NFL
The Amateurs’ 2021 NFL Mock Draft
All 32 first-round draft picks with in-depth analysis.
It’s finally time to welcome the best college prospects to the NFL. With the 2021 NFL Draft planned as an offline event with live crowds back, the league is ready to welcome fresh talents who will become the future face of the NFL.
32 teams are ready to make their pick and some blockbuster trades have occurred before the draft that will have ripple effects to the offseason and how they will approach the NFL Draft. This is The Amateurs’ mock draft of the first round 2021 NFL Draft.
This mock draft will not feature any draft day trades that might happen.
Pick 1: Jaguars — QB Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
The Jacksonville Jaguars shouldn’t overthink this one. They are in the market for a new franchise quarterback given a lack of confidence from the organization on Gardner Minshew as their long-term answer. There’s a quarterback in the draft who will be ready from day one, dubbed as the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck named Trevor Lawrence. Without playing around, the Jaguars front office should’ve already sent their first round draft card to Roger Goodell by now with the name Trevor Lawrence on it.
Pick 2: Jets — QB Zach Wilson (BYU)
The Jets have finally moved on from Sam Darnold. They shipped him to Carolina for future draft picks, a clear sign that the Jets are ready to rebuild. With Robert Saleh onboard, they need a solution for their franchise quarterback. Comes in Zach Wilson from BYU. Some scouting reports write that he is Mahomes-esque as a quarterback. Outstanding quickness, mobility, and his ability to extend plays outside the pocket are his greatest feats, and combine that with how he can throw the ball at an angle, he is the modern quarterback that the Jets need.
Pick 3: 49ers — QB Justin Fields (Ohio State)
The 49ers traded up to the №3 spot by giving away three first round picks, including their own №12 from this year. Teams don’t trade up and give away three first round picks to not have a quarterback in mind. They jumped the Panthers, Broncos, and Falcons who are also in contention to pick a quarterback in this draft. Justin Fields can be their answer and a great competition to Jimmy Garoppolo as a starting quarterback. They could also pick Trey Lance at this spot, but Fields is a more ready-from-day-one prospect, and if the 49ers decided to bench Garoppolo midseason, Fields can be a quality starter.
Pick 4: Falcons — QB Trey Lance (North Dakota State)
Yes, Matt Ryan just restructured his contract, but this quarterback class is the right time for the Falcons if they want to pick Ryan’s replacement. Trey Lance can be Ryan’s successor in Atlanta. Despite NDSU opting out of the 2020 season, Lance showed great traits and performance as a quarterback in 2019, with 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns to 0 interceptions. Lance is a dual-threat quarterback who excels both in the air and on the ground as a runner who can electrify the Falcons’ offense after they move on from Ryan.
Pick 5: Bengals — OT Penei Sewell (Oregon)
Protect Joe Burrow! The Bengals should prioritize their offseason moves to fix their offensive line if they don’t want what happened to Burrow in 2020 to happen again in the future. Penei Sewell is the best offensive tackle in this draft by miles. His size, athleticism, and quick feet are rare traits to be found in one’s talent. His versatility also gives signs that he can play at the guard position, but for the Bengals, putting him in Burrow’s blindspot is the right thing to do at left tackle. To rebuild the whole offensive line, a talent like Sewell is where the Bengals should have as their cornerstone.
Pick 6: Dolphins — WR Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
The Dolphins traded down to 12th overall with the 49ers, and up to sixth overall with the Eagles to pick in this spot. Let’s just say the Dolphins still have confidence in Tua Tagovailoa for his first full season as a starter, they should invest in the draft to land a top playmaker from college. Enter Jaylen Waddle, a wide receiver from Alabama, in an attempt to reunite Tagovailoa with his former receiver in college. Waddle was the definitive WR1 in Alabama for the 2020 season, before his injury and DeVonta Smith claimed that spot. He’s explosive before and after the catch, making him dangerous in the open field and creative enough to make separation. Despite sharing targets with the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and DeVonta Smith most of his career, he still delivered as one of Alabama’s top playmakers.
Pick 7: Lions — WR Ja’marr Chase (LSU)
The Lions have been one of the busiest teams in the offseason, either at adding or cutting players. It’s rebuilding mode again up in Detroit, but this time with new faces at the center of it, quarterback Jared Goff and head coach Dan Campbell. They lost Kenny Golladay in free agency, so they will need to find a new weapon for Goff. Wide receiver Ja’marr Chase from LSU should be a good addition for them. A big-bodied receiver who excels as a number one option in the team, whether the Lions will put him out wide or in the slot. He broke the record for SEC single season most receiving yards with 1,780 yards and receiving touchdowns (20) in the 2019 season, along with winning the National Championship.
