By Jack McNicholas

April 7th 2021

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, Quarterback: 

Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence has everything a team could want in a quarterback prospect. 6’6, 220 lbs. Lawrence would bring a winning mentality to the Jaguars franchise. Great arm strength, frame and Football IQ are unmatched. Trevor Stays as pick #1.

Previous Pick: Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, QB

2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, BYU, Quarterback:

Zach Wilson is the pick here as Jets get their new franchise quarterback to build around with their plethora of picks in the later rounds. Zach Wilson creates a new style of offense as the Robert Saleh era begins for the Jets. Wilson has great mobility to extend plays and will develop into a season pro. While not as pro ready as Lawrence the Jets will have their Quarterback of the Future with this second pick. 

Previous Pick: Penei Sewell, Oregon, OT

3. San Francisco 49ers: From HOU VIA MIA Trey Lance, NDSU, Quarterback 

Trades such as this do not occur without the selection of a quarterback. I believe Trey Lance provides both a strong arm as well as the ability to make plays with his feet. With only one game to show in 2020 many are fearing the lack of tape. A raw prospect however the upside is too good to pass up after a 42-0 TD:INT in 2019.

Previous Pick: Pre Trade: Patrick Surtain Alabama CB

4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, Ohio State, Quarterback 

Fields finds himself at home in his home state of Georgia. The Falcons select him here with the 4^th pick. This will give Field’s time to backup longtime veteran Matt Ryan. Fields has one of the highest upsides in this draft. A true winner as I have been growing a lot higher on him with the great showing of the pro day and watching some truly great film against some of the toughest competition. 

Previous Pick: Zach Wilson, BYU, QB

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, Oregon, Offensive Tackle 

Many analysts have Jamarr Chase or Kyle Pitts in this spot. I truly believe that while both would add great value to this offense the safest pick here to protect your young franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow. Sewell is one of my favorite players in this draft. Many did not get to see his talents on display in 2020 as he opted out of the season. In this mock he takes those talents to Cincinnati.

Previous Pick: Rashawn Slater, North Western, OT

6. Miami Dolphins from Philadelphia: Jamarr Chase, LSU, Wide Receiver 

Jamarr Chase is the most complete receiver in this draft. After the Dolphins make the move from 3 to 6, they still have the chance to give Tua Tagovailoa a new weapon in south beach. Chase brings some of the best route running we have seen in years. Chase was last seen in 2019 alongside rookie breakout from last season Justin Jefferson. Chase now will find his own spotlight as the new long-term weapon in Miami.

Previous Pick: Jamarr Chase, LSU, WR

7. Detroit Lions: Devonta Smith, Alabama, Wide Receiver 

The Heisman winner goes to the Detroit offense that desperately needs a number one receiver at the outside. New Quarterback Jared Goff will need the receiver with great hands, great separation ability and a serious will to win. The Lions go with a receiver here at No.7 to fill one of their many team needs.

Previous Pick: Devonta Smith, Alabama, Wide Receiver 

8. Carolina Panthers: Micah Parson Penn State, Linebacker 

After the trade of Sam Darnold, the Panthers said they are still evaluating quarterbacks despite the trade. This smoke screen will not trap me in the narrative that the Panthers need a quarterback for this mock draft. Instead, Parsons is the pick here. The most complete linebacker in this class. Since the departure of Luke Kuechly in 2019, this team has needed to address the linebacker position. They get that done here at pick number 8. 

Previous Pick: Trey Lance, North Dakota State University

9. Denver Broncos: Mac Jones, Alabama, Quarterback

While I am not as high as many on Mac Jones. I do believe with four quarterbacks going in the first four picks it would only be right that the most quarterback needy team in the top 10 would select the last of the top 5 quarterbacks in this draft before it’s too late. With Sutton, Jeudy, Fant and Gordon. Mac should fit in just fine.

Previous Pick: Caleb Farley Virginia Tech CB

10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II Alabama Cornerback 

It was evident in 2020 that the Dallas Cowboys needed to work on their pass defense. Surtain will help them right off the bat as he will not be asked to be the number one corner right away. With second year corner Trevon Diggs on the other side. The Cowboys now get their secondary fixed with a pair of Alabama Cornerbacks. 

Previous Pick: Micah Parson Penn State, Linebacker 

11. New York Giants Kwity Paye Michigan Edge Rusher 

The Giants go for Kwity Paye in my second consecutive mock draft. The reason is the Giants did a good job this year of locking up positions of need. One great position of need outstanding for Big Blue is the pass rush. Paye brings speed and force off the edge who and can be used in multiple different defenses. Joe Judge gets another defensive weapon at No. 11.

