There’s no secret with Jacksonville’s first pick.
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect in quite some time.
He’s a prototypical NFL QB that possesses the ability to
turn around any franchise within a couple of years.
Jacksonville fired Doug Marrone after a 1-15 season, and they
will be looking to set Urban Meyer up for a quick turnaround.
After allowing Gardner Minshew, Mike Glennon, and Jake Luton to
complete the tank in 2020, Lawrence is the clear top prospect
that can help Jacksonville find their way back to the playoffs
sooner rather than later.
Previous Selection: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
2. New York Jets - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
After allowing Adam Gase to ruin the early years of Sam Darnold,
New York signed a defensive-minded head coach in Robert Saleh
this offseason. It looks as if Darnold will fetch quite a bit
on the trade market, while New York is in a position to draft
his successor.
There are a number of quarterbacks that are ranked second in
this class, although Wilson seems to be the odds-on favorite to
be drafted here. His college tape is a bag of mixed results. He
dominated as a true freshman, struggled as a sophomore, and looked
elite against poor competition as a junior. There isn’t
a single evaluator questioning if he has the potential to make
all the throws, which was on full display at his Pro Day. Assuming
he interviews well, Wilson will likely be the next early quarterback
selected by New York.
Previous Selection: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
3. San Francisco 49ers - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The 49ers traded three first-round picks and a third-round compensatory
pick for the third overall selection in this draft. They could go
with one of three quarterbacks here. Oddly enough, Lance feels like
the type of quarterback Kyle Shanahan can get the most out of, even
if he’s currently the least talked about at this moment.
Lance has elite natural arm talent with the mobility to run any
type of offense Shanahan can dream of, specifically helping his
running backs even more. San Francisco has also claimed that Jimmy
Garoppolo will be their starting quarterback this year, and Lance
could benefit from being a backup his first season. I’d expect
him to take over at some point as he boasts too much upside to leave
on the sidelines for too long.
Fields could be the second player taken in this draft or he could
fall because of field vision concerns. He looked elite in two
seasons at Ohio State and it feels as if evaluators are overthinking
this selection at the moment. Fields has game-changing abilities
that are somewhat lost in the shuffle of an elite quarterback
class.
Matt Ryan still has something left in the tank, although he’s
an aging quarterback. Atlanta could go a number of ways as they
head to the future with this pick. Fields could be given a year
behind Ryan to learn or Atlanta could work on trading Ryan to
give Fields the job immediately. Regardless of what they opt to
do for this upcoming season, Fields could be the key to their
future, as they need to address the quarterback position with
their top-five pick this season.
Previous Selection: Justin Fields, QB, OSU
5. Cincinnati Bengals - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
There are a number of people that believe Cincinnati will select
a wide receiver here, but that isn’t the way this mock draft
has shaped up thus far. Chase was the top option, and the Bengals
already have Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Auden Tate as an emerging
group. Instead, they need to protect their franchise QB, who is
coming off of a major injury.
Prior to the season, Sewell was seen as a potential top-two pick
with Lawrence. As always is the case, quarterbacks jumped ahead
of him, although some other players may have, as well. With that
being said, Sewell boasts all the physical tools to turn into
an All-Pro left tackle at the next level. With how good Burrow
looked early in his rookie season, protecting him should be a
bigger priority than getting him another receiver early in this
draft.
Previous Selection: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
6. Miami Dolphins - Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins traded down, added extra picks, including a first,
and will still get their guy here. With Tua Tagovailoa and other
quarterback questions out of the way, it seems Miami is set to
add playmakers in this draft.
Chase was consistently the best offensive weapon for LSU in 2019,
ahead of Justin Jefferson. He’s an elite wide receiver prospect,
who has the potential to dominate in the NFL. He opted to sit
out of the 2020 season and fellow WR DeVonta Smith won Heisman.
I believe there are more question marks surrounding Smith than
Chase, making the latter an easier option to help Tagovailoa take
Miami’s offense to that of a playoff contender.
The Lions are in a complete rebuild at the moment. Initially,
their choice of an edge rusher looked likely here, but they were
able to re-sign Romeo Okwara, making the issue slightly less pressing.
Instead, they need help at receiver after letting Kenny Golladay,
Marvin Jones, and Danny Amendola walk. Detroit added Breshad Perriman
and Tyrell Williams in free agency, but neither player is a long-term
solution.
