2021 NFL Mock Draft — Post NFL Wild-Card Weekend Edition

Full First Round NFL Mock Draft — Trevor Lawrence and the Top NFL Prospects Available for the 2021 NFL Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft could feature six First Round Quarterbacks.

With the NFL Wild-Card weekend officially over, the NFL Playoff picture and 2021 NFL Draft Order, are both one step closer to being finalized. Many teams at the top of the Draft have clear and desperate needs at Quarterback and, we could see a half dozen names called at the position.

The NFL is currently in a transitionary period at the Quarterback Position when you look at the variety of different teams who could be looking towards the future, whether if it’s an aging veteran (Cam Newton, Ben Roethlisberger, Alex Smith, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Tom Brady, Matt Stafford, Matt Ryan, etc.), or a young Quarterback whose job is on the line (Drew Lock, Carson Wentz, Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold, Jimmy Garoppolo, etc.).

Teams at the top of the Draft will be looking to get their young signal caller’s of the future early and often. The 2021 NFL Draft Class is also Top heavy at the Receiver position as well, and many teams will be looking to add a first or second option for their Quarterbacks. With all this in mind, let's get into this 2021 NFL Mock Draft.

Lawrence is the consensus Number 1 Pick.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

The Jaguars practically tanked their 2020 NFL Season to be in the position to Draft Trevor Lawrence. This pick won’t be a surprise on Draft day. Trevor Lawrence is a “can’t miss” prospect that possesses all the physical tools, talent, and leadership to be the face of a Franchise. As of right now, the Jets are on the Clock.

The Jets could Surprise people on Draft day and not take a Quarterback.

2. New York Jets: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

Surprise Surprise! No Quarterback here for the Jets. Instead, with two Draft Picks in the 1st Round, they look to build around Sam Darnold. This isn’t a very popular opinion, but Sam Darnold has shown flashes, and can most definitely be a Franchise Quarterback if the team continues to improve around him. Adding a physical, and tough Number One Receiver option like Ja’Marr Chase to the fold will only help Darnold and the putrid Jets Offense moving forward.

Also working in Darnold’s favor is the fact that the Jets unsurprisingly fired supposed Quarterback whisperer, Adam Gase. Gase has had the opposite effect of his “great reputation” working with Quarterbacks. This is why I’d be hesitant to move on from Darnold unless, by some miracle, the Jaguars idiotically pass on Lawrence.

Sewell is a can’t miss prospect.

3. Miami Dolphins: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Small rumors are going around that the Dolphins would take a Quarterback here. That’s nonsense. No way they give up on Tua after just one Season. Instead, they get their historically fragile Quarterback the best Offensive Line-man in the Draft.

Fields may have the highest upside of any Quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft.

4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Matt Ryan has two more Guaranteed Seasons on his Contract before Atlanta can cut him loose. Still, it’s no guarantee that the Falcons will even look to keep Ryan. Instead, they may try to trade him for future assets. In any case, even if they don’t trade Ryan, there is no way they pass up on Fields here if he’s available.

Fields would immediately come in and challenge the incumbent Ryan for his Starting job. We live in a different world in today’s NFL, and young Quarterbacks aren’t sitting on the bench for very long like back in the day.

Smith would be a welcome addition to Cincinnati.

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

The Bengals have an exciting and up-and-coming young roster. The Defense has some solid pieces and is getting better. The Offense around Joe Burrow could use some help though. Devonta Smith is a great Receiving option, particularly when you consider the fact that long-time Number One Receiver option, A.J. Green’s future is in doubt with the team. Jaylen Waddle is the best Wide Receiver Prospect from Alabama, but for some reason, Smith will be taken higher or before Waddle.

Pitts has emerged as a possible Top 10 Prospect.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

This is a bad pick. Make no mistake about it. Pitts is one of the more overrated Prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, many teams at the top of the Draft are intrigued by him. One team in particular, who is interested in the Philadelphia “Tank” Eagles. The Eagles, led by Howie Roseman, have had putrid Drafts recently. This would be no different. This team is a mess and is hitting the reset button after a precipitous fall from grace, their Super-Bowl Run, and after firing their much-maligned Head Coach, Doug Pederson.