Previous Pick: Kwitney Paye, Michigan, EDGE

12. Philadelphia Eagles from SF via MIA, Kyle Pitts, Florida, Tight End

Pitts falling to 12 may seem like a crime to some. However, he is a victim of a high demand of quarterbacks in the top 10 picks. This will allow the Eagles to get a generational tight end. Pitts ran a 4.4 at his pro day and has a longer wingspan of any player measured this year. At 20 years old the Eagles can use him in so many ways as he continues to develop into a top tier tight end. 

Previous Pick: Pre trade: Kyle Pitts, Florida, Tight End

13. LA Chargers: Rashawn Slater, Northwestern, Offensive Tackle 

The Chargers found their future quarterback in Justin Herbert last season. Who went on to win with the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Now it’s time to protect him. With an amazing class of offensive linemen, the Chargers find themselves in a great spot to pick one of the top tackles in this draft. Slater can play both guard and tackle and with the new addition of center Ryan Linsley, it’s safe to say Herbert will be well protected.

Previous Pick: Jaylen Waddle, Alabama, Wide Receiver

14. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech, Offensive Tackle 

The Vikings did a great job this off-season filling many positions of need. Now they get Darrisaw, who is a complete lineman and will translate smoothly to the next level. His ability in the run game would be an incredible advantage to the already talented Dalvin Cook. Darrisaw would be an all-around benefit to this Vikings offense, as Minnesota wants to prioritize giving Kirk cousins as much time as possible. They take one of the many talent offensive lineman in this class. 

Previous Pick: Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech, Offensive Tackle 

15. New England Patriots: Gregory Rousseau, Miami, Defensive End 

Bill Belichick has worked great magic by developing some of the most athletic pass rushers in his defense of scheme. Rousseau opted out of last season after a stellar 2019 campaign. He is a natural talent and has many years to continue to learn the position. His raw athletic ability will be enough to intrigue the scouts in New England. 

Previous Pick: Mac Jones, Alabama, Quarterback

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, Cornerback 

After the departure of long-time cornerback Patrick Peterson, Cardinals get their next franchise quarterback adding to it is already a scary defensive unit. Horn is one of the best corners in the draft and has the ability to cover almost any receiver put in front of him. Watching him against talented SEC receivers truly shows his ability that will translate to the next level.

Previous Pick: Jaycee Horn, South Carolina, Corner

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Alijah Vera- Tucker, USC

The Raiders let go of three offense of lineman this off-season which shows they are truly trying to take advantage of the next great generation. Vera- Tucker would bring the toughness that the Raiders are looking for. An absolute mauler in the trenches he would be beneficial for both Quarterback Derek Carr and Running backs Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. He is the best run blocker available. Mike Mayock will be very intrigued by Vera- Tucker

Previous Pick: Alijah Vera- Tucker, USC

18. Miami Dolphins: Jerimiah Owusu- Koramoah, Notre Dame, Edge Rusher

If there is one linebacker that covers the field sideline to sideline the best, it has to be Jerimiah Owusu- Koramoah. Miami let go of Kyle Van Noy this offseason and it would only be right for him to be replaced by another athletic linebacker. Head coach Brian Flores is all about his defense and he grabs the top linebacker available here.

Previous Pick: Gregory Rousseau Miami EDGE

19. Washington Football Team: Rondale Moore, Purdue, Wide Receiver

Moore stands at 5’9 but he plays much more than his frame. His ability to get downfield in a blaze has to be intriguing to head coach Ron Rivera to pair the speedy Moore with phenom Terry McLaurin. Washington takes a risk here taking him over other top receiver prospects, but they will miss out if they do not take advantage here. His 4.29 40 yard- dash boosts his stock to the point many know that he will be a first round lock. 

Previous Pick: Jaylen Mayfeild, Michigan, OT

20. Chicago Bears: Jaylen Waddle, Alabama, Wide Receiver

With the departure of Allen Robinson eminent, it is time for the Bears to look to the top receiver available at this point. Waddle is a natural talent, averaging 20 YPC is not easy. The reason for his fall is that we have yet to see him work out at a pro day since he has been dealing with a leg injury. This injury may not make scouts overlook him. However, as it stands, he will be dropping lower than expected. Giving Chicago a great chance to pick him up.

Previous Pick: Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma, Center

21. Indianapolis Colts:  Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech, Cornerback 

A back surgery which could sideline him until the middle of training camp. Farley takes a big fall as I had him going as high as No. 9 in my last mock draft. I truly think once Farley is healthy, he could be a lockdown corner in both man and zone sets. The Colts would take this risk and develop him onto one of the most consistent defenses of last season.

