2021 NFL Draft Grades: 1st Round Edition
A full review and grading of each pick in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
We’ve all been waiting for “Draft-Night!” The always-exciting NFL Draft is now over. The question is, how did each team in the first round do? In this article, we’ll attempt to answer that question and break down all 32 Draft selections of the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Please note, the grading scale for this review will be from 1–10 (10 being the best and 1 being the worst). Each pick will be graded in the exact order in which it was presented at the event.
Stay tuned for more NFL Draft grades and a full 7 seven-round review from each division, shortly after the three-day event.
2021 NFL Draft Coverage:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
This wasn’t a surprise. The Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coaching vacancy was a hot commodity during the 2021 NFL off-season. That's what happens when you have the 1st pick and a generational talent like Trevor Lawrence entering the NFL Draft. It’s the main reason Urban Meyer decided to take the Jaguars Head Coaching vacancy. The Jaguars are off and running with this pick, and they get themselves one of the best Quarterback prospects of All-Time.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Grade: 8/10
Summary:
Another pick that wasn’t a surprise. This is a good pick for the Jets. However, Wilson is a very risky prospect whose playstyle is similar to former Jet, Sam Darnold. It would’ve been nice to see the Jets try something a little different, and take Justin Fields instead, but Wilson’s upside is too alluring to pass up.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
WOW!!! The draft started here. We’ve all been waiting in anticipation for this pick! I’ve had Trey Lance here for a while now and the 49ers were smart enough to take him over, Mac Jones. This was a fantastic pick for the 49ers and as I’ve stated before, I never bought the Mac Jones smokescreen for one second. No way!
Trey Lance gets to come into an offense that fits his skill set perfectly. Kyle Shanahan likes his Quarterbacks to be quick decision-makers, accurate, mobile, and not turn the Football over. Trey Lance is all of the above. He comes into a situation where he won’t have to play right away and can sit and learn behind veteran Jimmy Garoppolo.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
We’re 4 for 4 here as the Draft has gone exactly as expected thus far. Not a surprise here. Good start from our final 2021 NFL Mock Draft. After this though, the Draft is going to be much more unpredictable.
Kyle Pitts fits well in Atlanta Falcons’ new Head Coach Arthur Smith’s offense and is the guy Smith has coveted from the beginning. Pitts is a generational TE that will make an immediate impact for the Falcons. He instantly makes them one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.
Pitts’ size, height (6'6), speed, athleticism, and catch radius make him a great fit for veteran Quarterback Matt Ryan, who has stated he’d like to play into his 40s.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Grade: 8/10
Summary:
Love the player, but with Penei Sewell still on the board, it’s a little questionable as to why the Bengals didn’t address their horrible Offensive Line situation here. Still, Ja’Marr Chase is a difference-maker and he’s the former teammate of Franchise Quarterback, Joe Borrow. Borrow has to be happy he will be playing with a Receiver that he’ll have instant chemistry with and with whom he’s very familiar.
6. Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
This is a home run for the Dolphins. All along, I had thought they’d prefer Devonta Smith. Turns out, they like Waddle better. I can’t say I blame the Dolphins. This pick makes too much sense.
Waddle played with Starting Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during their time together at Alabama. Waddle is a special talent that creates separation from defensive backs with ease. He’s a great route runner and should be the Dolphins' number one receiving target from day one.
7. Detroit Lions: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
You can’t go wrong with the best Offensive Line Prospect in the Draft. Many scouts believe Sewell will be a future Hall of Famer. If that’s the case, then this pick is a steal here for the Lions. I’m surprised Sewell slid this far down the draft.
The Lions made a big splash when they traded away their long-time starting Quarterback, Matt Stafford for new Starter, Jared Goff. Goff is a traditional pocket passer so giving him some help on the Offensive Line is a great move here.
8. Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Grade: 8.5/10
Summary:
Wow, another shocker! I like this pick a lot for the Panthers though. Horn is the most physical corner in this draft and has shut-down corner ability. He has great awareness, recovery speed, hands, and the discipline to be a top NFL player for a long time. The intangibles are all there as well. Horn gives max effort on every play and is arguably the best tackler at the Cornerback position.
9. Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Grade: 5/10
Summary:
Very odd pick. I like the player, not the fit. With Rashawn Slater, Justin Fields, and a plethora of good Receivers still available, going defense here is strange. The Broncos offense was ranked 28th in Points Scored per game. Getting some pieces to build around Drew Lock, or even drafting Justin Fields, would’ve been the more ideal route to go with, in my opinion.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Grade: 6/10
Summary:
The Eagles traded up for this pick. I don’t believe the Giants or Cowboys were going to take Smith, so there was no reason for the Eagles to trade an extra draft pick just to move up two spots to take Smith here. Smith’s thin frame is concerning for teams and taking him here is a reach. However, the Eagles have to keep swinging for the fences to try and get the Wide Receiver position right.
