Sean Gannon

April 8^th 2021

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15): Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson

No change here. It’s been said all offseason, and there is still nothing to show that Jacksonville s not going in this direction.

Previous Pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson

2. New York Jets (2-14): Zach Wilson, QB BYU

New York traded Sam Darnold to the Panthers, and there is a massive hole in the quarterback room. Jets go after Wilson, who put on a show during his pro-day. They need to fill this position now, and no better way to do it than with the second pick.

Previous Pick: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon

3. San Francisco 49ers (6-10; From (10-6) Miami Via Houston): Justin Fields, QB Ohio State

Similar to Wilson, Fields put on a show during his pro-day. He can sit for a year behind Jimmy G to learn Shanahan’s offensive system. 49ers could benefit from Fields’ athleticism and his ability to extend plays with his legs, something Jimmy has not been able to do much of.

Previous Pick: Devonta Smith, WR Alabama

4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12): Trey Lance, QB NDSU

It feels like the Matt Ryan era in Atlanta is coming to an end, and sitting at 4 gives them an excellent opportunity to get their quarterback of the future. Lance has the athleticism and the arm strength to play in the NFL. Learning the game from Matt Ryan will help his growth as NDSU sat out the 2020 season due to Covid.

Previous Pick: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State

5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU

Still no change. Yes, they could go offensive line to protect their impressive young quarterback, which would still be good. But with Chase right there and what both Chase and Burrow did in college, it’s hard to want to pass that up, especially with no AJ Green on the roster anymore.

Previous Pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU

6. Miami Dolphins (10-6, From (4-11-1) Philadelphia Eagles): Devonta Smith, WR Alabama

Like the Bengals, the Dolphins could easily go offensive line, and that wouldn’t be a bad thing. But with Smith right there and Tua having played with him in college, it’s hard to pass that up. I wouldn’t be too concerned with Smiths’ size; his natural skill and understanding of the game are going to help him be a great receiver in the NFL.

Previous Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida

7. Detroit Lions (5-11): Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech

The Lions are in a great spot at seven and can do a lot here, but with a weak secondary, they need to solidify it. Their division features guys like Devonta Adams, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Allen Robinson. These are wideouts that are some of the best in the business, and solidifying the secondary can be a massive help for a weak defense.

Previous Pick: Micah Parsons, LB Penn State

8. Carolina Panthers (5-11): Penei Sewell, OT Oregon

Carolina made the trade for Darnold and paid nothing to do so. They go out and get a starting tackle to work with franchise-tagged Tayler Moton. The Panther immediately boasts a solid offensive line, and with playmakers such as CMC, DJ Moore, and Robby Anderson, this is starting to look like a top 10 offense in 2021 with Sam Darnold at the helm.

Previous Pick: Zach Wilson, QB BYU

9. Denver Broncos (5-11): Micah Parsons, LB Penn State

No change here. Broncos went out and got Kyle Fuller after being released by the Bears. They will have Nick Chubb and Von Miller back, helping out the front seven by getting Parsons. A true sideline to sideline linebacker Parsons will be a leader on this team.

Previous Pick: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-10): Kwity Paye, Edge Michigan

Dallas could get sure up their secondary here, but they need someone to work opposite Demarcus Lawrence. Aldon Smith is getting old, and after week 5, his production dropped. Paye is a natural edge rusher that could make an immediate impact for an underwhelming defense in 2020.

Previous Pick: Kwity Paye, Edge Michigan

11. New York Giants (6-10): Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama

It’s not often that you get a top-tier cornerback in the draft that falls into your lap. The Giants defense took a massive leap forward in 2020 with Joe Judge as the head coach. James Bradberry was fantastic throughout the season, and getting him a complimentary corner would do wonders for this already up-and-coming defense in New York.

Previous Pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama

12. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1, From (10-6) Miami via San Francisco): Kyle Pitts, TE Florida

Still no change here. The Eagles need a playmaker, and Pitts is the guy. With Ertz wanting out of Philly, this becomes a positional need for them more than anything. They get the bonus that Pitts ran a 4.46 40 time during his pro day and is an absolute athlete.

