NFL
The 2020 season has come and gone. Ending familiarly, with Tom Brady hoisting a Lombardi Trophy. Congrats to the Buccaneers for their incredible season. However, it is time to look to the future. The 2021 season is fast approaching and every season begins with the draft. With no combine this year and many prospects having opted out of this past season due to COVID-19, the evaluation process this year will be tougher than ever before. Not to mention the already wild offseason the league is experiencing. QB’s like Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff, and Carson Wentz all have new homes, with many more expected to be on the move. Needless to say, this mock draft will definitely go through some changes as we get closer to April. The only guarantee is who will be selected number one overall. So let’s start there…
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Don’t buy into any of the rumors that some scouts are putting Zach Wilson ahead of “Sunshine.” They aren’t, and if they are they won’t have jobs for much longer. Lawrence is not only the best QB in this draft class but the best overall prospect in my opinion. A proven winner, a wealth of experience, played well in big moments, faced off against tough competition, this young man checks all the boxes.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
With reports that the Jets are actively shopping Sam Darnold, it seems like the new regime wants to bring in a new QB as well. While I believe Justin Fields is the better/safer prospect, Wilson’s arm talent and playmaking ability can not be denied. Drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes is high praise, can the one-year wonder keep it up in the NFL? We will see. Sidenote: Obviously this pick changes if the Jets find a way to trade for Deshaun Watson.
3. Miami Dolphins: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Another possible landing spot for Deshaun Watson, as well as, a potential trade down situation here for the Dolphins as some teams may get anxious and jump up to grab one of the top passers before they are all gone. However, in this mock I have the Dolphins getting Tua Tagovailoa a much-needed weapon on the outside. LSU’s JaMarr Chase is an option here but Smith is coming off a Heisman season and has chemistry with Tua from their days together at Bama.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State University
Did I mention this is a quarterback-driven league? The third signal-caller taken in the first four picks of the draft is Fields. The Falcons claim that Matt Ryan will not be apart of the QB carousel this offseason, but who knows. Whether Ryan stays in Atlanta or ends up back with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, the Falcons need to look to the future. Fields is tough, a great athlete, a playmaker, and plays well under the big lights. He will need to adjust and get better at his anticipation and not being too deliberate with his game, but Fields can be special in Atlanta.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The key to the Bengals’ success is simple. Protect Joe Burrow. They failed to do that last year as Burrow had his rookie season cut short because of a torn ACL. Sewell is the best offensive linemen in this draft class and is the second-best overall prospect in the draft. The Oregon Duck will come in and be a day-one starter in the league for many years to come, getting him at fifth overall is a steal.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
To say the Eagles are in a transitional period would be putting it nicely. Trading away Carson Wentz for basically nothing in return has to hurt especially when you look at what they originally gave up to draft him. Do you know what else hurts? Missing out on Justin Jefferson in last year’s draft. Even after drafting Jalen Reagor in the first round, Philly is still looking for a number one receiver. They passed up on an LSU prospect last year, this time they learn from their mistake.
7. Detroit Lions: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
I’m really tempted to put Jaylen Waddle here. The Lions’ two best receivers, Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones are set to hit free agency, and getting a new weapon for Jared Goff makes a ton of sense. However, there are stud receivers to be found in the later rounds and more importantly, the Lions’ defense was arguably the worst in the league last year. Parsons is a leader and a sideline-to-sideline defender with a ton of versatility, just the type of player Dan Campbell will want to bite off some kneecaps.
8. Carolina Panthers: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
This pick is more my heart than my head. The Panthers definitely seem like one of the teams in the market for a quarterback. That makes Trey Lance a possibility here, but I believe that Teddy Bridgwater played well enough last season, especially considering Christain McCaffrey missed the majority of the season, to earn the right as the starter for another year. Also, how wide is the gap between Trey Lance and Mac Jones or Kyle Trask? The Panthers can address this position later, adding Pitts makes this Joe Brady offense look scary on paper.
9. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance, QB, NDSU
Elway is no longer the general manager but finding an answer at QB is still the goal. Drew Lock has had moments but nothing that gives the organization confidence that he can be the starter moving forward. Lance is a project and will need time to develop but with a strong supporting cast around him, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Melvin Gordan, etc. Lance can be the answer the Broncos have been looking for since Peyton Manning retired.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Cowboys’ defense was on track to be the worst in league history last year until things started to turn around. Clearly, that defense needs some help. Last year’s second-round pick, Trevon Diggs, had his struggles early on but became a solid starter as the season went on. Adding another piece to that secondary, which allowed 34 passing touchdowns, is a must. Caleb Farley, even after opting out of this past season, is the best corner in the draft and an absolute ballhawk.