Smith is coming off of an incredible season for Alabama. There
are plenty of people that believe he’s the best wide receiver
in this class, however he comes with size question marks. With
that being said, Smith can take over as the WR1 and be a key piece
to the future of Detroit’s offense.
Carolina will need to address their quarterback position at some
point, but it doesn’t have to be with this pick. Teddy Bridgewater
is a fine option for the time being. Instead, they can select who
some are calling the biggest mismatch in the entire draft.
Pitts is a true offensive weapon, as he can lineup inside, as well
as splitting out wide. He’ll be a weekly mismatch for any defense.
The most important aspect of this selection is Carolina’s offense
would boast DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Christian McCaffrey, and Pitts.
Assuming they get even average play from Bridgewater, this could
easily be one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Previous Selection: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Cornerback was a major need for Denver earlier in the off-season,
but they added multiple options, including Kyle Fuller, in free
agency. They can shift their focus elsewhere with this pick. With
the first eight selections coming from the offensive side of the
ball, Denver can select the top pass rusher.
Rousseau only played one year at Miami, but he posted 15.5 sacks
and 19.5 tackles for a loss in 13 games. He’s a big athlete
with plenty of explosiveness. Rousseau has the potential to become
a premier edge rusher in the NFL. Having Von Miller as an early-career
mentor will only help him reach that ceiling.
Previous Selection: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
10. Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys have a few ways they could go with some of the best
players at their respective positions available. The offensive line
is a possibility, but they will need help in their secondary this
offseason.
Surtain and Caleb Farley were seen as the top options at this position
early in the process. Farley is dealing with a back injury, making
this an easier decision. If both players were healthy, it would
be a coin flip, but there’s little reason to take a chance on Farley’s
healthy when Surtain is available.
Previous Selection: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
11. New York Giants - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
David Gettleman added the explosive offensive player he wanted
in the form of Kenny Golladay. He also added speed at the receiver
position with John Ross. I now expect him to grab that explosive
playmaker on defense with this pick.
Parsons is the epitome of speed, athleticism, and playmaking
abilities at linebacker. He has the potential to turn into a true
game-changing option on the defensive side of the ball. Although
DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle could immediately help New York’s
offense, Parsons could take a strong Giants defense to the next
level.
Previous Selection: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
12. Philadelphia Eagles - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Eagles traded out of what would be their choice of one of
the top playmakers in this draft. It’s hard to fault them
for adding a future first, especially if Waddle falls to this
pick.
He was overshadowed by Smith at Alabama but still flashed elite-level
skills. His speed is what separates him, though. Waddle will immediately
add to the Philadelphia offense, helping progress a young Jalen
Hurts. He’d be an immediate upgrade over Travis Fulgham,
Greg Ward Jr., or Jalen Reagor, sliding into a featured role early
in his career.
Previous Selection: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern (San
Francisco 49ers)
13. LA Chargers - Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
With the top playmakers off the board, there’s only one
selection that truly makes sense for Los Angeles here. They need
to protect their quarterback of the future, and they get one of
the best offensive tackles in the draft.
Slater has the talent to go significantly higher than this pick,
but with teams paying a premium for offensive weapons, he could
end up falling. Regardless, he’s a starter from day one
that will immediately be an upgrade protecting Justin Herbert’s
blindside.
Previous Selection: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
14. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
There are several holes Minnesota could look to fill with this
selection. They need quite a bit of help on defense, but they
also need to protect the quarterback. Ultimately, it seems adding
an offensive lineman could be the preferred route.
Darrisaw started as a freshman for Virginia Tech and continued
to progress through his career. He’s a physical player that
has the potential to become a starting left tackle in the NFL.
The biggest question will be whether or not he can start from
day one, although I believe that’s a real possibility.
Previous Selection: Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
15. New England Patriots - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Patriots went on a spending spree in free agency, filling
several holes on their roster. They re-signed Cam Newton, but
he clearly isn’t the future of their franchise. Instead,
they get that quarterback here in Jones.
The Alabama product looked outstanding throwing to multiple first-round
receivers last season. It’s fair to question whether he
was propped up by Smith and Waddle or if his abilities helped
them, as well. Regardless, he’s a lock to hear his name
called in the first round, and New England needs a long-term signal-caller.
