April 15th, 2021

Sean Gannon

Mock Draft 3.0

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

Nothing has changed this; in fact, Jags fans bought him and his wife gifts off their registry just last week. Lawrence is going to Duval.

Previous Pick: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson

2. New York Jets (2-14): Justin Fields, QB Ohio State

After revisiting Fields first pro-day, some of his game highlights, and then watching what I could during his second pro-day session, I have to go Fields here. He really can do it all as a quarterback and what was most impressive was his ability to throw rolling out to his left. Fields is the real deal, and New York should get excited to have him.

Previous Pick: Zach Wilson, QB BYU

3. San Francisco 49ers (6-10; From (10-6) Miami via Houston): Zach Wilson, QB BYU

With the Jets surprising and going with Fields, the 49ers get the next best option. Wilson had a monster pro-day, and his ability to move around the pocket and throw on the run gets Shanahans excited in his offense.

Previous Pick: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State

4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12): Ja’Mar Chase, WR LSU

I know this is coming out of nowhere. But Julio’s age is getting up there, and Calvin Ridley showed that he can be a wide receiver one. Ryan can still sling the ball, and giving him three fantastic wideouts make this a fun offense in 2021 and for the future.

Previous Pick: Trey Lance, QB NDSU

5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Penei Sewell, OT Oregon

With Chase getting taken just the spot above, the Bengals opt for Burrow’s protection, who was sacked 32 times in 10 games. Protecting Burrow will be the top priority for Cincinnati if they want to be him around for the long run. Sewell has all you want in an offensive tackle and can help Joe Mixon get off to a faster start in the run game.

Previous Pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU

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

No change here. Smith is a ready wide receiver, and I am not as worried about his size the way others are. Tua gets his wide receiver from college, and the Dolphins receiver depth chart gets deeper.

Previous Pick: Devonta Smith, WR Alabama

7. Detroit Lions (5-11): Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama

The Lions have position needs and are in an excellent spot to do it. This time they go with Surtain II, who will make a difference from the moment he steps on the field. This helps a secondary that struggled in 2020 and goes against some of the best in the business in the NFC North.

Previous Pick: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech

8. Carolina Panthers (5-11): Kyle Pitts, TE Florida

Panthers have Robby Anderson and DJ Moore as their top receivers, and they elect to go with Pitts. Pitts ran a 4.44 40 times, is 6’6”, and can catch anything. He will be an absolute headache for opposing defenses, especially for linebackers. The Panther’s offense is shaping up, especially with the acquisition of Sam Darnold.

Previous Pick: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon

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

No change here. Fangio is a defensive-minded coach; after signing Kyle Fuller in free agency and getting both Von Miller and Bradly Chubb back from injury, they opt to help the front 7. Like Fangio’s Bears just a few years ago, the Broncos’ defensive success will be from the front seven.

Previous Pick: Micha Parsons, LB Pen State

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

Cowboys do not look like they will resign Aldon Smith, and getting a running mate alongside Demarcus Lawrence is a great move. Cowboys could quickly go cornerback here, but no matter what defense is the route they are going.

Previous Pick: Kwity Paye, Edge Michigan

11. **Trade** New England Patriots (7-9) trade with New York Giants (6-10): Mac Jones, QB Alabama

New England doesn’t wait around anymore after the 10^th Pick and grab their quarterback of the future. Jones will sit for the entire year and learn under Newton, and the Patriots (mainly Josh McDaniels) get his next pocket passer to build around. Jones will do well in the McDaniels system once the reins are given to him.

Previous Pick: *For Giants* Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama

12. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1, From (10-6) Miami via San Francisco): Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama

The Eagles don’t mess up this time when it comes to getting a receiver. Waddle falls into their lap, and they do not let him go. Waddle has some familiarity with Hurts which will be good for both of their development. Waddle, when healthy, is a wide receiver one and ready to take over the NFL after missing so much time with an ankle injury in college.