Pick 8: Panthers — TE Kyle Pitts (Florida)
The Panthers just acquired Sam Darnold from the Jets, so it looks like they will test Darnold as their starting quarterback this year and evaluate from there. Because four quarterbacks have been picked in this mock draft, they are looking for other needs in their team. Enter Kyle Pitts from Florida. The Panthers’ tight ends ranked last in receiving grade per PFF last season. Pitts showed great potential last season with Florida, and his stock rose even higher after his pro day. Pitts has a ridiculous catch radius with his long arms, and can create mismatches from anywhere in the field. He can be the next great tight end in the NFL.
Pick 9: Broncos — LB Micah Parsons (Penn State)
The Broncos ranked 25th in run defense last year, allowing 130 rushing yards per game. An intelligent playmaker on defense like Micah Parsons can help fix this problem. A great tackler, big size, and enough speed and ability to cover sideline to sideline makes him one of the best linebackers in this draft class. As one of the best talents in the draft, Parsons can surely be an important piece in the Broncos defense.
Pick 10: Cowboys — CB Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)
Patrick Surtain II has emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in this draft class. Picking at №10, the Cowboys won’t hesitate to pick him to rebuild and repair a horrible pass defense. Surtain II has excellent coverage skills and size to play physical with opposing receivers, proven by how Nick Saban trusted him to play press-man coverage most of the time. A unanimous first-team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-SEC, he achieved all of that in the 2020 season. With the Cowboys, he will reunite with his college teammate and cornerback partner Trevon Diggs.
Pick 11: Giants — EDGE Kwity Paye (Michigan)
As a two-year starter in Michigan, Kwity Paye emerged as one of the best edge rushers in the country. Utilizing his lower body for his quickness to shoot through the gaps, and his strong hands at the line of attack are his best weapons. His career production is a little underwhelming, with only 11.5 career sacks, but that’s because he was mostly used inside the tackle, rather than as an edge, which is where he is most dangerous. The Giants will have great talent at this position if they draft Paye, especially in the division with quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts. Surely a talent like Paye will be critical to their defense.
Pick 12: Eagles — WR DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
Another Alabama reunion is going to happen in Philadelphia. The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion DeVonta Smith seems to be a good fit to be in the Eagles. Last year, they were suffering from injuries in an already depleted WR room, forcing players from the practice squad like Travis Fulgham to become a starter. Smith will be the number one option if he’s picked by the Eagles. He offers exceptional route running skills and vertical size so he can easily get open. His only major concern would be about his size, weighing in at around 170 pounds, whether it is enough to face physical defensive backs in the NFL.
Pick 13: Chargers — OT Rashawn Slater (Northwestern)
The Chargers upgraded their offensive line with free agents this offseason, acquiring center Corey Linsley and offensive guard Matt Feiler. This won’t stop them from upgrading their line even more to protect the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert. Rashawn Slater is the next best offensive tackle prospect after Penei Sewell. A combination of hand techniques and quickness off the snap is a reliable skillset in his game. He is ready as a starter from day one.
Pick 14: Vikings — OT Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
The Vikings use this draft pick to fix one of many positions of need, the offensive tackle. Now that the offense has been refreshed with players like Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook quickly becoming key players, the Vikings can’t waste this opportunity by not giving Kirk Cousins the best protection. Christian Darrisaw is the player that they need. Lining up at left tackle in Virginia Tech, he already familiarized himself with the inside/outside zone scheme, which will help Cook to run through the gaps. Darrisaw showed slide quickness in pass protection, and he is reliable in the run game. Combine that with an incredible work ethic, Darrisaw can make an immediate impact up in Minnesota.
Pick 15: Patriots — QB Mac Jones (Alabama)
Yes, they still have Cam Newton under center, but he is not a long-term solution to the Patriots’ quarterback situation post-Tom Brady. To pick Mac Jones at this spot is the right thing to do. He came off a great 2020 season, was a contender for the Heisman Trophy, and led Alabama to a national title. Having him sit for one year, to learn from Newton and Josh McDaniels’ system, is a great development opportunity for him to be ready as a starter in year two, with loaded offensive weapons to play with that the Patriots have acquired this offseason.
