The League Winners presents the 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
This NFL Mock Draft involved 11 of our staff writers, including trades and picks that may not necessarily be consensus. NFL Mock Drafts aren’t easy, and everyone’s will be different. We don’t claim to know more than anyone else creating NFL Mock Drafts, but look at need and value when determining selections .
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Not much thought had to go into this selection. I know, you know, and the world knows that the Jaguars will be taking Trevor Lawrence first overall in this year’s draft. Urban Meyer gets his franchise quarterback and the Jaguars begin a new era. ~ Selection made by Thomas Christopher
2. New York Jets – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
With the #2 overall pick, the New York Jets will select Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State University. Despite the rumblings around Zach Wilson, Fields is a safer pick, with just as much upside. In the modern NFL, dual threat quarterbacks rule. While Wilson has decent mobility, Fields is a legitimate threat through the air and on the ground. He was arguably the best QB in college football the last two years, playing against the top level of competition, and showed up when the lights shined brightest. This may not be the way the Jets will go, but it’s what they should do. ~ Selection made by Michael Garai
3. San Francisco 49ers (from Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans)- Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
With the heartbreak of seeing Fields go the pick before, I decided to take the player I believe has the highest upside. Lance checks every box for me, as his only drawback is the level of competition he played against at NDSU. While many are worried about him playing only 19 games, I am not one of them. Lance has true MVP potential with Shanahan as his coach. This pick will make 49ers fans happy for years to come. ~ Selected by Jesse Moeller
4. Denver Broncos (from Atlanta Falcons) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The Falcons trade the 1.04 for the Broncos 1.09, a 2022 1st, and a 2022 2nd-round selection. For me, this is an easy move. Using the SF/Miami trade as a template, Denver is able to trade up and select their 3rd ranked QB. The team didn’t sign a quarterback to compete with Drew Lock, and it’s unlikely he’s the long-term option. Wilson will start from day 1, and with a strong defense and excellent weapons around him, the Denver front office is confident that 2022 1st and 2nd will be late in the round. ~ Selected by Michael Garai
5. Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
While it is appealing to add another offensive weapon like Kyle Pitts or Ja’marr Chase to the arsenal for Joe Burrow, it would be reckless to not address the offensive line. It look like the Bengals have their franchise QB but their horrible offensive line caused Burrow to miss time last season; and left a huge scar on his knee as a reminder. The pick of Penei Sewell will help protect the left side and would allow them to address the inside as Jonah Williams has practiced at guard before. ~ Selected by Brandon Haye
6. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia Eagles) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins need to give Tua Tagovailoa help, and Ja’marr Chase provides just that and more. The former Biletnikoff award winner will give the Dolphins elite talent at a position in need of a playmaker. Chase’s presence will establish a much needed boost, and help everyone on the field, especially Tagovailoa. This is a win-win scenario for all parties. ~ Selected by Sukhwant Singh
7. Detroit Lions – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Lions lost both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay this off-season. Newly acquired QB Jared Goff needs help around him to prove his worth. DeVonta Smith, the Heisman trophy winner, will provide Goff and the Lions offense a dominant go-to target. Without much competition at the position, Smith could have a monster rookie season. ~ Selected by Sukhwant Singh
8. Carolina Panthers – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Adding Sam Darnold has checked one of the boxes this offseason that Joe Brady and Matt Rhule were crossing off, at least according to them. Surtain brings some of the best traits a CB prospect can have, and with historical trends leaning towards Carolina to go defense in the 1st, this pick bolsters what is already a secondary on the rise. ~ Selected by Matthew Seward
9. Atlanta Falcons (from Denver Broncos) – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Kyle Pitts was being targeted at #4 and Falcons are thrilled to get their man on top of some future picks after trading with the Denver Broncos. Pitts is possibly the most talented player in the entire draft, and allows Arthur Smith a weapon to play with alongside Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. ~ Selected by Matt Alquiza
10. Dallas Cowboys – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Cowboys fill a massive need by grabbing Horn, even passing on an elite tackle prospect in Slater (which they desperately need) to do so. What’s not to like about Horn? He is the best cornerback prospect since Jalen Ramsey, someone with who he comps particularly close. Horn has the potential of a proper shutdown corner that can lock down one side of the field for the next decade. Any team would be lucky to get this player in the draft. ~ Selected by Jesse Moeller
11. New York Giants – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Micah Parsons fits the mold of a typical Giants linebacker. Parsons can both rush the passer, and drop in coverage at an elite level. In my eyes, Parsons is a great value pick for the Giants at 11. He is one of the top 5 players in this years draft and the best overall defensive player. Playing alongside Blake Martinez, Parsons should cause fits for opposing offenses. ~ Selected by Scott Cobe
12. Philadelphia Eagles (from Miami Dolphins via San Francisco 49ers) – Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
The Eagles highest priorities this year are CB, LB, and WR, but that didn’t stop them from taking Slater with the 12th overall pick. Unfortunately Patrick Surtain, Jaycee Horn, and Micah Parsons were already taken at that point in our mock draft, and grabbing a mid-tier defensive player isn’t worth passing on one of this year’s best offensive linemen.
