2021 NFL Mock Draft 6.0: Final Version
The final 2021 NFL Mock Draft of the series — Full 1st Round Predictions
In this final NFL Mock Draft, we will attempt to try and accurately predict where the Top NFL Draft Prospects will go on Draft Day April 29th, 2021. This article is researched based on each Franchise's preferences and team needs.
This is the final version of the 2021 NFL Mock Draft series. As always, for this Mock Draft, we will not predict Draft day Trades.
Please note, the Pre-Draft order is based on the final NFL Season Standings as of April 26th, 2021.
More 2021 NFL Draft Coverage:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
From the moment Lawrence declared for the NFL Draft, it’s become publicly known knowledge that he will be the first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s one of the best Quarterback Prospects to ever declare for the NFL Draft.
According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper (who has been an NFL Draft analyst since 1979), Lawrence is amongst the best Quarterbacks he has ever studied as well. This won’t be a nail-bitter on Draft Night.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The Jets fired their Head Coach, brought in a new one, and traded away their former young Starting Quarterback. This pick will be a Quarterback and according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, all signs point to the Jets drafting Wilson here.
Wilson has many of the same similarities as the former starter, Sam Darnold did. He can make throws on the run, is mobile, and has a strong arm.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Michael Lombardi is guaranteeing that this pick won’t be Justin Fields. It will either be Trey Lance or Mac Jones. I’m not buying the smokescreen by the 49ers, of preferring Mac Jones. I’ve been predicting for some time now that this pick will be Trey Lance.
Trey Lance just makes too much sense here for the 49ers in a variety of ways. For one, he needs time to develop and can play behind Jimmy Garoppolo until he’s ready to take over the starting job. Another factor in Trey Lance being the pick here is that Head Coach Kyle Shanahan likes Quarterbacks that are mobile in the pocket and can extend plays. Trey Lance fits that description. Mac Jones does not.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Pitts is a Tight End that plays like a Wide Receiver and would fit the Falcons offense well alongside Calvin Ridley and a healthy Julio Jones. It’s also been speculated that new Head Coach Arthur Smith prefers Pitts because he fits the Falcons Offense.
Franchise Quarterback, Matt Ryan, has recently said he wants to play into his 40s. With a statement like that from the Quarterback and Pitts fitting Coach Smith’s system, one can only surmise that the Falcons will not take one of the top Quarterback Prospects here, and instead will take the highly-touted Tight End.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
It's been well documented just how bad the Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Line has been over the past couple of seasons. While Wide Receiver is a team need here, the Bengals will more than likely prioritize protecting their young Franchise Quarterback Joe Burrow.
Penei Sewell is one of the best Offensive Line Prospects to come out for the Draft because of his athleticism, speed, build, strength, and technique for the position. He has all the tools to be a Franchise Left Tackle and many experts believe he will be a future Hall of Famer.
6. Miami Dolphins: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
If Devonta Smith is still available when the Dolphins pick here, it’s hard to imagine them passing on him. Devonta Smith had a great 2020 College Football season in which he won the Heisman.
The Dolphins don’t have a true number 1 Receiver and, Smith played with the Dolphins Starting Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in college, so this pick would make sense.
7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Rumors are circling by NFL insiders that the Detroit Lions are “zeroing in” on Linebacker, Micah Parsons. This makes sense because the Lions are not in the market for one of the Top Quarterback Prospects, and although Wide Receiver is a need here, passing on possibly the best player in the Draft would be something the Lions regret.
Parsons is a do-it-all Linebacker that can play man coverage, stop the run, and get to the Quarterback. Character concerns may cause him to slip a little in the Draft.
8. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
After making a trade for Sam Darnold, the Carolina Panthers are seemingly off the Quarterback market. They may still take a Quarterback here if Zach Wilson or Trey Lance fall. However, getting a Wide Receiver early would be the most likely scenario for this Franchise.
Adding some more firepower for Sam Darnold next to DJ Moore, and Christian McCaffrey would be ideal. Ja’Marr Chase is a speedy outside receiver with great hands and route-running ability. He can shake off defenders, make tacklers miss, and would be a great target for the young Sam Darnold.