Pick 16: Cardinals — CB Jaycee Horn (South Carolina)
The departure of Patrick Peterson in free agency makes fixing the secondary unit a priority for the Cardinals. They could pick a physically dominant cornerback in Jaycee Horn in this spot. With his size, he could play press coverage and force receivers to a narrower window. Not only that, his versatility enables him to play both as a wideout corner or slot corner. The Cardinals can rely on Horn to be on an island one-on-one with the best receiver, as he will play physical. Horn is the kind of elite talent that the Cardinals desperately need.
Pick 17: Raiders — LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame)
The defense is the main priority the Raiders should address coming into the draft. At this point, the Raiders should just pick the best defensive player available and who’s going to fit the system. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah played as a two-year starter in Notre Dame and became the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. His explosiveness, range, and speed are huge advantages that he can use while covering tight ends or slot receivers, and when he’s chasing the run sideline-to-sideline. Owusu-Koramoah is a hybrid playmaker who can do anything in defense.
Pick 18: Dolphins — EDGE Gregory Rousseau (Miami)
Edge rusher is another position that the Dolphins need some help with. As a defensive-minded head coach, Brian Flores successfully reinvented this defense into one of the best in the league, especially in secondary. But edge rushing is not their strong point. Gregory Rousseau will just have to move a few blocks from the University of Miami to the Miami Dolphins. He opted out from the 2020 season so he practically only had one year of football in college. But in the year when he played, he became the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, first-team All-ACC, and led the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss. He’s a talent with lots of potential that if Flores can develop him the right way, he can be one of the best pass rushers in the league.
Pick 19: Football Team — LB Zaven Collins (Tulsa)
The Washington Football Team made the playoffs last season with their stout defense. As they fixed their offense through free agency, they should look at who they can get in the draft to upgrade their defense. Zaven Collins can be the playmaker they need in the linebacker position. The reigning AAC Defensive Player of the Year can provide range and closes the gap in the perimeter area. Collins will make an immediate impact especially in the run game, where the Football Team ended outside the top 10 last season.
Pick 20: Bears — OT Teven Jenkins (Oklahoma State)
The Bears already have their new starting quarterback in Andy Dalton, who they acquired via free agency. So it would make sense if they draft an offensive line, since they ranked 20th last season per PFF. Teven Jenkins is the best available player for the Bears at this spot. Jenkins primarily lined up at right tackle while at Oklahoma State, which is a position of void in Chicago since Bobby Massie was released. Jenkins is very athletic and quick despite his size, and versatile enough to play along the offensive line. A player with his kind of intelligence, Jenkins will be ready to be a reliable starter for the Bears.
Pick 21: Colts — EDGE Jaelan Phillips (Miami)
The Colts need to address their edge rushers. DeForest Buckner made an immediate impact last season from the interior, leading the team in sacks, but they need more production from the edge. Jaelan Phillips was a five-star defensive end recruit out of high school, and he proved it in his time in Miami. Injuries bothered him earlier in his career at UCLA, but he paid it all off in his first and only year as a starter at Miami, as he led the team in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (8). If he can stay healthy when he plays in the league, the Colts will find a hidden gem in Phillips.
Pick 22: Titans — LB Azeez Ojulari (Georgia)
Azeez Ojulari rose as one of the best pass rushers in the SEC in 2020, as he led the conference in sacks (8.5), tackles for loss (12.5), and forced fumbles (4). Ojulari usually lined up as the outside linebacker, utilizing his speed off the snap and out-run his blocker, or forced a holding penalty. A rare breed that will upgrade the Titans defensive side, after the failed experiment of Jadeveon Clowney. A combination between Ojulari and the newly-acquired Bud Dupree will be exciting to watch.
Pick 23: Jets — OG Alijah Vera-Tucker (USC)
For their second pick in the first round, the Jets select a player who will protect any quarterback they pick second overall, and also make an impact in the run game. Alijah Vera-Tucker provides safety and aggressiveness in the interior offensive line. Vera-Tucker is the recipient of the Morris Trophy in 2020, which is awarded to the top PAC-12 offensive lineman. Despite playing as a left tackle for most of 2020, his best projection will be at guard with his strong hands and quick thinking. The Jets have found a gem with Mekhi Becton last season, they might do it again with Vera-Tucker.
Pick 24: Steelers — C Landon Dickerson (Alabama)
With the retirement of long-time Steeler and team legend Maurkice Pouncey, there’s a big hole to fill in the center position. Landon Dickerson, dubbed as the best center in this draft class, can be a big help to the Steelers. He possesses flexibility and intelligence while playing, and combined that with leadership qualities, this is the type of player that the Steelers need to fill in for Pouncey in the long run.