Previous Pick: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida

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

No change here. Herbert is the reigning offensive rookie of the year, and getting more protection is always a smart call. Slater should be a day one starter and help both in the run game and the pass blocking.

Previous Pick: Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern

14. **Trade** New Orleans Saints (12-4) Trade with Minnesota Vikings (7-9): Trey Lance, QB NDSU

Saints begin to feel the pressure with the Patriots trading up and elect to do the same. They go after Trey Lance and will let him sit for a year. Lance has a big body, solid arm, and can run the ball well. This will be a significant change from the precision pocket passer Saints fans have gotten used to with Drew Brees. But with Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas, Lance should find early success in NFL.

Previous Pick: Mac Jones, QB Alabama

15. **Trade* New York Giants (6-10) traded Back with New England (8-8): Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech

Farley was just medically cleared, and the Giants are excited to pair Farley with James Bradberry. Helping an already improving defense in the secondary can be huge for the Giants, especially when the Cowboys have tons of receiving options and Washington improved their receiving corps. Farley has excellent instincts, and the Giants fan base should get excited with the direction of their defense under Joe Judge.

Previous Pick: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina

With Patrick Peterson now gone, this leaves a big hole in the secondary for Arizona. Horn can play multiple schemes, not afraid to blitz off the edge, and has the perfect size for an NFL cornerback. Horn improves a defense going against some great receiving options in the NFC West.

Previous Pick: Najee Harris, RB Alabama

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

No change here. After all of the offensive line changes, the Raiders need to protect Carr and help Josh Jacobs in the run game. Darrisaw is a great run blocker and can pass block well. Upgrading the offensive line can do wonders for this offense that features Henry Ruggs, Darren Waller, and Josh Jacobs.

Previous Pick: Christian Darrisaw

18. Miami Dolphins (10-6): Najee Harris, RB Alabama

Dolphins surprise here. They could easily go offensive line here, which wouldn’t be the worst move in the world. But Harris’s natural run ability, catching ability, and team-first mentality are what Flores wants in his players. Adding a solid run game will help Tua’s growth, along with the addition of Smith earlier in the draft.

Previous Pick: Aijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC

19. Washington Football Team (7-9): Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC

Protection is vital for Washington as they will be rocking with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the quarterback position in 2021. Gibsons can build on his impressive rookie campaign, and Fitzpatrick will have time to hit receivers Terry McLauren and Curtis Samuel. Washington’s defense is excellent, and if their offense can match, they have a chance to repeat as NFC East champions.

Previous Pick: Teven Jenkins, OL Oklahoma State

20. Chicago Bears (8-8): Teven Jenkins, OL Oklahoma State

The Bears go after protection, though they could go cornerback or wide receiver here. With Andy Dalton taking over, they need to protect better, and Jenkins is an immediate tackle at right tackle or guard. Montgomery came into his own in the run game late in 2020, and hopefully, with Jenkins on the roster, he can get off to a faster start. With a solid run game and decent blocking paired with this defense, the Bears can surprise in 2021.

Previous Pick: Greg Newsome III, CB Northwestern

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

No change here. Yes, the Colts need a left tackle, and yes, they could get one here. But I think with Buckner on the roster and pairing him with Barmore makes this the best defensive tackle duo in the league. This defense can mess up opposing offensive lines right up the A gaps and be a game-changing defense.

Previous Pick: Christian Barmore, DT Alabama

22. Tennessee Titans (11-5): Gregory Rousseau, Edge Miami

Titans can go wide receiver to fill Corey Davis’s gap, but their defense struggled last year to get after the quarterback. Pairing Rousseau with Bud Dupree takes a ton of pressure off Dupree and makes opposing offenses have to game plan for both edge rushers. Rousseau may have taken 2020 off, but don’t let that fool you; he is an absolute beast. He’s quick off the snap and great at the point of contact against offensive linemen. He will make an immediate impact on the Titans.

