2021 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Free Agency Edition — Full First Round
A look at how the 2021 NFL Free Agency period has affected where the Top NFL Draft Prospects will go.
The NFL Draft is a time of year where fans get excited as they anticipate what big-name prospect their favorite team will select in the 1st round. The Free Agency period of the NFL is a time where teams get a chance to fill holes on their rosters before the Draft. As teams fill the holes on their roster through Free Agency, it allows them to start shifting their focus on the young players who will be entering the NFL.
While predicting what teams will do isn’t an exact science and almost impossible, this article will serve as a fun trivial hypothesis as to what could happen in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
There will be no trade predictions for this mock draft, and the NFL Draft Order for this article is based on the recent announcement from the NFL. We will continue to make updates and more versions of the 2021 NFL Mock Draft until the actual day of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Please note that the best players available, and team needs will be taken into consideration for each NFL Franchise.
Before we begin, be sure to check out the rest of our 2021 NFL Draft coverage:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
2020 College Football Season Stats: 69.2 Cmp%, 3,153 Passing Yards, 25 TD, 5 INT, 169.2 Rate
Chris Simms may be the only person on this planet who believes the Jags shouldn’t take Trevor Lawrence. Other than that, it's pretty much a consensus that Trevor Lawrence will be a Jacksonville Jaguar. The Jags need a high-profile and skilled prospect like Lawrence to get their fanbase excited about Jaguars Football again. Lawrence is a generational Prospect that has drawn comparisons to the former Pro-Bowl Quarterback, Andrew Luck.
2. New York Jets: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
2020 College Football Season Stats: N/A (Opted out of the 2020 College Football Season)
The Sam Darnold saga in New York doesn’t seem to be over. If the team decides to give Darnold another year to show and prove, then drafting some players to build around their young Quarterback would be wise. Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the best Wide Receiver in this Draft Class and is the kind of offensive player Darnold has yet to have had in his tenure with the Jets.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
2020 College Football Season Stats: N/A (North Dakota State Opted out of the 2020 College Football Season)
The San Francisco 49ers and the Maimi Dolphins just pulled off a pre-draft blockbuster trade in which the 49ers traded up from number 12 overall to number 3 overall. When Franchises make big trades like this it’s almost certainly for a Quarterback.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s days with the 49ers seem to be numbered. It has nothing to do with his performance. In fact, when he’s played, the 49ers have been a great team (22–8 Record when he’s started for the 49ers). The problem is when he doesn’t play and his lack of availability due to injuries. With his contract set to expire it’s time for the 49ers to Draft a back-up to eventually replace Garoppolo.
Trey Lance is the perfect fit for what Kyle Shanahan looks for in his Quarterbacks; accuracy, mobility, arm strength, touch, and limited turnover ratio. These are all traits that Lance possesses. How soon he gets a chance to demonstrate how his skills translate to the NFL will be contingent upon Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance, if he is Drafted by the 49ers here.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
2020 College Football Season Stats: 70.2 Cmp %, 2,100 Passing Yards, 22 TD, 6 INT, 175.6 Rate
Atlanta might not necessarily keep this pick. Especially if Zach Wilson is still on the board, and a desperate Quarterback needy team makes Atlanta an offer it can’t refuse. However, if Atlanta does keep the pick and it is a Quarterback, I believe they will take Justin Fields. Fields is the kind of Prospect that could sit behind Matt Ryan for a year or two. For that reason, I don’t see the Falcons taking and keeping Zach Wilson. I don’t think Atlanta is interested in Zach Wilson as a future Franchise Quarterback option. If Atlanta takes Zach Wilson, I’d assume trade.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Career College Football Awards: 2019 Consensus All-America, 2019 John Outland Trophy
This pick is almost too easy for the Bengals. With the blockbuster trade that happened right before their pick, it sets them up nicely to having the best Offensive Lineman Prospect fall to them at number 5 overall. This is a huge and lucky break for a team that has been decimated from key losses and pieces to their Offensive Line over the past several seasons.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
2020 College Football Season Stats: 117 Catches, 1,856 Receiving Yards, 23 TD
The Eagles have had a hard time drafting good Wide Receivers lately. It’s part of the reason why their Receiving Core has been one of the worst over the past several seasons. They can’t afford to keep missing at the position. With DeVonta Smith still on the board, the Eagles take the most productive Receiver in all of College Football in 2020.