Pick 25: Jaguars — OT Alex Leatherwood (Alabama)
The Jaguars picked their future franchise quarterback with the number one overall pick. The next step is to protect their most important asset. Enter Alex Leatherwood into the equation. Alabama’s team captain in 2020 can keep his calm, read the rushers, and react accordingly with his physical hands and light feet. He also has experience in playing as a guard, so he offers some versatility for where the Jaguars need him to play. As a team captain he led Alabama to win the national championship, so leadership is also a quality that he possesses. His patience, posture, and technique make up his game and help him become a top blocker in the SEC.
Pick 26: Browns — EDGE Jayson Oweh (Penn State)
Myles Garrett needs a sidekick on the other side of the defensive line. The Browns just signed Jadeveon Clowney but he was coming off a disappointing season, also they didn’t retain some of their key pass rushers like Olivier Vernon or Adrian Clayborn in the offseason so they could use the draft to add another edge rusher. Jayson Oweh has all the athleticism needed to be a great one in the league. Explosive first step, flexibility, and quickness are the traits that he possesses. He still needs to work on how to utilize his athleticism efficiently and not just all explosive, but if the Browns are willing to take the gamble, his ceiling can be even higher.
Pick 27: Ravens — WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
It only makes sense if the Ravens pick a wide receiver in this draft. The production from their receivers were horrendous in 2020, and there was no clear №1 wide receiver to support Lamar Jackson. Rashod Bateman can be the answer to this problem. Bateman is a polished route runner who can run the full route tree, so making separation isn’t a problem. His big size and long arms are something that the Ravens have been missing. He could be the number one option for Jackson.
Pick 28: Saints — CB Greg Newsome II (Northwestern)
Cornerback is a position that the Saints need help the most. Greg Newsome II quickly rose up the draft board during the offseason and is one of the top corners in this draft class. He plays with a high football IQ, which helps him in seeing passing lanes easily, as he led the Big 10 conference in passes defended in 2020 with 10. The concern came in the form of his interception number, with just one career interception in college. But that can be fixed, and playing with another great corner like Marshon Lattimore will help his development a lot.
Pick 29: Packers — DT Levi Onwuzurike (Washington)
The Packers need to do something to fix their run defense. To stop all the titans running through the defensive line of the Packers, they need a certain Levi to stop them. Not the one from Paradis Island, but Levi Onwuzurike from the University of Washington. He can make plays consistently in between the gaps, either to open rushing lanes for teammates or to stop any players going through a gap. He’s a project player that, if healthy and with some coaching, can be a key player in defense because of his raw talent and physicality.
Pick 30: Bills — CB Caleb Farley (Virginia Tech)
While Tre’Davious White is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, the Bills still need depth in this position behind White. Caleb Farley enters this draft as one of the top corners after opting out of the 2020 season. Farley checks all the boxes with his size, speed, and his ability to read and react to a variety of plays. In 2019, he led the ACC in passes defended (16), and was selected to first-team All-ACC, while only in his second year playing as a cornerback. Farley is a promising prospect who could benefit from learning behind an All-Pro like Tre’Davious White.
Pick 31: Chiefs — OT Jalen Mayfield (Michigan)
Releasing both of their starting offensive tackles means that the Chiefs are ready for some new faces in the position. Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher were among the best tackles in the league, so replacing them will be an uphill task. Jalen Mayfield is an athletically gifted player, who can be an answer to the Chiefs’ problem. He was on track to having a breakout season in 2020, but he was sidelined due to an injury. While he lacks experience, he still has major potential and raw talent that the Chiefs can work with.
Pick 32: Buccaneers — DT Christian Barmore (Alabama)
The Buccaneers retained all of their starters, both on the offense and defense, from their Super Bowl-winning roster, so there’s no glaring needs that should be addressed through the draft. Refreshing their talented but aging defensive line can be a priority, so Christian Barmore is a good choice at pick 32. Barmore displays quickness to close any gaps or blast through them, and he’s naturally powerful resulting from his explosiveness. He also can line up at defensive end, a key versatility in his game. The one-year starter from Alabama proved himself in the biggest stage by becoming the Defensive MVP in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Rafiandra Putra Andika is a writer, designer, video editor, photographer, content creator, or to sum up, a story-teller. He found his fond love for sports ever since a little kid, starts with Soccer, F1, Basketball, and now focusing his talent on growing the exposure of American Football, especially in Indonesia. He pledged his loyalty to Tom Brady, LeBron James, and the New England Patriots.
You can follow him on Instagram: @rafiandra21 for his recent audiovisual works (photo, video, and podcast), and on Twitter with the same handle for his unfiltered thoughts and written pieces like this one.
