Well, it’s that time of year again. The NFL draft is right around the corner. It’s set to start Thursday, April 29th, 2021 @ 8pm EST and ending in the afternoon of Saturday, May 1st, 2021. The draft will take place in Cleveland, Ohio this year, however, most of it will be virtual due to this everlasting pandemic. We here at InHaleSports figured that we would put together another Mock Draft this year since it’s fun to play make believe. So here goes the first version of our 3 round 2021 NFL Mock Draft…
Round 1:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Team Needs = QB, TE, CB, OT, S
Selection – Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson
This pick shouldn’t surprise anyone. Jacksonville went out this offseason and grabbed their new coach for years to come, (they hope) in Urban Meyer. They might as well go get the best QB in this year’s draft in Trevor Lawrence. There is a small chance they could trade this pick to Houston for Deshaun Watson. That’s highly unlikely because Watson wants to go to a contender and Jacksonville is just starting their rebuild.
2. New York Jets: Team Needs = QB, WR, RB, TE, OL
Selection – Zach Wilson, QB BYU
The Jets could go many different directions here, considering all their needs. They could go OL, WR or RB. However, we have them selecting Zach Wilson with their first pick in the draft. Wilson is a pocket passer with a strong arm and has mobility. He is undersized at 6’2 205 pounds, which could scare some teams off, but he definitely makes up for it with his confidence and poise. I would have him sit behind Sam Darnold and compete. I think this would elevate Darnold’s game. If not, the Jets could move on by trading him in the first half of the season.
3. Miami Dolphins, (from Houston): Team Needs = WR, OL, EDGE, RB, LB
Selection – Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU
The Dolphins are in a great position here. This pick could go back to the Texans, along with their 18th, 36th, 50th and Tua for Deshaun Watson. If that doesn’t happen, I have them taking the best WR in the draft in Ja’Marr Chase. Granted Ja’Marr opted out last year to concentrate on his professional career and not risking injury. In 2019 Chase lead the FBS in receiving yards, touchdowns and won the Biletnikoff Award as the country’s best receiver. The Phins need a legit #1 receiver and Chase would be that guy.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Team Needs = QB, TE, LB, EDGE, RB
Selection – Justin Fields, QB Ohio St.
The Falcons looks like they are going to move on from Matt Ryan after this season. They will select Justin Fields here. Fields has many of the characteristics you look for in a franchise QB. He’s big, strong, athletic, and has the ability to throw the ball down the field. Oh yea, he is also a great runner. He just needs a little more time to develop. Sitting and learning from Matt Ryan this season could be the perfect plan for both him, and Atlanta moving forward.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Team Needs = OL, WR, IOL, CB, EDGE
Selection – Penei Sewell, OL Oregon
It’s no secret that the Bengals need to protect their franchise QB, Joe Burrow, who they selected number one overall, last year. According to NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, they are “Locked In” on Penei Sewell with this pick. Sewell is 6’4 319 pounds, (a mountain of a man). He opted out of the 2020 season in order to prepare for the draft. However, Penei won the 2019 Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman every year. He’s the top rated OL in this year’s draft class.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Team Needs = QB, WR, CB, LB, TE
Selection – Kyle Pitts, TE Florida
Kyle Pitts is by far the best tight end in this year’s draft. He would even be considered a top 5 wide receiver, if he was listed as such. It is pretty much inevitable that the Eagles are going to cut ties with Zach Ertz this offseason. They should not have an issue trading him, as it is reported that multiple teams have already called inquiring about him. The Eagles will have a big void at that position and Pitts would be the perfect fit. He became the Gators all-time leader in receiving yards by a tight end.
7. Detroit Lions: Team Needs = WR, OT, LB, IOL, CB
Selection – Devonta Smith, WR Alabama
Jared Goff needs some weapons and who better than the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, Devonta Smith. Smith pretty much single handedly beat Ohio St. in the first half of the National Championship. He had 12 catches for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has tremendous route running skills and is one of the top wide receivers in this year’s class. Smith’s only downsize is his small frame, (6’1 175lbs). However, he should be able to add some pounds over the next few months. The only Detroit wide receivers that are currently under contract are Geronimo Allison and Quintez Cephus. Sure, they could still try to re-sign Kenny Golladay, but he missed significant time last year. He only played in 5 games after a hamstring and hip injuries. Smith will be a sure fire # 1 receiver for years to come for the Lions.
