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With the NFL offseason now in full swing, it’s time to shift gears to the next big event on the calendar: the NFL Draft. This upcoming draft is unlike any draft we have seen recently. Teams that are normally towards the tail-end are now picking towards the front, and vise-versa. Franchises such as the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers are coming off of dismal performances, thus earning higher picks in this year’s draft. On the other hand, teams like the Tamps Bay Buccaneers completely turned their fates around, now drafting in the back of the pack.
As opposed to last year’s draft that focused primarily on offense, this year’s draft is particularly heavy with defense. Many teams are looking for a key piece to their secondary or edge rush in order to get back into playoff contention. The depth in defensive prospects is also very deep, with big names such as Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain II, Caleb Farley, and underdog Andre Cisco.
Even though this draft is defensive heavy, it’s also an important draft for franchises in terms of quarterback play. Like the 2018 class, there are many prospects that could help lift teams from misery. The projected number one pick as of now is Clemson’s former quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who in many eyes, could be a generational talent. Some analysts are comparing Lawrence to Peyton Manning and Alex Smith. Other notable quarterback prospects this year include North Dakota State sophomore Trey Lance, Ohio State junior Justin Fields, BYU junior Zach Wilson, and Alabama junior Mac Jones.
With that being said, here is my first mock draft for the upcoming NFL Draft. Please note that any trades, other than the ones already made, are hypothetical.
1. Trevor Lawrence – Quarterback, Clemson
If Trevor Lawrence isn’t the first pick of this year’s draft, then it will be the biggest surprise in Draft history. Throughout his collegiate career, Lawrence has created a stellar campaign for himself, winning a national title and winning ACC Player of the Year in 2020. Lawrence has the best IQ of any quarterback in this draft, along with his allusive physicality. The expectation is that Lawrence will go first overall, with little probability he falls out of the top three.
2. Zach Wilson – Quarterback, BYU (Via Trade from Jets & Cowboys)
Yes, you read that correctly. The Bears take Zach Wilson with the second pick of the draft. Mitchell Trubisky has proven he is not the franchise QB the Bears thought he would be in 2017. Even though the Bears snuck into the playoffs this past season, they managed to outright embarrass themselves in the Wild Card game. Barring the Bears move on from Trubisky or Foles, or both, it would not be shocking to see Ryan Pace make a run at the second pick. Zach Wilson is one of the only quarterbacks in this draft that could be NFL-ready immediately, and he could provide the stability the Bears have needed under center. This move would also prove the idea that the Jets want to give Sam Darnold another chance.
3. Devonta Smith – Wide Receiver, Alabama (Via Trade from Texans)
The Miami Dolphins are in desperate need of a makeover at the wide receiver position. While DeVante Parker has provided steady play, they still lack depth at both the outside and the slot. Preston Williams and Albert Wilson have not been the guys the Dolphins hoped they would be, and second year QB Tua Tagovailoa needs more help in order to properly succeed. Drafting a Heisman-winner like Smith would give Miami the explosiveness and power they’ve been looking for at WR.
4. Justin Fields – Quarterback, Ohio State
With the Falcons undergoing transitions in head coaching and general management, there may be several changes on both sides of the ball. The Falcons’ offense is aging quickly, with star quarterback Matt Ryan beginning to regress in his play. With the fourth pick in the draft, it would not be surprising to see the Falcons take Fields. He can sit behind Ryan for the immediate future and then takeover once the Falcons feel he is ready.
5. Penei Sewell – Offensive Tackle, Oregon
It’s no surprise the Bengals have struggled with their offensive line in the past few seasons. With Joe Burrow taking a total of 32 sacks before injuring his knee, the Bengals’ line had a difficult time protecting their rookie QB. Adding a guy like Penei Sewell would change everything. The 6’6”, 330-pound tackle is the consensus-best offensive lineman in the draft and would provide a physical and fortified presence in Cincinnati. This pick seems to make too much sense for Head Coach Zach Taylor’s offense.
6. J’Marr Chase - Wide Receiver, Louisiana State
The Eagles depth chart at wide receiver is downright horrendous. With the release of DeSean Jackson, that only leaves Greg Ward and second year wideout Jalen Reager. It’s safe to say the Eagles need help, and J’Marr Chase could definitely be the answer. Many have him ranked over Devonta Smith, given his physical but explosive play style. Chase’s opt-out of the 2020 season may have lowered his draft stock, but this could still be a steal for Philly at six.
7. Jaylen Waddle – Wide Receiver, Alabama
This pick is certainly trickly. The Lions are in need for a lot, more specifically offense. With the Lions trading away Matthew Stafford to the Rams, that leaves the question of whether or not the Lions will draft a quarterback or ride with Jared Goff. Based on the availability at this point, I have the Lions rolling with Waddle. New Head Coach Dan Campbell will likely evaluate his current situation first before making a quarterback move in the draft.
8. Trey Lance – Quarterback, North Dakota State
With the Lions passing on Lance, this gives the Panthers a perfect opportunity to build a strong quarterback room. Carolina can draft Lance and have him back up Teddy Bridgewater for one or two seasons. They can then put him in once they feel he is prepared. Lance would bring back the allusive mobility to the quarterback position that Cam Newton once did. However, this scenario all depends on if the Panthers will peruse Deshaun Watson in the offseason.
