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 - Justin Fields, QB, OSU
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. There’s so much buzz
around Mac Jones that it feels far too obvious. There’s little
reason to believe San Francisco would leak their pick, even if they
don’t believe anyone would be willing to trade enough to jump
ahead of them. I’ve been on Lance with this pick throughout
the entire process, but I’m swapping to Fields for the final
version of my mock draft.
The Ohio State quarterback has elite talent in multiple facets
of the game. He’s a dual-threat quarterback that can change
the game with his arm or legs. Kyle Shanahan is known as an elite
quarterback mind, adding to the potential upside of Fields in
San Francisco. The major knock on him is that he struggles with
field vision, although Shanahan boasts the coaching to improve
that aspect of his game.
Previous Selection: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
4. Atlanta Falcons - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Although I moved Fields up one spot in the draft, I’m not
sure it will change Atlanta’s strategy. There are four elite
quarterback options with Lance falling to this pick. He boasts
elite arm talent while adding the ability to contribute on any
given play with his legs. The biggest issue with Lance is the
massive step up in competition; although we’ve seen other
quarterbacks handle it well in the past.
Luckily for him, Matt Ryan still has something left in the tank,
although it may not be more than a couple of years for Atlanta.
Lance wouldn’t have to take that massive jump to an NFL
starting quarterback as he could sit behind Ryan, learning Atlanta’s
offense, and getting plenty of reps in practice. Keep in mind,
there is a chance the Falcons look to change their offense in
a different way, such as with Kyle Pitts.
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.
Previous Selection: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
7. Detroit Lions - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
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.
They need help at receiver, although they made a couple of signings
in free agency that can help them in the near future. Instead, Detroit
can take a shot on arguably the most explosive defensive player
in this draft class.
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 Detroit’s offense,
Parsons is a piece that the defense can build around for years to
come.
Previous Selection: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
8. Carolina Panthers - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Carolina addressed their quarterback situation by trading for Sam
Darnold. There’s a chance that their quarterback of the future
isn’t currently on the roster, but between Darnold and Teddy
Bridgewater, they won’t need to immediately invest a top pick
in a quarterback here. 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: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
9. Denver
Broncos - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Broncos are one of the more mysterious teams in the
NFL Draft this year. They need a young pass rusher but quarterback
could be a more pressing matter. Denver reportedly tried to trade
for Matthew Stafford, but the reports state that they refused
to give up Drew Lock. It’s an odd situation, but Lock doesn’t
seem to be the future of the franchise, leaving our fifth signal-caller
to be selected in the top-10.
Jones 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.
If Jones gets past San Francisco with the third pick, it’s
unlikely he’ll have to wait long to hear his name called.
Previous Selection: Mac Jones, QB, 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: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
11.
New York Giants - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
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. Will that be it, though? Probably not.
Ross’ contract is only one year and New York can get out
of Sterling Shepard’s at the end of the season. There’s
talk that Smith could drop in the draft, but he would be an outstanding
pairing with Golladay for years to come in New York.
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, he won’t have to take on WR1 duties in
the immediate future and can continue to work on adding size to
his frame. Jaylen Waddle makes an interesting option as well,
but the Heisman Trophy winner is the pick.
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: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
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.
14. Minnesota Vikings - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The offensive line is a pressing issue for Minnesota in this
draft. With that being said, their former first-round pick, Jeff
Gladney, was recently arrested on assault charges. The Vikings
added Patrick Peterson to their secondary, but could still use
help, especially if Gladney’s charges result in any form
of punishment by the NFL.
Horn has the potential to become a shadow corner in the league,
following opposing WR1s for years to come. This is an ideal landing
spot for him, as he’ll learn behind one of the premier cornerbacks
in the NFL.
Previous Selection: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
15. New England Patriots - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia
Tech
The Patriots went on a spending spree in free agency, filling
several holes on their roster. They helped their offensive line
for this season but will need to make a move to help their O-line
future. Isaiah Wynn, Trent Brown, and Korey Cunningham could all
be free agents soon, leaving a massive void at tackle.
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.
There are concerns as to whether Darrisaw could start from day
one in the NFL. Luckily, New England could let him sit and learn
behind Wynn and Brown prior to filling either void in their offensive
line.
Previous Selection: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
16. Arizona Cardinals - Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Arizona certainly needs help in a number of positions, but Patrick
Peterson left in free agency, signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Cardinals replaced him with Malcolm Butler and Robert Alford,
but neither cornerback is a long-term solution.
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 Arizona to grab him with this pick.
Previous Selection: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
17. Las Vegas Raiders - Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
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. Vera-Tucker
is a versatile option, possessing the skills to play either guard
or tackle. He’ll immediately add depth for the Raiders’
offense, and he can compete for a starting job early in his career.
Previous Selection: Tevin Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
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: Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
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: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
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: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
21. Indianapolis Colts - Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
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.
Jenkins played both left and right tackle throughout his collegiate
career. He boasts the potential to immediately step into the starting
left tackle role for Indianapolis, filling arguably their most
pressing need. Even if Jenkins struggles in camp, he’s a
safe option throughout his career with the ability to potentially
play multiple positions.
Tennessee lost several starters from last year’s team,
leaving holes throughout the roster. There are several ways they
could go with this pick, but they still need to upgrade their
pass rush. Although they added Bud Dupree in free agency, they
could spend this pick to help one of their biggest needs.
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 and can split snaps with Dupree
and Harold Landry early in his career.
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.
Humphrey is a complete center option here. He’s an athletic
player that will contribute in the run game. He should perform
well in pass protection early in his career, as well. Most importantly,
he was a major leader for Oklahoma throughout his collegiate career,
and he should improve any locker room he’s a part of.
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.
26. Cleveland Browns - Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Cleveland is in a great spot, where they have a potential Super
Bowl contending team without many holes. They signed Jadeveon
Clowney and Takk McKinley to take some of the pressure off of
Myles Garrett. They could still draft an edge rusher, but they
also could use help on the interior of the defensive line after
parting ways with Sheldon Richardson.
Barmore could help fill their hole at defensive tackle, although
it isn’t a pressing need. He’d be an interesting addition,
though, as he can garner pressure from the interior to help Garrett
and Clowney. Essentially, the Browns can add whoever they believe
is the best available player here.
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.
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 Baltimore’s pass rush. In his
only season at Miami, he recorded 8 sacks and 15.5 tackles for
a loss in 10 games.
Previous Selection: Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
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: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
29. Green Bay Packers - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
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.
I’ve slotted a wide receiver in here consistently, but that’s
finally changing in my final draft.
Green Bay needs help on the offensive line, and Cosmi could immediately
provide that. He’s an experienced player that can play either
left or right tackle in the NFL. He can help the Packers move
their offensive line around to better protect Aaron Rodgers. Although
a receiver would add another dimension to their lineup, they need
to keep the pocket as clean as possible for Rodgers throughout
the season.
Previous Selection: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
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: Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State
31. Baltimore Ravens - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The Ravens traded Orlando Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs for
this pick. Many are suggesting they’ll draft a wide receiver,
but they have the ability to replace him instead. Leatherwood
is a bit limited in terms of his upside, but he possesses the
ability to play either guard spot or right tackle. Some have been
down on him throughout the process, but it only takes one team
that needs his service for him to hear his name called on the
first night.
Previous Selection: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama (KC Chiefs)
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Joseph Ossai, Edge, Texas
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. Ossai is an extremely young
player with tremendous physical metrics. He won’t need to
immediately play for Tampa Bay, and they can mold him in any fashion
they want early in his career. This is a situation where taking
the talent and letting him develop on the bench makes sense.
Previous Selection: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
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