9. Denver Broncos: Rashawn Slater, OT, North Western
The growing sentiment amongst analysts is that the Broncos will take either Micah Parsons or Rashawn Slater here. Well, Parsons is now off the Board, and Rashawn Slater has been climbing NFL Draft Boards. The Broncos have a shaky Offensive Line and Slater has great feet, skill, and versatility to be a plug-and-play player anywhere on the Offensive Line.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
It’s no secret that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is intrigued by Kyle Pitts. However, unless the Cowboys are willing to trade up to get Pitts, it’s highly unlikely he’d be available to select here with the 10th overall pick. Instead, the Cowboys go with the consensus pick here as they need help in their defensive backfield.
11. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
After signing Kenny Golladay during Free Agency, the New York Giants addressed one of their big needs for their roster. Golladay fills the need for an outside receiver. However, the Slot Receiver position is still a question mark. Part of the Giants’ problems at the position were durability and drops. The Giants ranked 7th in Dropped Passes for the 2020 NFL Season.
Sterling Shepard has consistently been unreliable when it comes to durability as he’s missed 8 games in the last two seasons while also having a decline in his production. The Giants can cut ties with Shepard after the 2021 NFL Season.
Considering all this, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Giants take a young Receiver here. Jaylen Waddle is a fast, sure-handed Receiver that runs crisp routes and creates separation to make himself an easier target for his Quarterback to get him the ball. In my opinion, he’s the best of the top two Alabama Receivers.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
No doubt, the Eagles need help at Wide Receiver. Cornerback is also a huge need and there are reports that the Eagles may target Caleb Farley. Farley has some injury concerns which may cause him to drop in the Draft. However, the Eagles are not strangers to taking Corners with Pre-Draft injury concerns. In 2017, the Franchise took Draft bust Sidney Jones in the 2nd Round.
Farley would offer the Eagles some young depth in the defensive backfield. He has good speed, ball covering skills, and doesn’t give up too many big plays.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
Justin Herbert had one of the best rookie seasons of all-time last season, behind a shaky Offensive Line. With Sewell and Slater off the Board, many experts have Vera-Tucker being the 3rd Offensive Lineman taken in the draft because of his ability to play both Tackle positions. Vera-Tucker can also play Guard and would be a wise investment for a team like the Chargers, to help rebuild their Offensive Line.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
The Minnesota Vikings do need help on the Offensive Line. The value for taking one isn’t here though, and the Vikings will likely take a pass-rusher here instead. This pick could easily be Kwity Paye, who has been rising NFL Draft Boards, but I believe the Vikings will surprise everyone and take Phillips here if he’s available.
Phillips is a tall, strong, and athletic Edge Rusher, with great speed and acceleration to get to the Quarterback once he gets by the initial block.
15. New England Patriots: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
It’s an NFL Draft tradition. One of the Top Quarterbacks always slips on Draft Day. Justin Fields may be the odd man out. That’s ok though because he falls to a Franchise in the Patriots, who have a starting Quarterback in Cam Newton.
Fields wouldn’t have to play right away and can sit behind Newton and learn. It would be an ideal situation for any young Quarterback to play for the legendary Bill Belichick. Newton and Fields have similar physical statures and play styles which would seemingly help Fields’ transition from college to the pros.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
This is the perfect fit for Horn who has recently stated that he’d fit well with the Cardinals, and I can’t say I disagree. Arizona lost their number 1 Cornerback Patrick Peterson during Free Agency. Horn’s playstyle is very similar to Patrick Peterson’s. He gives max effort, plays physical, and has the skills to be a shutdown NFL Cornerback.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
The Raiders' defense was terrible last season. They ranked 30th out of 32nd for most points allowed (29.9) and ranked 28th in total Sacks (21). You’re not going to win many games with a bad defense and no pass rush. For these reasons, I believe the Raiders will be taking a Pass Rusher here.
Gregory Rousseau is arguably the best Edge Rusher available here. He had a breakout 2019 College Football Season in which he recorded 15.5 Sacks. Rousseau chose to opt-out of the 2020 College Football Season and he’s worth the gamble here for a team that could use his services.