9. Patrick Surtain II - Cornerback, Alabama
With the release of A.J. Bouye, the Broncos are in desperate need of secondary depth. Rookie Michael Ojemudia led all rookie cornerbacks last season in forced fumbles, and he looks to be promising for Denver. The Broncos are also rumored to be franchise-tagging Justin Simmons for the second straight season. With the acquisition of Patrick Surtain, the Broncos would have two promising cornerbacks on the outside, along with Bryce Callahan playing inside. If all were to go right, Denver’s secondary should be caught up to speed in one to two seasons.
10. Kyle Pitts – Tight End, Florida (Via Trade from Bears & Cowboys)
After the Jets trade down from the second pick, they need to focus on other positions besides quarterback. Tight end has always been a lacking position for the Jets, with Chris Herndon and Ryan Griffin performing under expectations. Drafting Kyle Pitts would give Sam Darnold a nice blocker on the sides, along with a consistent redzone threat.
11. Caleb Farley – Cornerback, Virginia Tech
At this point in the draft, the Giants are in a position to take the best person available. Considering their options at cornerback with James Bradberry and Logan Ryan, drafting Caleb Farley would give them a solid secondary with a high potential. Watch for the Giants to make other moves in regard to their secondary throughout the draft.
12. Reshawn Slater – Offensive Tackle, Northwestern
The 49ers’ offensive line is beginning to age. With center Weston Ritchburg getting older, and veteran Joe Staley finally hanging up the cleats, it’s time for San Francisco to look for new options on the line. Reshawn Slater provides a little bit of everything and could be a utility man for the 49ers if they select him here.
13. Christian Darrisaw – Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech
The Chargers allowed 32 total sacks on Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert last season; a dismal stat compared to other teams in the AFC. Former Colt Phillip Rivers only took nineteen sacks last season, and Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr took 26 sacks. The Chargers need to bolster their line with some fresh talent and bringing Darrisaw would provide a big man on the outside and good blocking down field. The 6’5”, 314-pound prospect would be the second player from Virginia Tech in the first round.
14. Kwity Paye – Edge, Michigan
The Vikings made a surprising move in trading away Yannick Ngakoue last season, and Danielle Hunter has not been the same player that he was in previous seasons. Drafting Kwity Paye would give the Vikings the ability to add explosiveness on the outside, along with an edge rusher who can stay consistent. Paye would also likely be the first of many pieces in rebuilding of the Vikings’ defensive line. The local product, originally from Warwick, Rhode Island, will be one of key players to watch through training camp and the regular season.
15. Mac Jones – Quarterback, Alabama
This pick just makes too much sense. New England Patriots' Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels has proven to have previous success with traditional pocket-passer quarterbacks. Mac Jones is also big and immobile, with high accuracy ratings down the field. Sound familiar? He’s just like Tom Brady on paper, but could be Patriots develop him into their next franchise quarterback?
16. Alijah Vera-Tucker – Offensive Guard, USC
Since 2019, the Cardinals have made significant improvements in quarterback protection. Kyler Murray went from 48 total sacks to 27 sacks, a huge difference. However, there is still room to improve. Drafting Vera-Tucker at 16 would give them an upgrade at guard over Justin Murray. If Vera-Tucker does indeed turn out to be who scouts believe he can be, this could be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
17. Micah Parsons – Linebacker, Penn State
While the Las Vegas Raiders are strong at left and right end with Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, they still are searching for pieces to their linebacking core. Adding an agile but powerful linebacker in Micah Parsons would give the Raiders the ability to not only stack the middle, but also put more manpower on the outside rush. Parsons’ physicality makes him a dual-threat option for the Raiders if chosen here.
18. Gregory Rousseau – Edge, Miami
Rousseau has been seen at many different spots in mock drafts, but here the Dolphins land their franchise edge rusher at the eighteenth pick. Edge has always been a struggle for Miami with young Christian Wilkins having to step up and lead the way. Adding someone like Rousseau would give Miami a quicker jump on the ball along with a much more allusive man outside. Rousseau opted-out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns, ultimately causing his stock to decline. However, his 15.5 sacks in 2019 proves he has the potential to be a breakout player in the NFL.
19. Jaycee Horn – Cornerback, South Carolina
The Washington Football Team surprised a lot of people last season, winning the NFC East and making the playoffs. However, the wild card game exploited a lot of issues on their defense, primarily in their secondary. Washington lacks depth at the cornerback position and should use this pick to help alleviate that issue. The 6’1”, 200-pound corner has the potential to be a lockdown defender and add a physical presence to a Washington defense that has long needed one.
20. Trevon Moehrig-Woodard – Safety, TCU (Via Trade from Jets & Bears)
Over the past five seasons, the biggest concern for the Cowboys’ defense has been their secondary, more specifically at the safety position. Dallas is very slim in depth at safety, and the players that they currently have are performing sub-par. Trevon Moehrig is currently ranked first by Bucky Brooks out of all safeties in this year’s draft, and he could finally provide the lockdown coverage Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys have long needed. This pick may be a reach, as Moehrig has been spotted towards the end of other mock drafts, but nonetheless the Cowboys land a fine talent who could help uplift their backfield.
