Well, a few things have changed since my last mock draft a month ago. The big names in free agency all have new homes, and this gives us a clearer path on what NFL teams will need in the draft this year.
For this mock, I am only writing a blurb on fantasy relevant players. So only write-ups on quarterbacks, receivers, running backs and our only tight end.
Pick #1: Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson
Still an easy decision here for the Jags. Lawrence will be a franchise changing QB, and will be a household name for years in the NFL.
Pick #2: New York Jets
Zach Wilson, Quarterback, Brigham Young University
It’s seeming more clear that the Jets are going to be taking Wilson with this pick. While I don’t agree that he’s the QB the Jets should be looking at, I can’t deny that he has a ton of upside.
Pick #3: San Fransisco 49ers (from MIA, via HOU)
Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State
When the 49ers traded for this pick, they made it very clear that they are looking for a new quarterback. Even though they made the comments saying Garoppolo is their QB for 2021, doesn’t mean they won’t draft a quarterback to sit for a season. Fields would be a perfect fit for Shanahan and his offense. Fields isn’t the guaranteed pick here, with Trey Lance and Mac Jones also options. But I believe Fields is the best option, and I hope the 49ers see it the same.
Pick #4: Atlanta Falcons
Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State
Atlanta has a few different directions they can go with this pick. They’ll either grab a quarterback, draft Penei Sewell, or trade back and get some really good draft capital. For this mock I have them taking one of my favorite prospects in Trey Lance. Lance can sit behind Matt Ryan for a season, and he could use a season of learning from Ryan.
Pick #5: Cincinnati Bengals
Penei Sewell, Offensive Tackle, Oregon
Pick #6: Miami Dolphins (From PHI)
Ja’Marr Chase, Wide Receiver, Louisianna State University
Miami traded back up to this pick because they have a specific player they think will be here. That player could very well be Chase. While I also see them looking at Penei Sewell and Kyle Pitts, I think Chase would be the right pick in this mock.
Pick #7: Detroit Lions
DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Detroit is in full rebuild mode. So it’s hard to see what they think their biggest need is. When I look at their wide receiver room though, it would make sense that they would need to upgrade their ASAP. Smith is a fantastic receiver prospect, and would walk into Detroit as the #1 receiver.
Pick #8: Carolina Panthers
Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida
Carolina has been rumored to be in the market for a new quarterback. They pushed really hard to get Stafford, but that fell through. Their also rumored to be getting Deshaun Watson, but we doubt they’ll make a move their with all of his off the field issues. In this specific mock, four quarterbacks are off the board, which only leaves Mac Jones. I’m not sure the Panthers are in on Jones, so let’s give them the best tight end prospect over the past few years. Pitts is gonna be a generational player at his position.
Pick #9: Denver Broncos
Rashawn Slater, Offensive Tackle, Northwestern
Pick #10: Dallas Cowboys
Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina
Pick #11: New York Giants
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Signing Kenny Golladay shouldn’t stop the Giants from getting a stud receiver in this class, and Waddle would be a fantastic add. I think Waddle is a better prospect than his former teammate Smith, and Waddle could be an instant WR2 in the Giants offense.
Pick #12: Philadelphia Eagles (From MIA, via SF)
Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Alabama
Pick #13: Los Angeles Chargers
Christain Darrisaw, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech
Pick #14: Minnesota Vikings
Kwity Paye, Edge Rusher, Michigan
Pick #15: New England Patriots
Mac Jones, Quarterback, Alabama
I really don’t think Jones will fall this far in the draft. For this mock however, where there aren’t any trades happening, then I believe he would be the quarterback to fall a little in the draft. For the Patriots however, this would be a fantastic fit. They can let Cam Newton continue to start, and if he struggles, you can bring in your future in Jones as early or late as you want.
Pick #16: Arizona Cardinals
Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State
Pick #17: Las Vegas Raiders
Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State
Pick #18: Miami Dolphins
Najee Harris, Running Back, Alabama
There’s no telling how NFL teams are going to rank the running back class this year, but there’s a good chance Harris is the first RB off the board. Harris would be a great fit for the Dolphins, and would have a RB2 floor for the next four years.
Pick #19: Washington Football Team
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Linebacker, Notre Dame
Pick #20: Chicago Bears
Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
Pick #21: Indianapolis Colts
Rashod Bateman, Wide Receiver, Minnesota
The Colts are a few pieces away from being super bowl contenders. Bateman can come in and be an instant contributor for Indy, and would make this one of the scarier receiver rooms in the league. Bateman could spend a year learning from T.Y. Hilton, then take over as a 1A-1B duo with Michael Pittman in 2022.
Pick #22: Tennessee Titans
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Rusher, Georgia
Pick #23: New York Jets
Alijah Vera-Tucker, Offensive Guard, University of South California
Pick #24: Pittsburgh Steelers
Travis Etienne, Running Back, Clemson
If Pittsburgh wants to be a true contender in Big Ben’s final seasons, they need a legit running game. Etienne brings an instant burst to the offense, and can really complete the Steelers offense. He’s the best pass catching RB in the class, and has the ability to be a three-down back. The question is whether or not he’s used as one in the NFL.
Pick #25: Jacksonville Jaguars
Samuel Cosmi, Offensive Tackle, Texas
Pick #26: Cleveland Browns
Jayson Oweh, EDGE Rusher, Penn State
Pick #27: Baltimore Ravens
Elijah Moore, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss
Moore is one of my favorite prospects in this class, and I think he is a perfect fit for Baltimore. The Ravens lack a true #1 receiver, and I don’t believe the addition of Sammy Watkins stops them from grabbing a receiver in the first round. Moore fits in to what this offense wants to be, a run first team that doesn’t ask Lamar to throw the ball very often. And if Lamar does get better with his deep ball, Moore has the ability to shine there as well.
Pick #28: New Orleans Saints
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Rusher, Miami
Pick #29: Green Bay Packers
Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Purdue
Moore is such a good receiver, but just can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s one of the bigger question marks when it comes to where a prospect could be drafted. For this mock, I see him being a perfect fit for the Packers. Rodgers would love to have a speedy slot receiver, who can also be used in the rushing game.
Pick #30: Buffalo Bills
Eric Stokes, Cornerback, Georgia
Pick #31: Kansas City Chiefs
Jalen Mayfield, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
Pick #32: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Christain Baremore, Inside Defensive Lineman, Alabama