11. Chicago Bears: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
The Bears traded up once again for a Quarterback! Ryan Pace has just saved his and Head Coach, Matt Nagy’s job. This is a great fit for both Fields and the Bears. Fields won’t have the pressure of having to play right away as he can come in and compete for the Starting job with Andy Dalton and Nick Foles.
The Bears now have a great Quarterback room and Fields provides the Bears with a Prospect that can carry a team with his arm and ability to make plays on the run.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons, LB Penn State
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
Micah Parsons is a steal here for the Cowboys. They get the best player (aside from Trevor Lawrence) in the 2021 NFL Draft and they even traded down to get him. This is a great move for the Cowboys and it's hard to not route for this guy when watched the excitement and jubilation on his face when he got drafted. A special moment to witness for a special person, and player.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, OT, North Western
Grade: 9/10
Summary:
With Rashawn Slater falling down the board and the Chargers needing an Offensive Tackle, this was an easy pick. Justin Herbert had a historically great Rookie campaign last season behind a shaky Offensive Line. Slater projects as a Starting Left Tackle who will limit the number of hits Herbert takes moving forward.
14. New York Jets: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
Grade: 6/10
Summary:
Another trade here! The Jets move up. There were better options at the Tackle position here. This is a massive reach, but this does fill a need for the Jets as they get Zach Wilson some more help on the Offensive Line. Vera-Tucker was ranked 80th on the 2021 NFL Draft Big Board.
15. New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Grade: 9/10
Summary:
How fitting. Bill Belichick doesn’t have to move up for a future Franchise Quarterback. The Patriots stand Pat (no pun intended) and let Mac Jones fall to them here. Jones is one of the most pro-ready Quarterbacks of the 2021 NFL Draft Class.
Jones will immediately push Cam Newton for the starting job and it’ll be interesting to see if he plays in year one. He is the prototypical pocket passer that Bill Belichick covets, and he has the smarts, throwing anticipation, and pocket presence to run the style of offense that the Patriots have always run under Bill Belichick.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Grade: 3/10
Summary:
The first failing grade of the Draft. This pick is very puzzling. Collins doesn’t fill an immediate need here and the Cardinals have no depth at Corner. Wide Receiver is another option the Cardinals should have explored here with Rashod Bateman still on the board.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Alex Leatherwood, OT/OG, Alabama
Grade: 5/10
Summary:
I get it, the Raiders want to continue to “beef up” their Offensive Line with young talent. However, Leatherwood is a 2nd round value and a huge reach here. Leatherwood would have been available in Round two for the Raiders at 48th overall.
There are better options on the board at this point, like Walker Little or Dillon Radunz. Leatherwood doesn’t have the foot quickness or pass blocking ability to play Tackle, and will most likely play Guard for the Raiders.
18. Miami Dolphins: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
Grade: 8.5/10
Summary:
A great value pick here for the Dolphins. One of the best Pass Rushers in this Draft Class. Phillips is a physical giant, with the strength and athleticism to bull rush and over-power blockers to get to the Quarterback. The Dolphins are getting themselves a Pro-Bowl caliber Pass Rusher.
19. Washington Football Team: Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Grade: 7/10
Summary:
Solid pick here for Washington. Jamin Davis saw a late pre-draft rise to his Draft stock. Davis is relentless in getting to the ball carrier, is a hard-hitting tackler, and a good fit for what Ron Rivera likes in his defensive players.
20. New York Giants: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Grade: 7.5/10
Summary:
After trading down with the Chicago Bears the Giants take a Receiver. I like this pick. I hope I’m wrong, but Rashod Bateman is still on the Board and the Giants passed on the much better prospect. He has some injury concerns, but Kadarius Toney is a shifty and speedy Wide Receiver that can play on the outside or in the slot.
There are now no more excuses for Daniel Jones. This is a make-or-break year for him and the Giants have seemingly done everything in their power to put him in a position to succeed.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
Grade: 7.5/10
Summary:
Kwity Paye is a raw Pass Rusher that is a great athlete still improving his technique and skill. It’s no secret that the Colts were targeting a Pass Rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft and they get a player with tremendous upside but who isn’t a finished product yet.
22. Tennesse Titans: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Grade: 8/10
Summary:
Cornerback was a need the Titans had to address early in the 2021 NFL Draft. They lost Adoree Jackson in Free Agency to the New York Giants. Caleb Farley has some injury and durability concerns.