21. Asante Samuel Jr. – Cornerback, Florida State
Asante Samuel is one of the better cornerbacks among a draft that’s loaded with secondary. Unfortunately, the amount of depth dropped his stock a little bit. This is great for the Colts, who are looking for cornerback help to add to a young and talented defense. Pairing Samuel with players such as Malik Hooker will do the Colts nothing but good, and if developed properly, Samuel could be verry scary in a few seasons time.
22. Jayson Oweh – Edge, Penn State
Similar to his teammate Micah Parsons, Oweh is a highly explosive rusher with a ton of upside. If the Titans were to take him here at 22, they would be gaining more power on their defensive line. Vic Beasley and Jadevean Clowney were sub-par last season, and Head Coach Mike Vrabel is looking for fresh talent to help out. Oweh could be a perfect mold down in Tennessee.
23. Travis Etienne – Running Back, Clemson (Via Trade from Seahawks)
With the Jets trading down from the number two pick, they need all the help they can get to surround Darnold. With Pitts going at ten, they need an identity in their backfield. Here’s where Travis Etienne comes into play. With nearly 5000 yards on the ground in four seasons, Etienne would bring a strong but consistent approach to the Jets. New Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur would be in charge of developing Etienne, and if done right, he could be one of the better backs in the NFL.
24. Jalen Mayfield – Offensive Tackle, Michigan
The Steelers need help on the line, very, very badly. Center Maurkice Pouney announced his retirement recently, Allejandro Villenueva is growing older in age, and the younger guys are not developing properly without coach Mike Munchak. By drafting Jalen Mayfield at 24, the Steelers gain a young piece to begin their reconstruction of the offensive line. Expect General Manager Kevin Colbert to take other linemen in the later rounds of the draft.
25. Tevon Jenkins – Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State (Via Trade from Rams)
In order to protect newly acquired quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars need to bolster their offensive line. Taking someone like Tevon Jenkins would give the Jaguars time to develop the line as Trevor Lawrence grows as a QB. Jenkins provides a tall and aggressive stature, but his footwork needs to improve. If the Jaguars are committed to working with Jenkins, this could be a great move at 25.
26. Zaven Collins – Linebacker, Tulsa The Browns are coming off of one of the best seasons to date, thanks to the leadership by Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. At 26, the Browns are looking for someone who can play clean football at either the WILL or MIKE. With Zaven Collins falling right into their lap, it’s almost impossible to pass on him. If used correctly, Collins can be a real player in the NFL under Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods.
27. Wyatt Davis – Offensive Guard, Ohio State
The Ravens love the run game. Their starting quarterback is a franchise runner on his own, and young running back J.K. Dobbins will carry a heavier workload next season. With that being said, a strong running game requires strong interior lineman to block up the middle. Drafting someone like Wyatt Davis will give the Ravens an upgrade at blocking and fresh talent to protect Lamar Jackson.
28. Azeez Ojulari – Linebacker, Georgia
The Saints defense has overseen massive improvements over the past few seasons. Unfortunately, they came up short yet again last season with a loss to the Buccaneers in the divisional round. At 29, I see the Saints going for depth at the linebacker position. Having Ojulari behind guys such as Kwon Alexander would provide relief on second and third down situations.
29. Rashod Bateman – Wide Receiver, Minnesota
I know what you’re thinking. Why on earth would the Packers take another wide receiver? Let me explain. One of biggest issues for the Packers is staying healthy at the receiver position. With Davante Adams and Adam Lazard going on and off of the field with injuries last season, it wouldn’t hurt to draft someone to provide depth. Rashod Bateman is a strong and built receiver who can get a quick jump on the snap. He plays a very similar game to Minnesota Vikings’ receiver Justin Jefferson.
30. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – Linebacker, Notre Dame
After losing to the Chiefs in the AFC title game, the biggest issue seen within the Bills is their pass rush. Buffalo struggled to get to the quarterback all season with little progress made in the playoffs. Owusu-Koramoah has been projected to go earlier in the draft but falls to the Bills here at 30. His physicality will be a big improvement for Buffalo once he catches up to speed with the playbook.
31. Jaelan Phillips – Edge, Miami
Like the Giants at 11, the Chiefs are in a position at 31 to take the best person available. Jaelan Phillips has been seen all over NFL draft boards, but he lands with Kansas City here. Phillips would provide depth on the outside rush and would be mentored by Chris Jones, one of the best rushers in the game right now.
32. Christian Barmore – Defensive Tackle, Alabama
It’s safe to say the defending Super Bowl champions are covered at nearly every position on the field. Their offensive shined, and their secondary exceeded expectations throughout the postseason. Nose tackle could be an issue though with Ndamukong Suh set to hit the open market this offseason. Barmore has the ability to be versatile, playing 3-4 defensive end and 4-3 defensive tackle. A young piece up the middle could be a huge boost for Tampa Bay in 2021.