8. Carolina Panthers: Team Needs = QB, CB, TE, LB, OT
Selection – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
There have been many rumblings that Carolina is looking to replace Teddy Bridgewater either this year or next. If Carolina doesn’t trade up or down, I have them taking Trey Lance with this pick. Trey had a breakout 2019 season, but only played one game last season, (North Dakota St. vs. Central Arkansas) due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, this wasn’t his best outing. He only completed 50% of his passes, had his first career interception, and was sacked three times. However, Trey has made the plays over the years that make him a first rounder. He is tough, accurate and has good decision-making skills.
9. Denver Broncos: Team Needs = CB, OT, IOL, IDL, QB
Selection – Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech
The Broncos need a lot of help in the secondary (being in the same division as the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers). That’s why we have the selecting the best cornerback in the draft, Caleb Farley. He has the ideal size, (6’2, 207 lbs.), speed and toughness. He’s a press corner that has excellent route recognition and ball skills.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Team Needs = OT, CB, EDGE, LB, IDL
Selection – Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern
The Cowboys have a fair number of holes to fill on Defensive side of the ball. However, they need more help from their Offensive Line to protect their franchise QB, Dak Prescott. Rashawn Slater will be an immediate starter. He is 6’3, 305 lbs and versatile. He was starting as a right tackle for Northwestern in 2018 & 2019 before transitioning to left tackle to 2019. At left tackle he allowed 0 sacks, 1 QB hit and just 5 QB hurries. Since Rashawn switched to left tackle, his stock has been on the rise.
11. New York Giants: Team Needs = LB, WR, EDGE, CB, TE
Selection – Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama
The Giants need to give Danny Dimes some weapons to truly evaluate him this year. That’s why we have them selecting one of the best wide receivers in this class, Jaylen Waddle. Waddle will be a fantastic receiver, if given the chance. Speaking of chances, he did not get many until his Junior year at Alabama, (due to the fact that he was behind Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs). Unfortunately, his Junior year ended early due to an injury. However, Waddle’s is quick and very fast and his speed rivals Ruggs. He will be a terrific slot receiver and is a tremendous kick returner. Many scouts have said he reminds them of Devin Hester, which is the best compliment you can receive as a returner.
12. San Francisco 49’ers: Team Needs = IOL, CB, S, QB, EDGE
Selection – Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama
Richard Sherman is on his way out of San Fran, and they don’t have any other notable cornerbacks on their roster. That’s why we have them selecting Patrick Surtain II. Surtain is the complete package. He has the frame, speed and size you need and want in a # 1 cornerback. He will thrive in the NFL as a press corner. He knows how to be physical without drawing unnecessary penalty flags. He is also the son of three-time Pro Bowler, Patrick Surtain Sr., who had a great career with the Dolphins and Chiefs.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Team Needs = OT, CB, WR, LB, IOL
Selection – Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
We have the Chargers taking the other CB, that’s the son of a former NFL player right after in Jaycee Horn. Jaycee is the son of 4-time Pro Bowler, Joe Horn, (Saints WR). Jaycee has a long and stocky frame, which makes him very disruptive in press coverage. He needs to work on his tackling to make him a true shut-down corner at the next level (which he will need to be going up against Kansas City and Oakland twice a year).
14. Minnesota Vikings: Team Needs = IOL, OT, IDL, WR, S
Selection – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG USC
Minnesota could use this pick on a wide receiver, considering they traded away Stephon Diggs to Buffalo last year. However, they need to keep Kirk Cousins upright. This is why we think they’ll pick the quality lineman, Alijah Vera-Tucker. Alijah is one of the most versatile linemen in this year’s draft class. He played 426 snaps at left tackle, 926 snaps at left guard and 139 snaps at right guard at USC. Alijah was named AP’s All-Pac 12 in 2019, 2020 and won the Morris trophy, (which is given to the Pac-12’s best offensive lineman). He has great hands and feet and is ultra-competitive.