Previous Pick: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State

13. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9): Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern

Still no change at 13. Herbert is the real deal, and protecting him with a solid offensive line is the smart move for a long time. Slater can play tackle and possibly guard, making him a dual-threat offensive lineman.

Previous Pick: Rashawn Slater, OL Northwestern

14. **New Orleans (12-4) Trades with Minnesota (7-9): Mac Jones, QB Alabama

Trade in the draft! New Orleans doesn’t love quarterback room and decide to invest in their future. Mac Jones does not have a big arm, but with a high football IQ and ability to throw the ball away from defenders on the short routes, he should fit the Saints system. Michael Thomas is lethal on the slant routes, and Kamara is fantastic at catching the ball out of the backfield and running the ball.

Previous Pick: Christian Darrisaw

15. New England Patriots (7-9): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama

Waddle slides down the draft board, and the Patriots’ weird offseason doesn’t end there. They get a bonified WR1 and another first-round wide receiver in less than two years. With their offseason acquisitions and Waddle leading the receivers alongside Edelman, the Patriots’ offense begins to look intimidating once again.

Previous Pick: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Najee Harris, RB Alabama

Harris is the real deal and is a team-first player, as was evident when he drove 9 hours from Dallas to Tuscaloosa to support his teammates in the pro-day he was not participating in. Arizona let Drake go in free agency, and they get their replacement in the draft. Harris is a do-it-all-back and can help out Kyler Murray immensely in the run game. The Cardinals, whose offense struggled in the second half of the season, won’t in 2021 with Harris on the roster.  

Previous Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC

17. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8): Christian Darrisaw, OL Virginia Tech

Big overturn in the Raider’s offensive line in the offseason, and they will need help if they want to protect Carr and help Josh Jacobs out. Darrisaws strength comes in the run blocking game; Jacobs will love him. he can develop into a solid pass blocker as well. Acquiring him will be a considerable upgrade for their offensive line.

Previous Pick: Gregory Rousseau, Edge Miami

18. Miami Dolphins (10-6): Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC

The Dolphins still struggle on their offensive line, and after opting to go for playmakers, reinforce their offensive line. Tua needs protection if he wants to throw to Smith and Parker; Vera-Tucker is a solid pass blocker and run blocker. He is a much-needed improvement for a team that was just on the cusp of the playoffs last year.

Previous Pick: Christian Barmore, DT Alabama

19. Washington Football Team (7-9): Teven Jenkins, OL Oklahoma State

Jenkins has impressive speed and size and will help improve the offensive line lead by Brandon Scherff. Jenkins will help Antonio Gibson build on a great rookie season and give Ryan Fitzmagic protection throughout the season. Washington made the playoffs last year because of their defense and looked to improve their offense in the first round.

Previous pick: mac Jones, QB Alabama

20. Chicago Bears (8-8): Greg Newsome III CB Northwestern

The Bears released Kyle Fuller and left a gap at their cornerback position, and Newsome can be a solid replacement. He’s a physical solid cover three corner and a great tackler, which will help the open field on halfback screens. Newsome can excel in the Bears system that Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks lead.

Previous Pick: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida

21. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Christian Barmore, DT Alabama

With Denico Autry now in Tennessee, the Colts’ defensive line has lost a big chunk of its production. Picking Barmore to work alongside Deforest Buckner gives them a menacing 1-2 combination in the middle of the defense. Barmore has fantastic speed, quickness, and size who will make an impact on day one on whatever team drafts him.

Previous Pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama

22. Tennessee Titans (11-5): Randale Moore, WR Purdue

It’s still highly possible that the Titans opt to go with an edge rusher here, but because they let Corey Davis walk in free agency, the need for a wide receiver becomes more critical, especially after they signed Bud Dupree. Moore offers a complementary receiver to AJ Brown and should produce immediately for the Titans. His speed and quickness allow him to get separation from defenders, and the Titans can put him in the slot allowing him to find space in zone defenses.

Previous Pick: Patrick Jones II< Edge Pittsburgh

23. New York Jets (2-14, via (12-4) Seattle Seahawks): Kadarius Toney, WR Florida

The Jets have struggled due to the lack of playmakers, and they could go running back here to fill a position group led by Frank Gore last year. But due to the lack of receiving weapons they have had, they opt to go with Toney. Toney has big-play capability and can often turn something out of nothing; with excellent speed and solid catching, he can bring big plays to the Jets.