Previous Pick: Trevon Moehrig TCU S

22. Tennessee Titans: Jason Oweh, Penn State, Linebacker 

Jason Oweh has found himself in the first round this time around. For great reason, at 6’5, 260lbs. The edge rusher ran a 4.36 forty-yard dash at his pro day. The second Penn State linebacker in this mock goes to a Titans team who just added Bud Dupree. Add Dupree’s disruptiveness and Oweh’s athleticism. Giving the Titans a true pass rush which the needed last season.

Previous Pick: Kadarius Toney Florida WR

23. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks: Jamin Davis, Kentucky Linebacker 

Jamin Davis is a player who I have truly grown to appreciate in this draft process. New head coach Robert Saleh is looking for his defense to be impactful. Pairing Davis with CJ Mosley will bring many elements that will scare opposing offenses. The Jets get both their QB and an athletic linebacker with their first two picks. A great start to this new Era. 

Previous Pick: Nick Bolton, Missouri, Linebacker 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, Alabama, Running Back

With the departure of James Connor this off-season. The Steelers opt for the top running back in many people’s eyes. Harris would give this team a workhorse back who can be relied on both heavily in the can be relied on both heavily in the running game, passing game and

Previous Pick: Justin Fields, Ohio State, Quarterback

25.  Jacksonville Jaguars: via LA Rams, Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State Tackle

Now that the Jacksonville jaguars are on the clock for the second time in the first round. It would be best for them to provide their new franchise quarterback with some protection. Jenkins provides an incredible past walking ability and is a truly talented linemen on all levels. Jacksonville protects both Trevor Lawrence and the run game in James Robinson with this pick. 

Previous Pick: Christian Baremore, Alabama, DT

26. Cleveland Browns: Jalen Phillips, Linebacker, Miami

Phillips has shown out these last few months and has truly established himself as one of the more athletic pass rushers in this draft. Many overlooked him over the season, and he may not have as many eyes on him as a teammate Greg Rousseau. However, Cleveland adds another pass rusher opposite Myles Garrett.

Previous Pick: Rondale Moore, Purdue, WR

27. Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver, Rashod Bateman

Bateman is just one of the many talented receivers in this draft. The Ravens get him here as they failed to get QB Lamar Jackson some help in the passing game. Bateman has a 6’2 Frame but plays so much bigger. As much as he wins with his size, he adds the speed necessary to get separation. 

Previous Pick: Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State, OT

28. New Orleans Saints: Terrence Marshall Jr.  LSU Wide Receiver

Terrence Marshall he’s an all-around talented receiver however he has had some of the top teammates above him on the depth chart at LSU. Marshall will find himself in my mock staying in Louisiana to play for the Saints giving them a solid wide receiver to opposite Michael Thomas.

Previous Pick: Jerimiah Owusu- Koramoah, Notre Dame, Edge Rusher

29. Green Bay Packers: Landon Dickerson Alabama Center

After losing Ryan Linsley to the Chargers in free agency, the Packers take an absolute stud in Landon Dickerson. Giving the MVP Aaron Rodgers a solid blocker in the middle of his offensive line. Dickerson is by far the most solid center in this draft and the Packers do have a big position of need to fill here. 

Previous Pick: Jamin Davis, Kentucky, Linebacker 

30. Buffalo Bills: Greg Newsome II, Northwestern, Cornerback 

Greg Newsome plays a great man to man style just like Bills star corner Tre’Davious White for a Bills team with a solid secondary also including Jordan Poyer and Michah Hyde. With this the team now has their full lock down secondary with Newsome coming is as the CB two he will be well transitioned into the NFL in this Bills team looking to repeat as Division Champions. 

Previous Pick: Najee Harris, Alabama Running Back

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Mayfield, Michigan, Offensive Tackle 

It was evident in the Super Bowl that the Chiefs have a desperate need to protect their quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mayfield provides support in both the pass and run block with a pro sized frame. Mayfield would be a plug and play on this offense of line that just added Joe Thuney. 

Previous Pick: Aaron Banks, Notre Dame, OT

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Etienne, Clemson, Running Back 

Play off Lenny may be back for the Tampa Bay team in 2021 however I do not believe that he nor Ronald Jones would be the answer long-term for the future of the Tampa Bay franchise. Etienne has shown that he has a stable running back that can do almost anything asked of him. If you watch any of his Clemson tape you will see that he will be a great workhorse back at the next level. The Champs get a former National Champ in Etienne. 

Previous Pick: Travis Etienne, Clemson, Running Back