7. Detroit Lions: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
2020 College Football Season Stats: 28 Catches, 591 Receiving Yards, 4 TD
From the mega-deal of Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff to the departure of Star Wide Receiver Kenny Golladay, it’s been an eventful off-season for the Detriot Lions. The Departures of both Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay leave a huge hole at Wide Reciever. With Jaylen Waddle on the board, the Lions get arguably the best Receiver available here. Waddle is a fast, and athletic player that can make big plays down the field. He’d be a welcome addition for a team that just lost their number one receiver.
8. Carolina Panthers: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
2020 College Football Season Stats: 73.5 Cmp%, 3,692 Passing Yards, 33 TD, 3 INT, 196.4 Rate, 10 Rushing TD
Many people don’t expect Zach Wilson to be available here. If he is though, the Panthers will take him as their Quarterback of the future. It’d seemingly be a great fit since Teddy Bridgewater is a steady veteran starting Quarterback who could take the pressure off of having to play Wilson right away.
Zach Wilson is a mobile strong-armed Quarterback that sees the field well and demonstrates terrific accuracy. He may need some time to adjust to an NFL playbook though. Having a smart veteran Quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater in the Quarterback room with him will do wonders for Wilson in becoming a successful NFL starting Quarterback.
9. Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
2020 College Football Season Stats: N/A (Opted out of the 2020 College Football Season)
Denver might be tempted to take Mac Jones here. However, they instead go for the Linebacker they have long been needing. Micah Parsons is arguably the best player in this Draft. Some character concerns have caused his Draft stock to go down a bit but ultimately his talent and skill are too alluring for teams like Broncos that need help at his position.
Parsons opted out of the 2020 College Football season, but there’s more than enough game tape to know and see that he makes plays all over the field. He can get to the Quarterback, and he relentlessly chases down ball carriers.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
2020 College Football Season Stats: 37 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles for Loss, 1 INT, 1 Defensive TD, 9 Passes Defended
The Cowboys will almost certainly go for a Cornerback here, and they have their choice of the bunch. There really isn’t a consensus top corner, so it will come down to preference here. Patrick Surtain II is a solid corner option with good ball skills, and speed (4.46 40 yard dash time) to keep up with the top receivers in the NFL.
11. New York Giants: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
2020 College Football Season Stats: N/A (Opted out of the 2020 College Football Season)
Getting a pass-rusher is critical here for the New York Giants. They’ve had a great Free Agency period in which they addressed their needs at Cornerback and Wide Reciever. With the addition of stud Receiver Kenny Golladay, there’s no immediate need to Draft one, unless Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith fall. It’s not likely.
Instead, New York takes a 6'7 mammoth pass-rusher that will help solidify their defense on the outside Edge. With Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence commanding double teams on the inside, getting an athletic, genetic, quick, and skilled freak like Rousseau on the Edge, could make this Giants defense one of the best in the NFL.
12. Miami Dolphins: Rashawn Slater, OT, North Western
Career College Football Awards: N/A
With their recent pre-draft trade, the Dolphins trade down without having to give up much value. They can still get a great Offensive Lineman Prospect here to continue to build around Tua Tagovailoa. While Rashawn Slater isn’t Penei Sewell, he is versatile and can play anywhere on the Offensive Line.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
Career College Football Awards: N/A
Los Angeles has a new Star at Quarterback, Rookie sensation Justin Herbert was a gift that kept giving last season. If Herbert is to continue and maintain his high level of production, the Chargers will have to protect their young Quarterback. Left Tackle is a big need right now for this team, and it would be wise of them to select an Offensive Lineman early in the 2021 NFL Draft. Alijah Vera-Tucker has seen his Draft stock rise because of his positional versatility. He can play anywhere on the Offensive-Line and fills a need here for the Chargers.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
2020 College Football Season Stats: 43 Catches, 770 Receiving Yards, 12 TD
The Vikings get themselves the best Tight-End in the Draft. After releasing Kyle Rudolph, Tight End is a huge need here for this team, and getting a speedy, great pass-catching Tight End here will help the Viking's offense immensely. Pitts would serve as a great security blanket for the very accurate and precise Kirk Cousins. Pitts’s ability to break tackles and get yards after catch makes him a valuable asset for an offense that could use another playmaker.
15. New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
2020 College Football Season Stats: 77.4 Cmp%, 4,500 Passing Yards, 41 TD, 4 INT, 203.1 Rate
No doubt Cam Newton in his prime, was one of the most exciting players to watch. He was must-see television and he jumped off the screen. These day’s though, it looks like Cam’s best days are behind him. While I do root for his success and hope he plays well next season, the fact of the matter is, objectively speaking, the Patriots can’t afford to wait for Newton to turn things around. Even if they do, lowering their risk of not getting the best out of Newton would be wise. That’s where the drafting of a young Quarterback comes in.