15. New England Patriots: Team Needs = TE, WR, QB, OT, LB
Selection – Micah Parsons, LB Penn State
There is no question that the Patriots missed Kyle Von Noy last year. The Dolphins released him last week and I would be surprised if Belichick doesn’t go after him when free agency starts next Wednesday. If that doesn’t happen for some reason, we have them selecting Micah Parsons. Parsons is explosive and a great tackler. He is an elite blitzer, solid in pass coverage and his speed allows him to be all over the field. He can play at a very high level in both a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme. The Patriots do need to address the quarterback position, but with all of the top-tier ones off the board by the time they pick, we have them getting the best linebacker in this draft.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Team Needs = CB, RB, IOL, S, TE
Selection – Trevon Moehrig, S TCU
The Cardinals are in desperate need of help in their secondary with Patrick Peterson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Johnathan Joseph and Kevin Peterson all scheduled to be free agents. Granted, they may use the franchise tag on one of them, but there is still a glaring need to address the secondary in this draft. That’s why we have them picking Trevon Moehrig. Trevon really improved his game from 2019 to 2020 and is the best Safety in this draft (granted there isn’t a ton of competition at the position). In 2020, he had 2 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 47 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. This production put him in the running for the Jim Thorpe Award and put him on the All-Big 12 First Team defense for a second consecutive year. He has tremendous quickness, which allows him to play both the run and pass very well.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Team Needs = EDGE, IOL, LB, S, TE
Selection – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami
The Raiders had the fifth worst defense in the league last year. They allowed 29.9 points per game, which was the third-most in the league. They need to address the defensive line. That’s why we have them taking the best edge rusher in this year’s class in Gregory Rousseau. Rousseau opted out last year because of COVID concerns (his mom is an emergency room nurse and has seen many young adults die from the virus). In 2019, Rousseau ended the season with the second-most sacks in the nation with 15.5, only behind Chase Young. His college honors include, ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-ACC and Freshman All-American. Rousseau is a freakish athlete at 6’7, 265 lbs. He’s fast, strong and quick. He’ll need to work on his pass rush moves more but has the talent to be the next Defensive Rookie of the Year.
18. Miami Dolphins: Team Needs = WR, OL, EDGE, RB, LB
Selection – Najee Harris, RB Alabama
Ryan Fitzpatrick was the Dolphins leading rusher only two seasons ago. Granted Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed stepped up last year, but the Phins need to address the RB position. There are rumors that they are interested in signing Aaron Jones in free agency, (if the Packers let him walk). Assuming they don’t, I have them taking, arguable the best running back in this year’s draft in Najee Harris. Harris is a big, powerful, bruising back with great hands. He only has three dropped balls over his four-year career at Alabama. He’s familiar with Tua, from their playing time at Alabama and would be a great addition to Miami.
19. Washington Football Team: Team Needs = QB, WR, CB, OT, LB
Selection – Mac Jones, QB Alabama
The WFT definitely needs a quarterback after just releasing the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year, Alex Smith. They cut their last year’s first round pick in Dwayne Haskins. We think if Mac Jones is available when they pick here, they need to get him. Sure, Alabama quarterbacks have not fared well in the NFL in the past, but that doesn’t mean they never will (the jury is still out on Tua Tagovailoa). Mac is not real mobile and not a runner, but he is accurate and can throw the deep ball. Some analysts compare him to Tom Brady. He’s a hard worker, intelligent and has great vision of the field. Mac is also a high character guy, which is what the WFT needs after the Haskins experiment. Sure, he’s played on great Alabama teams over the last few years, but his 2020 stats cannot be overlooked. Mac threw for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, with only 4 interceptions.
20. Chicago Bears: Team Needs = QB, OT, WR, IOL, WR
Selection – Kadarius Toney, WR Florida
The Bears are in need of some playmakers. Sure, they do need to address the quarterback position, but the top-tier ones will be off the board by the time they pick. They just franchise tagged Allen Robinson, but they need more on offense. Kadarius Toney will give them just that. He is a little undersized, but he has the speed, quickness and is a legitimate downfield threat. Toney posted 70 catches for 984 and 10 touchdowns his senior year. He’ll be a great slot receiver/punt returner for the 22nd ranked Bear’s offense last year.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Team Needs = OT, WR, CB, TE, EDGE
Selection – Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan
The Colts are in a great position here. They are coming off a year where they made the playoffs and seemed to find Phillip Rivers replacement in Carson Wentz. Wentz can really succeed with Frank Reich at the helm. The Colts also have the fifth most cap room at the moment. We have them addressing the offensive line and drafting Jalen Mayfield. Mayfield has ample size and athleticism, (he’s listed at 6’5, 319 lbs.). He’s also very versatile. He can play right tackle, left tackle or guard. He actually played on the defensive line in high school and set the school record for tackles.