Wilson’s rise up NFL Draft Board’s is strange. He doesn’t seem like a legitimate First Round Prospect, let alone a Top 10 Pick.

7. Detroit Lions: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

The rise of Zach Wilson skyrocketing up NFL Draft Boards is strange to me. He wasn’t even on the 2021 NFL Draft Top 50 Quarterback Prospect Rankings list. That’s a huge rise out of nowhere and I am always cautious of one-year-wonders that capitalize on their one breakout college season. Is Wilson a better prospect than Trey Lance? Absolutely not. It doesn’t matter though because the hype and intrigue are there and a team like the Lions, who are looking to rebuild won’t hesitate to take him if he’s available here.

Trey Lance has become sort of an afterthought.

8. Carolina Panthers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

This pick is a game-changer for both Lance and the Panthers. Lance won’t have the pressure of having to start right away with Teddy Bridgewater on the roster. He goes to a team that is on the rise and has a healthy Christian McCaffrey coming back next season. Lance has been vastly overlooked in this Draft Class of Quarterback’s, but it doesn’t matter because he is a winner, and has little bust potential.

The further Lance drops in the Draft, the better for his career, as he won’t be stuck on a bad team. Him, landing with the Panther’s leaves him somewhere in the middle. Mediocrity. Which is still better than what most high-profile Quarterback Draft picks are dealt.

Parsons could very well end up being the best defensive player in this Draft Class.

9. Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

NEWS ALERT! Denver is unsure of their future at the quarterback position. What else is new? Denver has been stuck in Quarterback purgatory since the very second, Peyton Manning decided to retire. Unless they look to trade up in the Draft, I don’t see them taking a second-tier Prospect at this point in the Draft. Instead, they continue to beef up their D-Line and add a Prospect who may just turn out to be the best player in this entire Draft Class.

Farley has risen his Draft Stock.

10. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The Cowboys had their annual collapse at the end of the Season. As Stephen A. Smith so perfectly, and often elocutes, the Cowboys are an accident waiting to happen. Their secondary is leaky at best. Farley wouldn’t be my first option at Corner. There are much better options here, but he is highly touted and fills a need for Dallas.

Waddle has Number 1 Receiver potential, which is what the New York Giants need.

11. New York Giants: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

If you’re a New York Giants fan, this pick shouldn’t be a surprise. The Giants have had problems at the Receiver position. Whether it’s Evan Engram’s drops, Golden Tate’s, and Sterling Shepard’s inability to stay healthy, this team has suffered enough at Wide Receiver.

Jaylen Waddle is the best Wide Receiver Prospect available here and the best Alabama Wide Receiver overall. It’s time for the Giants to stop playing games and start getting Daniel Jones some weapons on Offense so that the Coaching Staff can make a fair evaluation as to whether or not Jones is the future at the position.

Much like Trey Lance, Kyle Trask has become an afterthought.

12. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida

The San Francisco 49ers are in great hands when Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy. The problem is the “when” part. Jimmy G has missed a total of 33 starts since joining the 49ers in 2017. In those 33 Starts without him, the 49ers are a putrid 7–26. That’s a big problem. Part of being the face of a Franchise is being available.

When it comes to being a solid Starting NFL Quarterback, the best ability is availability and Garoppolo hasn’t cut it. It’s time for Kyle Shanahan to run his Offense through a younger and similar style player in Kyle Trask. Trask can make the throws on the run, and move in the pocket the way Shanahan likes for his Quarterbacks to do.

Rashawn Slater has had a sudden rise to his Draft Stock.

13. Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, OT, North Western

The Chargers seemly have their Quarterback of the future in Justin Herbert, after his historically great rookie campaign. Now it's time to put the pieces around him for this team to contend in the AFC. The Offensive Line is a good place to start.

Rousseau is a large athletic monster Pass Rusher.

14. Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

Rousseau is a mammoth 6'7 Pass Rusher with immense upside. His strength, speed, and size give him an advantage on almost every down. The only small gripe with him his is rawness and technique. He has not played defense for very long, but with the right Coaching, he has a chance to outplay his draft position by a mile.