Mac Jones has improved his Draft stock exponentially after a great 2020 College Football Season. He demonstrated his strong arm, great decision-making, leadership, accuracy, footwork, and maturity. He seems like the perfect Bill Belichick kind of Quarterback. With Newton on the roster, The Patriots would have themselves a great Quarterback situation with the drafting of Mac Jones.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
2020 College Football Season Stats: N/A (Opted out of the 2020 College Football Season)
After losing All-Pro Cornerback Patrick Peterson to the Minnesota Vikings in Free Agency, the Arizona Cardinals now have a huge void to fill at the position. While there aren’t any Patrick Petersons in this Draft, there are still some solid options to come in for the Franchise and earn a Starting job. Caleb Farley is a very physical corner, who doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s a hard hitter and aggressive player that is arguably the best Corner still on the board here.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Patrick Jones II, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh
2020 College Football Season Stats: 42 Tackles, 12.5 Tackles for Loss, 9.0 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery
Each and every year in the Draft, it’s almost impossible to predict what the infamously unpredictable Raiders will do. Every year, the Raiders seemingly take a Prospect no-one expects them to take. This year that Prospect could be Patrick Jones II. If Jones were to be the pick here, while unexpected, I would actually applaud the move. Jones II is an underrated pass-rushing machine, with the skills, speed, and quickness that you look for in an Edge Rusher. He would be a good fit next to 2019 high-profile Draft pick Clelin Ferrell.
18. Miami Dolphins: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
2020 College Football Season Stats: 914 Rushing Yards, 14 Rushing TD, 48 Catches, 588 Receiving Yards
The Dolphins continue to build their offense here with their second 1st rounder. Tua Tagovailoa is the direction the Franchise has chosen for the Quarterback position, and they will need to continue to assure they get the best version of their young Quarterback by continuing to surround him with skill players on offense. Etienne is a versatile Running-back who could block, catch, and break off for big runs in the running game. Etienne is by far the best Running Back in this Draft class in my opinion. In my opinion, he’s the one Running Back in this Draft class with All-Pro potential.
19. Washington Football Team: Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
Career College Football Awards: N/A
One of the biggest question marks aside from Quarterback, for the Washington Football Team, is their Offensive Line. They need a Left Tackle, and with Jackson Carman on the Board, Washington gets a young player to fill a need here on their O-Line.
20. Chicago Bears: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Career College Football Awards: 2020 Consensus All-America, 2020 John Outland Trophy
The Bears are another team with major Offensive Line issues. Alex Leatherwood is a powerful Offensive Lineman that will immediately help the running game for Chicago. It will be interesting to see if he could improve upon his pass-blocking skills. Leatherwood certainly is athletic and skilled enough to eventually become a really good pass-blocker. For now, the Bears just need to take a young talented Lineman like Leatherwood, whom they could develop right away.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., DE, Oregon State
2020 College Football Season Stats: 23 Tackles, 2.0 Tackles for Loss, 0.0 Sacks
This pick may be the first surprise of the Draft. There aren’t many Mock Drafts with Rashed Jr. going in the 1st round. He had an off 2020 campaign after having a monstrous 2019 season in which he recorded 14.0 sacks. This past College Football Season, Rashed Jr. had no sacks, which has seemingly hurt his Draft Stock. However, his talent, skills, and flashes of brilliance as an edge Rusher are going to be too hard for NFL teams to ignore.
A team like Colts could use a player like Rashed to get to the Quarterback and play to his strengths. Rashed Jr. is quietly one of the best defensive players in this draft, and he could be a huge steal here for the Colts. He’s one of the most slept on prospects in my opinion, because of his lack of production in 2020, which objectively speaking, is a valid reason to be concerned.
22. Tennessee Titans: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
2020 College Football Season Stats: 16 Tackles, 1.0 Tackle For Loss, 2 INT, 6 Passes Defended
After losing Adoree Jackson to the New York Giants during Free Agency, the Titans are on the hunt now for a Corner to come in and fill a need. Jaycee Horn is a scrappy man-to-man cover corner with great speed and ball skills.