Previous Pick: Randale Moore, WR Purdue

23. New York Jets (2-14; from 12-4 SEA): Kadarius Toney, WR Florida

No change here. Bringing in Fields and getting him more playmakers will be huge for his growth in the NFL and the Jets’ ability to win games. Toney has incredible vision in the open field, is not afraid to drop his shoulder, is an excellent route runner, and can run the ball out of the backfield. He adds a gadget component to the Jets that their offense hasn’t seen.

Previous Pick: Kadarius Toney, WR Florida

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

Still no change for the Steelers. They need the offensive line help with Pouncey retiring and Villanueva still not being resigned. Protecting Big Ben after bringing back JuJu Smith-Schuster is going to be critical for any offensive success.

Previous Pick: Jalen Mayfield, OL Michigan

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15; from 10-6 LAR): Rondale Moore, WR Purdue

Bringing in Lawrence with DJ Chark, Marvin Jones Jr, and Laviska Shenault Jr will help him so much; getting Rondale more makes the receiving corps that much better. Moore has a blazing 4.29 40 speed with a remarkable ability to get yards after the catch. Adding in his speed with these receivers’ size gives Lawrence a great chance to win offensive rookie of the year in 2021.

Previous Pick: Terrance Marshall Jr, WR LSU

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

No change here. The Browns brought in Jadaveon Clowney to work opposite Myles Garrett, and doubling down in the front seven would do wonders for a Browns defense that took giant steps forward in 2020. The Browns’ offense is fantastic top-down, and now their defense can look the same.

Previous Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame

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

Still no change. Getting Lamar Jackson and this fantastic running game more playmakers in the passing game will elevate his play overall. Bateman is a significant body receiver who will be great on the vertical routes on the outside and a remarkable ability to move his body to make insane catches.

Previous Pick: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota

28. *Trade* Minnesota Vikings (7-9) trade back with New Orleans (12-4): Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama

Another no-change pick. There is no Riley Reiff on the roster, which leaves a glaring hole in Cousins’ blindside protection. If the Vikings want continued offensive success, they need to protect Cousins’ blindside and continue to help Cook run the ball at the high level he has been. Leatherwood has the ideal size with excellent balance and will slide nicely into the Vikings zone block scheme.

Previous Pick: Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama

29. Green Bay Packers (13-3): Terrance Marshall Jr, WR LSU

Packers go and get more playmakers for the reigning MVP and get him a 6’3” receiver whose combination of size and speed is going to make Rodgers drool. Marshall’s catch radius and ability to play inside the slot and on the outside will open up opportunities for Adams to continue to tear defenses and gives Rodgers a reliable wide receiver two.

Previous Pick: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss

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

No change here. Getting Allen a three-down, do it all back to help take some off the run game off him can be huge. The Bills were just in the AFC Championship game, and a more balanced offense where they can run on 3^rd and short will be the difference-maker for this already great offense.

Previous Pick:  Travis Etienne, RB Clemson

31. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2): Liam Eichenberg, OT Notre Dame

This might be a reach, but with how the Chiefs’ offensive line played in the Superbowl, they need to get Mahomes protection if they want to try to make a deep playoff run again in 2021. He has the ideal size you want in a left tackle, solid in the run game, and reasonable body control. He may struggle against speed edge rushers in the NFL, but over time he can learn to block well against them.

Previous Pick: Gregory Rousseau, Edge Miami

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5): Landon Dickerson, OL Alabama

I have no idea what Tapa Bay is going to do here. They are in a great spot to do whatever they want after getting all twenty-two Superbowl starters. Dickerson is drafted for the long game and as a depth guy. In 800 pass-blocking snaps, he only let up one sack and has played all over the offensive line. If any player goes down, he can fill that role and be reliable, which is precisely what you need when protecting Tom Brady.

Previous Pick: Jaelen Phillips, Edge Miami