The Eagles’ current line is getting old and let Carson Wentz become the most sacked QB of the 2020 season, so Slater should be a welcomed addition. He didn’t allow a single sack last year and should be able to give Jalen Hurts and his young receivers the best chance to succeed. ~ Selected by Nick Pellegrini
13. Los Angeles Chargers – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
There are a couple different directions the Chargers can go with the 13th pick. After losing Hunter Henry, TE is a need. But since Pitts is gone, I decided to give Justin Herbert another weapon on the outside. Keenan Allen is a great receiver and is an excellent route runner that can work the middle of the field. Mike Williams has been inconsistent and could take over the need in the RedZone with Henry gone. So, the pick of Jaylen Waddle makes sense. Waddle will be an immediate dynamic playmaker that can stretch the field and eventually take over as the #1 receiver for Allen down the line. ~ Selected by Brandon Haye
14. Minnesota Vikings – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Minnesota has had a hole in their offensive line for a while, and that’s why they’ll target USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker. With AVT still on the board, they should jump at the chance to get a high quality lineman. AVT’s versatility allows hope that he’ll be able to plug and play anywhere on the line when his number’s called upon. ~ Selected by Matt Alquiza
15. New England Patriots – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
One of the worst kept secrets in the NFL is the Patriots needing a QB. The Patriots have lacked a long-term answer ever since the GOAT himself left town, and I believe Jones fills that need for them. In 2019, Jones came in for an injured Tua and performed at a level that caught the nation’s attention. Jones then turned the volume up to 11 in 2020, producing a quarterback rating of 96.1, which is the highest QBR in college football history. While he does not have the arm strength of the other top quarterbacks in this class, his elite anticipation more than makes up for it. Jones will be a good pro for many years and help Pats fans forget about Brady. ~ Selected by Jesse Moeller
16. Arizona Cardinals – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Kadarius Toney is a player the Cardinals have craved ever since Kliff Kingsbury became head coach. Toney has Tyreek Hill-like speed, and can score from everywhere on the field. An undersized receiver out of Florida, Toney can easily slide into the slot and excel in this offense; being a threat through bubble screens and having plenty of opportunities to create explosive plays in this offense. Kyler Murray will especially love this pick, as the team has had little help outside of Nuk in the passing attack. ~ Selected by Scott Cobe
17. Las Vegas Raiders – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
18. Miami Dolphins – Kwity Paye, ED, Michigan
Kwity Paye might have the most upside of any edge rusher in this draft. Brian Flores will be salivating if Paye is still available at pick 18. He would be a tremendous addition for the already stout Dolphins defense looking to make a playoff push in 2021. ~ Selected by Sukhwant Singh
19. Washington Football Team – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
WFT adds JOK, a hard hitting LB to bolster their already young, and elite front seven. JOK provides excellent versatility at the linebacker spot and gives coach Ron Rivera a tool to play with. This defense should give nightmares to opposing offenses as Washington tries to make another playoff push. ~ Selected by Matthew Seward
20. Chicago Bears – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Bears have a few needs at other positions, but if Andy Dalton is going to be the QB, he needs weapons to go with Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney. With Anthony Miller presumably out of the picture, it makes sense for them to bolster the offense. Rashod Bateman offers a versatile skill set that should keep him on the field and pair well with the aforementioned WRs. ~ Selected by William Spencer III
21. Indianapolis Colts – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Colts lost some pieces to their defense this offseason, but I think their most dire need is at WR. They still have a fine offensive line to protect Carson Wentz, but outside of Michael Pittman Jr. and an aging T.Y. Hilton, he has no real receiving weapons. If the Colts want to give their new QB a fair chance, they’ll look to add someone like Rondale Moore with the 21st overall pick. He’s an in-state guy who can succeed in their slot position and take advantage of their existing deep ball threats. ~ Selected by Nick Pellegrini
22. Tennessee Titans – Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
After losing Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis in free agency, the Titans desperately need help on offense. Josh Reynolds is a good complimentary piece but doesn’t fill the gap left by those two. A lack of a true passing game has hindered the Titans in games that matter most, so they’ll look to address that early. In comes Elijah Moore, who can give Ryan Tannehill a legit weapon to go along with A.J. Brown. ~ Selected by Thomas Christopher
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (from New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks) – Jaelan Phillips, ED, Miami