Previous Selection: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
16. Arizona Cardinals - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Similar to the Patriots selection, this one makes all too much
sense. Arizona certainly needs help in a number of positions,
but it looks as if Patrick Peterson will be leaving in free agency.
The Cardinals will need to replace him, and Horn has the potential
to become a shadow corner in the NFL. Arizona certainly could
look to fortify their offense, but grabbing a high-end cornerback
prospect in the middle of this draft should be a bigger concern.
Previous Selection: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
17. Las Vegas Raiders - Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Las Vegas is coming off of a surprisingly good season, but their
offseason moves have been a bit perplexing. They traded Trent
Brown, Rodney Hudson, and Gabe Jackson. There are a few positions
they need help at, but they certainly need to sure-up their offensive
line after losing multiple players.
With the additions of Richie Incognito and Nick Martin, it feels
imperative that Las Vegas drafts an offensive tackle here. Jenkins
is a versatile option, playing both left and right tackle in his
career. He could immediately help what will be a near completely
rebuilt offensive line for the Raiders this season.
Previous Selection: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
18. Miami Dolphins - Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
It isn’t out of the question that the Dolphins add more
offensive weapons, such as Najee Harris, giving Tua Tagovailoa
the best chance at success. With that being said, they could add
a linebacker or edge rusher to help fill out what should be one
of the best defenses in the NFL this season.
Paye only played in 4 games this season, but he posted 6.5 sacks
and 12.5 tackles for a loss over 12 games in 2019. He’s
a big defensive lineman that boasts elite athleticism. There are
a few different ways Miami can develop him, but he boasts tremendous
upside at this point in the draft.
Previous Selection: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
19. Washington Football Team - Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Washington added a few offensive pieces in the offseason. They
boast a surprisingly complete roster that lacks elite linebackers.
This would be an ideal pick to fill out what should be a solid
defense.
Collins is a rangy linebacker that can make plays across the field.
He’d add a playmaker element to Washington’s defense.
As if that wasn’t enough, Collins also possesses some pass-rushing
abilities, adding a bit of versatility to an already high upside
defense.
Previous Selection: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
20. Chicago Bears - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Bears cut Kyle Fuller this offseason. Lucky for them, arguably
the most talented cornerback in the draft is dealing with back
issues. They can replace a high-level cornerback with a high upside
option that’s dealt with injuries throughout his career.
If Farley can stay healthy, he has all the potential to become
a CB1 in the NFL.
Previous Selection: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
21. Indianapolis Colts - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Colts traded for Carson Wentz, but now they have to protect
him or he could end up like his later years in Philadelphia. Anthony
Castonzo officially retired this offseason, leaving a hole at
the left tackle position. Regardless of other positions of need,
the Colts main focus this offseason should be filling that hole.
Cosmi’s an experienced player that can play either left
or right tackle in the NFL. He’d give Indianapolis a versatile
tackle that could slide into the starting lineup his rookie season.
This pick will give the Colts a starting left tackle for years
to come.
Previous Selection: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
22. Tennessee Titans - Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Tennessee lost several starters from last year’s team,
leaving holes throughout the roster. They lost Kenny Vaccaro,
Malcolm Butler, and Adoree’ Jackson from their secondary
and will desperately need to add to their cornerback room in this
draft.
Newsome has the size and speed to play on the perimeter throughout
his career. He’s a cornerback that offers the upside to
be able to shadow opposing WR1s. He’s struggled with durability
issues throughout his collegiate career but boasts more than enough
upside for Tennessee to grab him with this pick.
The Jets will be getting one of the best quarterbacks in this
class, but they’ll need to give him weapons. They added
Corey Davis in free agency but still feature one of the worst
running back groups in the NFL, even with the addition of Tevin
Coleman.
Harris is seemingly separating himself as the RB1 in this class
and has the build to be a workhorse back in the NFL. He can be
a true three-down option for New York. Harris can add more dimension
to their offense, helping to take the pressure off of their rookie
quarterback.
The Steelers seem to be content with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback.
With that being said, they’ll need to take the pressure
off of him this season. That may be easier said than done with
Maurkice Pouncey retiring and Alejandro Villanueva testing free
agency.
Vera-Tucker could add versatility to the Pittsburgh offense,
allowing them to shift guys around. He has the potential to play
tackle in the NFL, although he may be better at guard. Regardless,
Pittsburgh needs to rely less on its aging quarterback, and Vera-Tucker
is a player that could immediately help in that regard.