Previous Pick: Randale Moore, WR

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Jalen Mayfield, OL Michigan

No change here. Maurkice Pouncey has retired, and Alejandro Villanueva may depart in free agency. The Steelers need help on the offensive line and protecting Big Ben should he stick around in 2021. Mayfield has been a solid starter for Michigan and has raw talent and great athleticism who excels in pass blocking, which will be huge for a Pittsburgh team that struggled to run the ball well in 2020

Previous Pick: Jalen Mayfield

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15, From (10-6) Los Angeles Rams): Terrance Marshall Jr, WR LSU

When you draft a quarterback number one overall, you want to ensure that they have playmakers on their roster. The wide receiver room of the Jaguars is thin, but adding Marshall adds depth and a future wide receiver one for Trevor Lawrence. Marshall was running mates with Justin Jefferson and Ja’mar Chase, who still found success even though he was lower on the depth chart. Expect him to make an immediate impact on Jacksonville.

Previous Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

26. Cleveland Browns (11-5): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame

Koramoah was a force for the Fighting Irish the last two seasons and is one of the best pure football players in this draft. He has found ways to get after opposing quarterbacks and be an absolute force on the field. Adding John Johnson III solidified their secondary, and adding depth to their front seven would be a massive bonus for a team that was just shy of the AFC Championship game in 2020.

Previous Pick: Richie Grant, S UCF

27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota

No change here. The Ravens need to get a big-bodied wide receiver that will slide in well with Marc Andrews and Hollywood Brown. Standing at 6’2″ 210, Bateman gives Lamar Jackson another solid pass-catching option that will help out in the passing game. An upgraded passing game makes Raven’s offense that much more dangerous.

Previous Pick: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota

28. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) *Trade back with New Orleans*: Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama

Minnesota trades back in this draft, and they are still in need of a left tackle after releasing Riley Reiff. Leatherwood stands at 6’5″ and 312 pounds with a solid broad base and balance, making him a solid offensive tackle. The Viking operates with a run zone-blocking scheme to help him in the ground game blocking for Dalvin Cook. This is a must-get position for the Vikings more than anything else.

Previous Pick: Asante Samuel Jr, CB Florida State

29. Green Bay Packers (13-3): Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss

The Packers do right by Rodgers and get him a playmaker in the receiving option that he needs. Moore has blazing speed and can just run right past defenders; with Adams on the Packers’ roster, he needs a running mate to pair with him. Putting Moore in the slot can make this Packers offense all the more intimidating for opposing defenses.

Previous Pick: Terrance Marshall Jr, WR LSU

30. Buffalo Bills (13-3): Travis Etienne, RB Clemson

Buffalo can benefit from a solid run game to complement what Josh Allen has done in the passing game. Etienne has tons of experience playing for four years at Clemson and has shown that he is a three-down back with great speed and better ball carrier vision. He can be an immediate impact starter for the Bills and be the running back for their team for years to come.

Previous Pick: Najee Harris, RB Alabama

31. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2): Gregory Roussou, Edge Miami

Sadly, all the quality offensive linemen are taken off the board by this point, and the Chiefs don’t choose to reach now. After watching what great pass rushers can do even against the best of quarterbacks, the Chiefs go after Roussou, who has an incredible combination of speed, size, and strength and can quickly get around opposing offensive tackles. He will help improve an already strong Chiefs defense.

Previous Pick: Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5): Jaelen Phillips, Edge Miami

Tampa Bay doesn’t need much, they have all 22 starters from the Superbowl win locked under contract for 2021, and they could easily opt to drop back in the draft for pick compensation. They choose Phillips out of Miami mainly due to JPPs age (32). Allowing Phillips to learn from both JPP and Shaq Barrett will be huge for his development; his size, speed, raw athleticism, and motor that doesn’t quit every snap make him a force to be reckoned with when he reaches the NFL.

Previous Pick: Ronnie Perkins, Edge Oklahoma