Jacksonville trades with the Jets for the 1.23 and in return gives the Jets 1.25, 4.106, and 5.170. The Jaguars have several holes to fill, but everything begins upfront. New defensive coordinator Joe Cullen sticks with his area of expertise and Jacksonville seeks to fill the void left by Yannick Ngaokwe with Phillips. Phillips can rush the passer and set the edge in the run game. In my opinion, a solid and safe bet for team looking to improve on one of the NFL’s worst defenses on the ground and through the air. ~ Selected by LP Cruz
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Steelers defense was on a dominating pace last year before injuries hit. They will be getting some players back, so that side of the ball should be strong. Big Ben is coming back for another year and has plenty of receiving weapons, but the running game has not been productive. While some may think Najee is the pick, building up the offensive line would be the smarter move. There are other backs they could get later in the draft. So the Steelers select tackle, Teven Jenkins out of Oklahoma State to sure up the line for Ben and the committee of backs the Steelers already have. ~ Selected by Brandon Haye
25. New York Jets (from Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams) – Jayson Oweh, ED, Penn State
With the 25th Pick, the New York Jets will take Jayson Oweh. A raw talent, but a physical and athletic marvel. I trust new Jets HC Robert Saleh to get the most out of Oweh. The Jets are still in the early part of a rebuild, and can afford to take big swings like this while picking up extra draft capital along the way. Oweh will play the traditional DE in Saleh’s 4-3 set up, allowing Quinnen Williams to push inside. ~ Selected by Michael Garai
26. Cleveland Browns – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
With Sione Takitaki and BJ Goodson penciled in as starters, the Browns have to get more athletic at linebacker. Collins’ size and athleticism is eerily reminiscent of Minnesota Vikings LB Anthony Barr, who Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski got a close look at while in Minnesota. Cleveland’s heavy Nickel defense would be well suited for an athlete like Collins at LB. ~ Selected by LP Cruz
27. Baltimore Ravens – Terrace Marshall Jr, WR, LSU
At #27, the Ravens select Terrace Marshall Jr. Marshall was outshined a bit by Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase at LSU, but he’s one of the only WR’s in this class with solid size, athleticism, and a versatile skillset. Lamar has been begging for a WR1, and after striking out in free agency, Marshall is the easy choice here. He can play inside or outside, and with the space taken up over the middle by Andrews, and field stretching ability from Marquise Brown, the Ravens should be able to have a much more versatile, explosive passing game. ~ Selected by Michael Garai
28. New Orleans Saints – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The combination of talent and need makes Farley too good to pass up. The back injuries are scary, but the Saints are in need of cheap talent and Farley fits a need and should start right away. The NFC South is loaded with elite receivers and the hope is that Farley can hang with them. ~ Selected by Matt Alquiza
29. Green Bay Packers – Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
The Packers desperately need another CB, and after missing out on Caleb Farley they settle for the next-best option with the 29th overall pick. Greg Newsome should be an excellent fit for their scheme and form a solid duo with Jaire Alexander thanks to his athleticism and great ball skills. Both Kevin King and Chandon Sullivan are good but inconsistent CBs, and will be unrestricted free agents going into 2022, so the Packers should look to solidify this position quickly. ~ Selected by Nick Pellegrini
30. Buffalo Bills – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Defensive tackle might be the weakest position in this year’s draft, but Barmore is a bonafide stud at the position; and at 30, he’s a steal. While some believe the team could pick a RB here, there’s enough depth at that position to acquire one in a later round. The Bills have few overall needs, but one aspect the team can get better in is interior pass rush. Star Lotulelei will be 32 this year, and a replacement is necessary. Having a player like Barmore wreaking havoc on the inside can create ample opportunity for the team’s edge rushers. ~ Selected by Thomas Christopher
31. Baltimore Ravens – Carlos Basham, ED, Wake Forest
The Ravens lost Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue this off-season and need to obtain talent at the position. Basham provides excellent ability pass rushing ability in a hybrid linebacker role and at 31 he could be the best value still available on the board. Already shoring up WR earlier in the draft, the Ravens lock down a potential elite player on defense. ~ Selected by Michael Garai
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
Tampa Bay brings in former teammate of Vita Bea here, addressing interior defensive line. Bolstering up their pass rush that inevitably helped their Super Bowl run adds depth to a position that proved valuable. Levi would be an excellent addition for the defending champions. ~ Selected by Matthew Seward