After getting their quarterback of the future earlier in the
draft, Jacksonville can focus on defense. Urban Meyer is known
for his love of players with speed at the college level. Regardless
of whether that will translate to the NFL or not, it’s a
philosophy that he’s likely to bring into Jacksonville.
Owusu-Koramoah possesses plenty of speed and athleticism to make
him Meyer’s next pick. In two seasons at Notre Dame, he
posted 142 tackles with 7 sacks and 24.5 tackles for a loss. There’s
a chance he makes his way up the draft boast in the pre-draft
process, but for the time being, he’s the perfect option
to help lead Jacksonville’s defense.
Cleveland will need to either re-sign some of their guys or make
a few moves in free agency if they want to continue towards the
Super Bowl this season. One of the big pieces they could use is
an edge rusher on the other side of Myles Garrett. Taking the
pressure off of Garrett is a key to taking their defense to the
next level. Signing Takk McKinley helped, but they need someone
for the future if they don’t secure Jadeveon Clowney.
In terms of physical ability, many believe that Phillips is the
best edge rusher in this class. He’s an athletic option
that will immediately help Tennessee’s pass rush. In his
only season at Miami, he recorded 8 sacks and 15.5 tackles for
a loss in 10 games. Phillips’ potential is uncapped if he’s
playing on the opposite side of Garrett, who will still be the
focus of opposing offenses.
The Ravens suffered quite a few losses this offseason. Matthew
Judon and Yannick Ngakoue left via free agency, opening a major
need for a pass rusher. This class is loaded with high upside
options and they likely won’t have to move to find their
pass rusher of the future.
Ojulari’s an explosive edge rusher that has the ability
to change games. He isn’t as safe as a prospect as some
of the other options in this draft, but Baltimore is a team that
can take a chance on his ceiling. He could ease the transition
from moving on from Judon and Ngakoue.
Previous Selection: Ronnie Perkins, Edge, Oklahoma
28. New Orleans Saints - Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Saints are dealing with some issues surrounding Marcus Lattimore,
and it’s possible they could add a cornerback here. With
that being said, they let Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook go this
offseason and will need to add another playmaker, especially if
they plan on starting Taysom Hill at quarterback.
Bateman looked outstanding during his time at Minnesota. He posted
147 receptions for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns over 31 games.
He recorded a 60-1,219-11 line as a sophomore before playing five
games as a junior last season. Bateman’s an explosive option
that can complement Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara and add another
dimension to the New Orleans offense.
Previous Selection: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
29. Green Bay Packers - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Green Bay has holes in their roster at cornerback, linebacker,
and offensive line depth while fans continue to call for a first-round
wide receiver. It’s clear Green Bay loves Allen Lazard and
company behind Davante Adams, but they could use an explosive
playmaker in the slot to take their offense to the next level.
Moore posted 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns
over 13 games as a freshman before struggling to find the field
later in the career. He’s an explosive receiver that can
score from anywhere on the field. He could add another dimension
to the Green Bay offense if they opt for this strategy.
Previous Selection: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
30. Buffalo Bills - Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State
Buffalo needs to add a pass rusher if they want to move closer
to the Super Bowl. They missed on JJ Watt in free agency but will
add a high upside option in the form of Oweh here.
Oweh’s numbers don’t pop off the page, as he posted
11.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks over his last 18 games. At
6’5, weighing more than 250 lbs, he will be drafted based
on his measurables. At that size, Oweh posted a 4.36 40-yard dash,
39.5-inch vertical jump, and 11’2 broad jump at his Pro
Day. It’s rare to find that type of player, regardless of
his production.
Previous Selection: Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
31. Kansas City Chiefs - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The Chiefs lost both of their starting offensive tackles this
offseason, but they added a number of linemen, as well. The offensive
line additions continue here. Leatherwood is a player that will
be able to play either guard position or right tackle. He’ll
be another versatile option for Kansas City to make sure Patrick
Mahomes has some type of line, regardless of injuries late in
the season.
Previous Selection: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The Bucs will return every offensive and defensive starter from
their Super Bowl team a year ago. So, where does that leave them
for the draft? Best player available. Barmore has the ability
to pressure opposing quarterbacks from the inside, suggesting
he could eventually take over for Ndamukong Suh or William Gholston.
He’ll be an outstanding depth add for Tampa Bay late in
the first round.
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