23. New York Jets: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
2020 College Football Season Stats: 1,466 Rushing Yards, 26 Rushing TD, 43 Catches, 425 Receiving Yards, 4 Receiving TD
The New York Jets, again, much like their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins, double down on offensive skill position players to build around their young Quarterback. Najee Harris is a power runner, with great straight-line vision, athletic ability, and strength to break tackles. He’d serve great as a high-volume power Running Back that can move the chains methodically and take some pressure off of Sam Darnold with his blocking in the passing game.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
2020 College Football Season Stats: 29 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 1 INT, 5 Passes Defended
In my opinion, the Steelers get the best Cornerback available in this Draft class here. Tyson Campbell is a tall (6'2), lengthy, athletic, and highly skilled corner that can stay in front of anyone. His size and length make him tough to throw on and combined with his speed, gives him the potential to be a shut-down corner in the NFL. While Running Back could be an option here, the top 2 Running Backs are already off the board, so Corner is certainly a possibility here for the Steelers.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
2020 College Football Season Stats: 36 Catches, 472 Receiving Yards, 2 TD
One of the more understated needs for the Jaguars is at Wide Reciever. After taking Trevor Lawrence, this team will need a reliable and potential Star pass-catcher to pair with their newly anointed Franchise Quarterback of the future. Rashod Bateman has steady hands, a great catch radius, and fights for jump-balls. He’s your typical possession Receiver that doesn’t have to be open to make plays. When you have a young Quarterback like Lawrence, it’s always nice to have a security option Receiver like Bateman, who can make plays in traffic when things breakdown on busted play calls.
26. Cleveland Browns: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
2020 College Football Season Stats: 16 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks
With Kwity Paye surprisingly still on the board here, it’s hard to see the Browns passing up the opportunity to get themselves a pass-rusher next to Myles Garrett. Paye is a raw but athletic edge Rusher that can provide some pressure on the Quarterback to at least open things up for his teammates and Myles Garrett.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
2020 College Football Season Stats: 48 Catches, 731 Receiving Yards, 10 TD
It’s no secret that the Ravens have to get Lamar Jackson some more Receivers on the outside. Terrace Marshall is a tall, steady-handed Receiver that runs smooth routes and can get open with his speed as well. He’s just the kind of Receiver who can make big plays down the field and is what Lamar Jackson needs, to maximize his duel threat ability as a Quarterback.
28. New Orleans Saints: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
2020 College Football Season Stats: 70 Catches, 984 Receiving Yards, 10 TD
After Michael Thomas, the Saints don’t have a starting-caliber Receiver on its roster after their recent release of veteran Receiver, Emmanuel Sanders. Kadarius Toney had a breakout party in the 2020 College Football Season and has solidified himself as one of the 2021 NFL Draft’s top Wide Receiver options.
29. Green Bay Packers: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
2020 College Football Season Stats: 30 Tackles, 1.0 Tackle For Loss, 3 INT, 6 Passes Defended, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Forced Fumble
The secondary is something the Packers will most likely look to address early in the 2021 NFL Draft. They recently resigned the improving Kevin King and will look to add another young prospect. Asante Samuel Jr. is small, but scrappy, and is a great tackler for a Corner. Cornerbacks typically don’t like tackling, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue for Samuel Jr. He’s fast as well, and has great ball skills. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Samuel became a star corner in the NFL. His size is seemingly the only concern most scouts have.
30. Buffalo Bills: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
2020 College Football Season Stats: 38 Catches, 576 Receiving Yards, 7 TD
This is another surprise pick as it’s not really expected that Brevin Jordan will go in the 1st round. However, the Bills don’t have a Tight End on their roster, in my opinion, with the big-time play-making ability of Brevin Jordan. Jordan is a versatile all-around Tight End who can block, catch, and makes plays in traffic. He can also get Yards after catch (YAC)and would serve as a fantastic security blanket for Josh Allen. Jordan’s ability to make plays in the short to intermediate-range could open up more plays down the field for the Bills.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Carlos Basham Jr., DE/DT, Wake Forest
2020 College Football Season Stats: 28 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles for Loss, 5.0 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles
Carlos Basham is a hard-hitting D-Lineman that would add some pass-rushing ability to the Chiefs defense. While Offensive Line is a need here, there’s no reason to reach for one. Instead, the Chiefs get a player that can add pressure on the Quarterback upfront.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
2020 College Football Season Stats: 37 Tackles, 9.5 Tackles for Loss, 8.0 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles
While the Bucs did resign Ndamukong Suh, it's on a one-year deal, and adding some young depth on the defensive line wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Christian Barmore is a run-stuffing D-Lineman who eats up double teams and opens up pass-rushing opportunities for his teammates on the Edge.
Jeffrey Genao is a Writer and Contributor for Top Level Sports. You can read more of his Content at Top Level Sports.