If Farley stays healthy, he will be a really good Starting Cornerback. He thrives on man-to-man pass coverage and has active hands to cause pass-breakups. This is a boom or bust pick that can pay off if Farley can stay on the field.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Grade: 7.5/10
Summary:
Christian Darrisaw is a good pick here for a Vikings team that traded down and seemingly got good value here. Walker Little and Dillon Radunz are better options but Darrisaw had some good game tape at Virginia Tech and fills a need here for Minnesota.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Grade: 6/10
Summary:
Najee Harris is a nice fit for Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers could’ve used a Cornerback here. Their secondary isn’t anything great at the Corner position. If you’re the Steelers and are going to go with a Running Back, why not take Travis Etienne? Etienne is the far surpior Propsect.
Still, Najee Harris is a power runner, and strong-built Running Back who can carry a heavy workload. He’s an every-down Back that can methodically get his team first downs.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
Another easy pick here for the Jaguars and another Home Run. They get the best Running Back in the 2021 NFL Draft Class. Travis Etienne is now reunited with his college teammate, Trevor Lawrence.
He’s a speedy and elusive big-time playmaker that can make tacklers miss and breakout for huge gains. Etienne is also a great pass catcher with steady hands for the Running Back position and will be a great and familiar security blanket for Trevor Lawrence. This is a steal.
26. Cleveland Browns: Greg Newsome II, CB, North Western
Grade: 8/10
Summary:
This is a great fit for Newsome and the Browns. They get a tall and lengthy corner who can play opposite of star, Denzel Ward. Newsome has great instincts and a nose for the ball. He isn’t the best Cornerback available at this point, but he is a great fit for this team.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
A steal for the Ravens! I’m shocked that Bateman slid this far down. After Baltimore's G.M. went on a rant about the criticism of the Ravens’ lack of talent at receiver, it’s no surprise that they take one here. The Ravens are getting a Top 10 value with Bateman.
Bateman is a 6'2 possession Receiver with great hands, an excellent catch radius, and a player that can make plays in traffic. Lamar Jackson finally has a legit true Number 1 Receiver that will command double teams and help open up the passing game for Baltimore.
28. New Orleans Saints: Payton Turner, DE, Houston
Grade: 7/10
Summary:
Payton Turner is a good Prospect and Pass Rusher. He’s an athletic 6'6 monster that plays with tons of energy and effort. This was a surprise pick and Turner seemed like a 2nd round Prospect at best. However, on a team with a good coaching staff and roster, this is a good fit for both sides.
29. Green Bay Packers: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Grade: 1/10
Summary:
I like the approach by the Green Bay Packers with this pick. I don’t like the execution though. Eric Stokes is the biggest reach of the 1st round so far. He’s not even the best Defensive back from his school. His former teammates Richard LeCounte III and Tyson Campbell are still on the board.
Stokes would have been available in round 3. Also, the Packers need another legitimate number 2 receiver to pair with Davante Adams, especially now that Aaron Rodgers reportedly wants out of Green Bay. Why not try and sway Rodgers by drafting him a Receiver? I don’t understand this pick at all.
30. Buffalo Bills: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami (FL)
Grade: 10/10
Summary:
The rich just keep getting richer here. The Buffalo Bills get a 6'7 monster that will overpower most of his opponents. Rousseau will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after being superseded by his teammate Jaelan Phillips in the eyes of many scouts and sliding this far down in the Draft. Rousseau is the number 9 Prospect on the 2021 NFL Draft Big Board and is a steal here for Buffalo.
31. Baltimore Ravens: Jayson Oweh, LB, Penn State
Grade: 2/10
Summary:
Not the greatest pick in my opinion. This is a strange pick. Oweh had no Sacks in his final season at Penn State and the Ravens need help on the Offensive Line after trading away their Pro-Bowl Left Tackle, Orlando Brown.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon, LB, Washington
Grade: 6/10
Summary:
The Buccaneers are bringing back literally all of their starters from last season's Super-Bowl winning team. They have no immediate needs and can afford to Draft for Depth which is what they did here. Joe Tryon is an athletic Linebacker who can get to the Quarterback. He’ll be a helpful situational Pass Rusher that can make an impact in a reserve role until it's his time to start.
Jeffrey Genao is a Writer and Contributor for Top Level Sports, Basketball University, and Kitchen Tales. You can read more of his Content at Top Level Sports, Basketball University, Kitchen Tales, and the Official Basketball University website https://officialbballuniversity.com/author/jeffrey-genao/.