18. Miami Dolphins: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
The Dolphins haven't made it clear or given any clues as to what they might be doing with their 18th overall pick. Based on their current team needs and roster construct, that they will likely take the Top Running Back on their Board here to continue to build around Tua. There aren’t many Mock Drafts or analysts who have a Running Back going in the first round, so the Dolphins should be able to get their top-rated one here.
Travis Etienne would be a good security blanket for Tua. He is a solid all-around Running Back who can catch passes and has the elusiveness and speed to break out for big gains in both the run and pass game.
19. Washington Football Team: Jackson Carman, OT/OG, Clemson
Rumors are swirling that the Washington Football team could be on the market for a versatile Offensive Line Prospect like Alijah Vera-Tucker. However, Vera-Tucker is not available here at this point in the Mock Draft. Instead, look out for Jackson Carman, who himself, is a versatile Offensive Lineman that can play both Guard and Tackle.
Carman has recently said he’d like to play Offensive Tackle, but whether Washington decides to play him at Tackle or Guard, they’d be getting themselves a great Prospect here that fills a need.
20. Chicago Bears: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
If Mac Jones gets past the Broncos at 9th overall, teams like the Bears might start making phone calls to trade up ahead of the Patriots to go up and get him. As previously stated though, this Mock Draft won’t be predicting trades. Instead, the Bears patiently wait here as Mac Jones falls to them.
This would be an ideal pick for the Bears, who signed veteran Andy Dalton to compete with Nick Foles for the Starting Quarterback job. In many expert's eyes, Jones is ready to play right away, but sitting him behind two established veteran Quarterbacks for a year would be ideal.
It’s tricky though because Matt Nagy and General manager Ryan Pace are in win-now mode and might not be with the team beyond 2021 if there aren’t immediate results in Chicago this upcoming season.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest
Recent reports are that the Colts will most likely go with either a Defensive Lineman or an Offensive Lineman. Indianapolis could use an Edge Rusher and there are many to choose from here. Amongst the best, is Carlos Basham Jr. He is very rarely contained because of his size and strength. When giving his max effort, Basham Jr. plays at an elite level.
22. Tennessee Titans: Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
After losing Adoree Jackson to the New York Giants in Free Agency, the Titans are more than likely to replace him early on in the 2021 NFL Draft. Kelvin Joseph has a lot of confidence in his abilities, and it showed out on the field. He has a lot of upside and would be coming into a great team environment. The Titans have a playoff roster and Kelvin Joseph has the skills to play right away and contribute to a winning team.
23. New York Jets: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Jets have been linked to Harris for some time now and they met with him about two months ago. They’ve been doing their homework on him and he seems to be on their Draft board for the first round.
Harris is a power runner that gets tough yardage and breaks tackles. He’s a heavy load Back that can take pressure off of his Starting Quarterback to put his team in a position to get first downs.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Mike Tomlin recently and deservedly, signed a 3-year extension with the Steelers. Smart move by a well-run organization. Most people, when they think of the Steelers, they think defense. This is a team with great defensive tradition and with their 24th overall pick, the Steelers may shock some people.
If Tyson Campbell is still on the board, I believe he fills a need here for the Franchise and is a high-upside prospect that had been projected to be a possible Top 10 pick before the 2020 College Football Season. The Steelers would be getting great value here.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh
The Jags ranked 31st in Sacks during the 2020 NFL Season so it would behoove them to get an Edge Rusher after taking their Franchise Quarterback with the 1st overall pick. Patrick Jones II has a mean streak and plays with toughness and competitiveness that you can’t teach.
Jones is one of, if not the best Edge Rushers that would be available here and he had an impressive 9.0 Sacks during the 2020 College Football Season. He’d come in and help out what was an atrocious Pass Rush for the Jaguars last season.
26. Cleveland Browns: Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
The Browns recently signed star pass rusher, Jadeveon Clowney to pair with their home-grown star pass rusher, Myles Garrett. That fixes their holes on the outside of the Defensive Line. However, the inside of the Defensive Line can use some work. Linebacker is another possibility here as Jamin Davis, the Linebacker out of Kentucky, is creating some late Pre-Draft buzz.