11. New York Giants: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
After meltdowns from Eli Apple and Deandre Baker, the Giants find themselves spending another first-round pick on a corner. Assuming that Surtain’s character and maturity are better than the Giants’ former picks this selection should sure up the secondary in New York. Pairing Surtain, a true lockdown corner, with James Bradberry gives the Giants a solid duo, capable of holding their own against any offense.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Will Jimmy Garoppolo be the QB this upcoming season? It seems like a toss-up at this point. No matter who the signal-caller is next year the 49ers have shown a commitment to winning in the trenches. Trent Williams was an amazing pick-up last year but could look to sign a large contract somewhere else. Whether they keep Williams or not Slater is a great selection at the twelfth spot. He adds insurance if Williams walks in free agency, and if Williams stays Slater can move over to guard and build one of the best offensive lines in the league.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Chargers found the future of their franchise in Justin Herbert last year. When you have a young QB you need to do two things. Get him weapons and protect him. The Chargers have a plethora of weapons so let’s go with the latter. Darrisaw can step in and have an impact on pass protection and the run game.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Kwitty Paye, Edge, Michigan
One of the biggest disappointments last season was how poor the Vikings’ defense was. What many believed would be a strength turned out to be their biggest weakness. The main reason, an inability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Trading for Yannick Ngakoue looked like it would answer their edge rush problems but the fit was never right and Ngakoue was eventually traded to the Ravens. This draft class is strange in that there is no clear standout edge rusher, but Paye is certainly one of the best at the position and would be an ideal candidate to fill the hole.
15. New England Patriots: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
I’ve seen many mock drafts that have Mac Jones as the pick here, but I believe that the Patriots will find their guy in free agency or via trade. Also selecting a quarterback in the first round just doesn’t seem like the “Patriot Way.” That being said Bill Belichick trusts Alabama prospects. The Patriots easily had one of the worst offensive supporting cast these last few seasons. Outside of Julian Edleman, there are no real threats. Whoever ends up starting at QB for the Patriots will need some help. Waddle is a steal at 15th overall and brings some juice to an offense that desperately needs it.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
The Cardinals have made bold moves recently. Trading away Josh Rosen to draft Kyler Murray being the most notable. Since acquiring Murray they have done a good job with giving him weapons and a system that maximizes his talents. However, last year the Cardinals had a chance to make the playoffs and fumbled the opportunity losing to back-up quarterbacks in back-to-back weeks. A big part of that was the defense, but so was the health of Murray who had to play on a banged-up knee at the end of the year. Time to protect the franchise and beef up an offensive line that has been one of the worst in the league for a few years now.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
There are some murmurings that Derek Carr could be out, so will the Raiders be in the market for a new passer? We will have to wait and see. What we do know is that this defense still needs work. The man some call “JOK” is athletic enough to make plays dropping back in coverage and gives an added pass-rush presence after only getting two sacks from former first-rounder Clelin Ferrell.
18. Miami Dolphins: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Dolphins are in a great position here. They have the future of the franchise, a great defense, a great head coach, and another selection in the first round. The Dolphins could look to add some pass-rush here or add another weapon for Tua to work with. But like I said before get your young leader weapons, check, and protect him, after drafting Cosmi the Dolphins check that box as well. Tua has some injury history and keeping him off the turf will be a big part of this team’s success. Cosmi is one of the most experienced and versatile linemen in the draft.
19. Washington Football Team: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
With the return of Alex Smith up in the air, Washington needs to address the future at the QB position. Taylor Heinicke played well against the Buccaneers in the playoffs but was it enough to earn a starting job, probably not. Whether Smith comes back or Heinicke has to suit up, Mac Jones is a strong prospect who understands the game from the mental side better than any other quarterback in this draft class. Having him sit for a year and building the roster for the day Jones steps into the starter role is a great move for the team with no name.