Mac Jones could hear his name called earlier than most think.

15. New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

The Patriots season didn’t quite go as expected this past season. The team finished with a losing record for the first time since 2000. Cam Newton is not the same Quarterback he was 4 years ago. The Patriots might be interested in bringing Newton back on another low-risk, short-term deal. Newton could push Jones in camp for the starting job. Nevertheless, the Patriots need to address the quarterback position early in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Paye is Raw Pass Rusher better suited for the 2nd Round of the Draft. He will be over-drafted on Draft day.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

Getting to the Quarterback isn’t necessarily a priority for a team that collectively ranked amongst the best Pass Rushing teams in the league for 2020. It is, however, a team with a stout Offense, and continuing to add young talent on the defensive side of the ball can’t hurt at this point in the 1st Round of the Draft.

Surtain II gives max effort on every down and is the kind of player that Jon Gruden will love.

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

The Raiders continue to be the Dallas Cowboys of the AFC. They are “accidents waiting to happen” of the AFC. The problem is on Defense. This team cannot seem to make stops in crucial in-game situations. The Pass-Rush and Corner play needs to improve.

The value is here for the Raiders to go for a Corner at this point. Surtain II is just the player this team needs. He gives max effort, has a winning work ethic and attitude, and is a Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock kind of Draft Pick.

Bateman is being slightly overlooked in a top-heavy Wide Receiver Draft Class.

18. Miami Dolphins: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

As stated in the synopsis of the Dolphins' 3rd Overall Pick, the Dolphins will continue to build around Tua. After going O-Linemen with their first pick of the 1st Round, the Dolphins go Receiver here with their second pick of the 1st Round. Bateman is a possession Receiver that has a great catch radius and runs his routes very well. He is also a great red-zone “jump-ball” target for Tua if things break down. Bateman has, the size, strength, skill, and hands to win one on one matchups with the defender draped all over him.

Davis is a versatile inside O-Lineman that could kick outside to Right Tackle in the future if needed.

19. Washington Football Team: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

Nothing is more clear for the Washington Football Team’s decision-makers, that Offensive Line is a huge need. Washington has had a recent history of having a leaky, inconsistent Offensive Line. Going Quarterback here would be ideal after they gave up on Haskins before the end of the 2020 Season, but the value for taking a Quarterback isn’t here at this point in the 1st Round. All the top Quarterback Prospects will be off the Board at this point. Washington should address their position of dire need.

Leatherwood has been a 1st Round caliber Prospect for the past two College Seasons.

20. Chicago Bears: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

It’s hard to say what changes the Bears will be making this Off-Season, if any, after their recent Wild-Card loss. Matt Nagy’s, Ryan Pace’s, and incumbent streaky Starting Quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s future with the Bears is uncertain at the moment. Will Pace be making the Picks for the Bears when the 2021 NFL Draft comes around? Who knows. In any case, one thing is for certain. The Bears need to Address the Offensive Line.

Kendrick is arguably the best Corner in this Draft.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson

The Colts get themselves one of the Top 3 Corners in this Draft Class. This guy has freakish athletic speed and ability. Kendrick would come in and start right away for the Colts. He’s that good, and a great value this late in the 1st Round.

Basham has the perfect Football last name.

22. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest

The Titans missed Jadeveon Clowney’s Pass Rushing ability this past Season. The Titans finished 3rd to last in the NFL in sacks (19). That’s awful. They have to do a much better job of getting to the Quarterback. Hamilcar Rashed Jr is the best Edge Rusher and player Overall here, but I don’t think the Titans will pick him. Instead, they’ll take the next best thing in Basham Jr., who would also be a welcome addition to a team that desperately needs his services.

Etienne is a special Running Back Prospect who is worth taking in Round 1 of the Draft.

23. New York Jets: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Another Pick for the Jets here. Another Offensive weapon to help Sam Darnold. This is would be a very successful Draft for the Jets. They don’t exaggerate and take another Quarterback. Instead, they smartly take two players that can help this team now and expedite the process of fixing the mess left by Adam Gase.