Jaylen Twyman is a likely option here for the Browns. He often commands double teams and could help Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney get open lanes to the Quarterback for Sacks. A combination of Twyman, Clowney, and Garrett could be an intriguing possibility for the Browns to build an elite Defensive Line.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
New Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta recently stated in a public interview with the press, that he’s insulted by the criticism of the Ravens’ Wide Receivers. Well, the only person who should be offended by what Mr. DeCosta said, and by the lack of talent at Receiver for the Ravens, is Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens don’t have a true number one Receiver on their roster and anyone with eyes can see that. I’m not buying the B.S. that Eric DeCosta spewed in his recent rant toward the media and he’d be a fool if he truly passed up the opportunity to take an impactful Receiver in round 1.
Terrace Marshall Jr. is a terrific route running playmaker that can create separation with his speed to make a big play down the field. He’s sure-handed, and can also make some tough catches in traffic. Marshall Jr. would be the spark that this Ravens Offense desperately needs.
28. New Orleans Saints: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Look for the Saints to be trade partners for a potential team looking to trade back into round one if one of the Top 6 Quarterback Prospects slide. If this pick isn’t traded, all signs point to the Saints Drafting a Wide Receiver here after releasing former Starter, Emmanuel Sanders. Michael Thomas needs another threat on the outside to complement him.
Rashod Bateman is a physical 6'2 possession Receiver that can make plays in traffic and has a terrific catch radius. The Saints would be getting a steal here and an excellent number 2 Receiver to pair with their Star, Thomas.
29. Green Bay Packers: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly targeting Rondale Moore and Elijah Moore on day 1 of the Draft. I believe Rondale Moore will be the pick because of his versatility and ability to return kickoffs and punts. Rondale Moore is one of the fastest players in this Draft Class and a speedy Slot Receiver that can make plays after the catch. He’d thrive with an extremely accurate short to intermediate thrower in Aaron Rodgers.
30. Buffalo Bills: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
The Bills don’t have any dire needs on their roster. They can afford to do one of two things. Trade the pick, or take the best player available. Brevin Jordan is a surprise pick that would make sense here because the Bills don’t have a great Tight End on their roster with the speed, pass-catching ability, and athleticism of Brevin Jordan.
Jordan would be a great fit for the Bills' offense. He can get open down the field for big plays, which would complement strong-armed Quarterback, Josh Allen, very well. I’ve had Brevin Jordan here for a while now and I am not changing this pick.
31. Baltimore Ravens: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
About a month ago, Mel Kiper had the Chiefs selecting Walker Little in the first round with their 31st overall pick. Well, the Chiefs recently traded the 31st pick to the Ravens for Star Offensive Tackle, Orlando Brown. With the Ravens now on the clock, they take an Offensive Tackle to fill a huge need.
This would be a surprise for most. Not for me though. Look out for Walker Little, who would’ve been a first-round pick back in 2020 had he elected to come out for the Draft. Little is a sleeper prospect who could very well end up being the best Offensive Lineman in this class.
Little is 6'7 with tons of strength, great technique off his blocks, and good footwork. He is a bit of a risk though because he hasn’t played a snap of football since 2019.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
There are rumblings that Davis Mills could sneak into round 1 because of the valuable 5th-year contract option for first-round picks. Mills is more of a late 2nd to early 3rd round prospect who will be over-drafted. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a great situation for Mills to play behind a Legendary Quarterback (Tom Brady) who wants to play at least two more seasons and is coming off a Super-Bowl Championship.
Mills played in just 11 career College Football games as a Starting Quarterback. He is a former 5-star High School recruit that had a somewhat underwhelming College career but has some upside and has shown flashes of brilliance. He has ideal size (6'4), arm strength, accuracy, footwork, and mechanics to be a Franchise Quarterback and would be a great fit in Bruce Arians Offense.
Jeffrey Genao is a Writer and Contributor for Top Level Sports. You can read more of his Content at Top Level Sports.
