-caliber roster, the Browns get a valuable position for a cheap contract with Kwity Paye in this mock draft. If Clowney gets injured, Paye can come in and play his role as a dependable run stopper. He can also be rotated in to provide fresh legs late in games when the opposing offensive line gets fatigued.
Pick 27 – Baltimore Ravens
The Pick: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Baltimore Ravens are in desperate need of an improved pass rush. Although wide receiver has been mocked to them a lot, I am of the opinion that they have a talented receiver group that just needs to be used correctly. In addition to this, Eric DeCosta, the Ravens’ general manager, said that he was “insulted” that people disliked the Ravens’ receiver group in a pre-draft presser, hinting that he may not target the position early in the draft. That leads to the Ravens getting one of the most productive college pass rushers here at 27.
Azeez Ojulari NFL Draft Profile
Pick 28 – New Orleans Saints
The Pick: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
Outside of Michael Thomas, the Saints have practically no one at the receiver position. Marshall Jr is my number 3 receiver in this draft, but he falls to 28 and the Saints are happy to pair him with Thomas in this mock draft.
Terrace Marshall Jr. NFL Draft Profile
Pick 29 – Green Bay Packers
The Pick: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Moore is a quality slot receiver who is a perfect fit with the Packers offense. As a Super Bowl-caliber roster, the Packers are looking to add a dependable offensive weapon alongside Davante Adams, and Moore is perfect for that. He is primarily a slot receiver but can play outside as well. He is a physical receiver with dependable hands. Aaron Rodgers is sure to like Moore a lot.
Elijah Moore NFL Draft Profile
Pick 30 – Buffalo Bills
The Pick: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Outside of Tre’Davious White, the Bills do not have much at the cornerback position. Newsome is a perfect fit in McDermott’s offensive system, and will be a great player to pair across from White. This is overall a perfect fit for the Buffalo Bills at pick 30 of this mock draft.
Greg Newsome II NFL Draft Profile
Pick 31 – (TRADE via BAL) – New York Jets (via KC thru BAL)
Trade Details:
Ravens receive:
Pick 34, 86
Jets receive:
Pick 31
The Pick: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
The Jets need to add to their offensive line alongside Mekhi Becton to protect Zach Wilson. They trade up 3 spots from their 2nd round pick in order to secure an offensive tackle with a fifth-year option. Eric DeCosta has shown time and time again that he will gladly trade down and acquire more picks, and he does so here.
Dillon Radunz NFL Draft Profile
Pick 32 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pick: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
The Bucs really have no significant needs, so they acquire a freak athletic pass rusher who is on a cheap rookie deal for five years in this mock draft. He can be a rotational player or potentially start in place of an injured Jason Pierre-Paul or Shaquil Barrett.
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