In today’s NFL, it isn’t necessarily ideal for teams to take a Running Back early in the Draft, especially the 1st Round. However, the Jets have a dire need at the position, and Etienne is a great value in the later part of the 1st Round.

Mayfield is a project with a ton of upside.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

A big part of the Steeler’s struggles and problems on Offense in 2020 was due to their shaky Offensive-Line play. Mayfield is a raw athlete with great size for the position but will need time to develop. On a great team with a great coach, this would be a perfect fit for both parties.

Cisco has seemingly fallen out of favor and out of 1st Round contention.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

With their second 1st Rounder the Jags look to go Defense here and Address their need at Safety. Cisco is the best available Safety here, but it is hard to get a gauge on his Draft Stock. He can go anywhere from late 1st Round, to early 3rd Round.

Campbell has one of the highest upsides of any Corner in this Draft.

26. Cleveland Browns: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

Aside from Denzel Ward, the Browns don’t have a great option on the other side of the Defensive backfield. Yes, they recently Drafted Greedy Williams, but he doesn’t have nearly as much upside as Tyson Campbell. Campbell plays with more discipline, is more athletic, and has the potential to be a shutdown corner, as opposed to Greedy Williams, who tries to make a big play on almost every down, and gambles far too often.

Hamilcar Rashed Jr. is the Number 8 Prospect on my 2021 NFL Draft Big Board. He will be a huge steal on draft day.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., DE, Oregon State

This is a luxury pick for Tampa here. They finished in the Top 5 for Sacks for the 2020 NFL Season. Still, with Hamilcar Rashed still on the Board, it would be foolish to pass him up here. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if Rashed Jr. won Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Rashed Jr. is an explosive, strong, athletic, and monstrous Pass Rusher, with great fundamentals and technique. I don't understand what analysts are missing. Just put on the tape and watch how this man plays the game. He’s dominant and will for sure outplay his Draft position by a huge margin.

Patrick Jones II doesn’t know what it means to take a break. He is a high motor Pass Rusher that does what it takes to make winning plays.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh

Baltimore finished in the Top 10 for Sacks in 2020, but with Patrick Jones II still on the Board, he’s a tough Prospect to pass on here. It would be very easy to project a Wide Receiver here for the Ravens, but there isn’t a game-changing one available that would supersede the value and caliber of Prospect Jones II is, especially this late in the 1st Round.

Olave has gone from a day 3 pick, to possibly being a late 1st Rounder.

29. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

After Michael Thomas, the Saints need another Receiver they can rely on to get open or win one-on-one matchups when they are not so open. Olave has great hands and is a smart player. He doesn’t offer much upside athletically but is very skilled.

I believe that Brevin Jordan will sneak into the late 1st Round of the 2021 NFL Draft to a Playoff team that can afford to take him.

30. Buffalo Bills: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami

The Bills have had a magical 2020 NFL Season because of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. Also, the supporting cast surrounding Diggs and Allen isn’t too shabby either. Just imagine if they added a legitimate Tight End threat on Offense. That would truly open up the rest of the Offense for the Bills, who have to contend with a young Pat Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs Offense for the foreseeable future.

It’s odd as to why Jordan isn’t getting more respect as a potential 1st Rounder. He can run block, catch, is very athletic, and a tall target (6'3). This pick would be a home run for the Bills.

Marshall has a chance to be a steal if he is drafted to a good team later in the 1st Round of the Draft.

31. Green Bay Packers: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

It’s easily forgotten that at this time last year the Packers needed a Receiver. The emergence of Davante Adams as the best Wide Receiver in the League has sort of masked the Packers' need for another legitimate number two Receiver. Terrace Marshall Jr. is another big 6'3 target that has a 4.5, 40 yard dash time. He’s an exceptional athlete and would be a dangerous combo with Aaron Rodgers and Adams.

Horn could very well go higher than late 1st.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Kansas City doesn’t have many holes on Offense if any. Their defense isn’t too bad either. However, they can end the 1st Round taking arguably the best Prospect available here. Horn would provide some much-needed young depth at the Defensive-back slot.

Jeffrey Genao is a Writer and Contributor for Top Level Sports. You can read more of his Content at Top Level Sports.