20. Chicago Bears: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Roll Tide players go back-to-back here. The Bears are another team I feel will address QB in free agency or through a trade, or they may just run it back with Nick Foles as the starter. Either way upgrading the offensive line is always a smart decision. This team is on the cusp of competing for a title. If they can find their guy at quarterback, Leatherwood is a great option to protect him.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami
Another pick that could go in many different directions. The retiring of Anthony Costanzo opens up a spot for a new offensive tackle, adding another weapon on the outside for Carson Wentz makes sense, but this team is thinking Superbowl. The team that won the Superbowl, the Buccaneers, just showed how important it is to have multiple guys that can get after the QB. Rousseau is one of the best in this draft class at doing that. Side note: I suspect the Colts to be big in the wide receiver market in free agency, Chris Godwin maybe?
22. Tennessee Titans: Zaven Collins, Edge, Tulsa
Getting consistent pressure off the edge was a major problem for the Titans this year. The additions of Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley did not have the impact the team hoped it would. They find themselves in the same boat, needing a pass rusher. Collins is a freak athlete and has some upside as a playmaker, whether getting after quarterbacks or dropping back in space.
23. New York Jets: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Jets have a roster that is filled with holes, and after trading away Jamal Adams this secondary could use some help. They got their leader on offense earlier, now they address the other side of the ball. Horn is a physical corner with good size and can win one on one matchups, which will be important when facing off against the likes of Stefon Diggs twice a year.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Steelers will find a way to bring back some of their free-agent linemen and while Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement is a concern, the running game has to get better in Pittsburgh. What started off as a strength the first six weeks of the season quickly became a nonfactor in the Steelers’ offense for the remainder of the season. James Connor will more than likely find a new home in free agency and that leaves the door open for Najee Harris who has been one of the best backs in the nation.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Azeez Ojulari, Edge, UGA
The Jaguars quietly have a very talented offense. Adding Lawrence to the mix should take care of that side for now. However, if the Jags want to get back to the AFC Conference Championship, they are going to have to rebuild the dominant defense that got them there. Insert Azeez Ojulari. Coming off an 8.5 sack and four forced fumbles season Ojulari can go, and allowing him to roam and move around will be a nightmare for offenses to handle.
26. Cleveland Browns: Jaelen Philips, Edge, Miami
The Browns shocked the world last year beating the Steelers in the playoffs. Led by an ascending Baker Mayfield and a dynamic duo of running backs, the Browns’ offense is on the upswing. The defense on the other hand still needs to be retooled. The return of Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams will be huge for this secondary but what about getting a running mate for All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett. Philips has some medical concerns and will need to be evaluated by team doctors, but 5.5 sacks in his final three games are hard to deny.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The thorn in the side of the Ravens has been an inability to generate a consistent pass attack. Granted this is a run-first squad but time and time again we have seen this team get done in by not having a real number one receiver to go to. Bateman is an excellent route-runner and has natural ball skills, his 6’2″ frame also makes him a favorable matchup for jump balls and in the red zone.
28. New Orleans Saints: Jaylen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
The Drew Brees era has come to an end. All signs point to Jameis Winston being the starter moving forward. Winston brings great talent but also some serious concerns about his decision-making. If anyone can fix that it’s Sean Peyton however, to make sure Winston isn’t rushed in the pocket which will exasperate the turnover problem, the Saints grab Mayfield to protect him and give him more time in the pocket.
29. Green Bay Packers: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Aaron Rodgers showed that he has plenty left in the tank and the Packers should make the most out of this window. They could opt to get Rodgers another weapon, but David Bakhtiari saw his season end prematurely, and then Rodgers was sacked four times in the NFC Conference Championship. The best way to win is to keep Rodgers standing tall, Teven Jenkins is a 6’6″ 310-pound people mover who can protect the league’s MVP.
30. Buffalo Bills: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Similar to the Steelers, the Bills running game was terrible last year. Etienne is an obvious upgrade over both David Singletary and Zach Moss. Taking some pressure off of Josh Allen would make this offense more complete and not as one-sided as they have been the past two seasons. Etienne also is a threat out of the backfield as a receiving option.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Joe Tryon, Edge, Washington
The season did not end the way Andy Reid and the Chiefs would have liked but it was still a great season nonetheless. So great in fact that many overlooked the fact that the Chiefs were one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the league. After seeing first-hand what generating pressure can do to an offense the Chiefs have to address the position. Tryon opted out of the 2020 season but has 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2019.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
The Bucs put up 31 points in the Superbowl but make no mistake the defense won them the Lombardi this year. The Buccaneers have many decisions to make when it comes to free agency. Keeping that defense together is of the utmost importance. In the case that they can’t retain everyone Bolton can be a fine replacement because of his great instincts high motor.