22. Tennessee Titans: Team Needs = EDGE, IDL, WR, CB, TE
Selection – Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan
The Titans had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL last year. They need to bolster their defensive line. Kwity Paye will definitely help them do so. He’s big, strong and athletic coming in at 6’4 272 lbs. Paye is one of the best pass-rushers in this class with a 26.5% win-rate (which is the third highest of any edge rusher since 2020). He is a two-time All Big-10 honoree and voted team captain in 2020 by his teammates.
23. New York Jets: Team Needs = QB, WR, RB, TE, CB
Selection – Travis Etienne, RB Clemson
After selecting their franchise QB (Jets fans hope) with the 2nd pick in the draft, why not get one of the best, if not the best, running back coming out of college. Travis Etienne had a very productive college career resulting in a multitude of awards which includes First-Team All-America, two-time ACC player of the year and the 2018 ACC Championship Game MVP. He is also the ACC’s all-time leading rusher. Etienne has the ability to carry a game on his shoulders with his lightning quick speed. He could be an every-down back for the Jets for years to come.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Team Needs = OT, CB, WR, IOL, RB
Selection – Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech
With the Steelers decision to bring Big Ben back for at least one more year, they’ll need to keep him upright. This is going to be an even tougher task with Maurkice Pouncey retiring and Alejandro Villanueva set to sign somewhere else in free agency. That’s why we have them selecting Christian Darrisaw. Darrisaw is strong, mobile and is a great run blocker. He played left tackle at Virginia Tech and only allowed 6 QB hurries and 0 sacks his senior year. He earned First Team All ACC and All American Second Team honors. Darrisaw will be the start of Pittsburgh’s offensive line rebuild.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Team Needs = QB, TE, CB, OT, S Selection – Greg Newsome III, CB Northwestern
Jacksonville is still trying to fill the void of losing Jalen Ransey last year. Greg Newsome can definitely help. He’s an exciting prospect that has a good combination of size and athleticism. He’s also very versatile. He’s played in press man, off man and zone coverages. Jacksonville is finally starting their rebuild process and they need playmakers, which is exactly what Newsome will be at the next level.
26. Cleveland Browns: Team Needs = CB, IDL, WR, EDGE, LB
Selection – Levi Onwuzurike, DT Washington
Cleveland doesn’t have a glaring need at a particular position, but they could definitely get better on defense. Levi Onwuzurike opted out of the 2020 season; however, he did end up playing at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl. He played well and has seen his draft stock rise ever since. Onwuzurike is explosive and uses his length and size to throw aside lineman. He’s still a little raw but can definitely learn from one of the best defensive linemen in the league in Myles Garrett.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Team Needs = EDGE, WR, OT, S, TE
Selection – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami
I could see the Ravens taking a wide receiver here, but I don’t think they’ll like any of the ones still available to draft this high. We have them taking Jaelan Phillips. Phillips already looks like an NFL player with his weight and size. He’s 6’5 and 266 lbs. Phillips actually retired while playing football at UCLA, due to injuries. He transferred to Miami in 2019 but had to sit out due to transfer protocol. In 2020, he earned a First Team All-American honor (AFCA), and was Second Team All-American for the Associated Press and FWAA. He was also a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award. This pick will look more like a reality if the Ravens don’t re-sign either linebacker Mathew Judon or Yannick Ngakoue.
28. New Orleans Saints: Team Needs = CB, EDGE, LB, IDL, WR
Selection – Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
The Saints need a centerpiece and new identity on defense. That’s why we have them selecting one of the best linebackers in this class, Zaven Collins. Collins was a 3-year starter at linebacker for Tulsa. He went from somewhat of an unknown to one of the best defenders in the NCAA in 2020. In eight games, Collins put up 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, four interceptions, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a safety, and a fumble recovery. The Tulsa linebacker also took two of his interceptions back to the end zone and accumulated 156 return yards. This won him the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is given to the best defender in that nation every year. Former college players that won this award in the past include Aaron Donald, Luke Kuechly, Ndamukong Suh and Chase Young.
29. Green Bay Packers: Team Needs = OT, WR, CB, IDL, LB
Selection – Teven Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State
The Packers are in a tight cap situation, so they’ll need to address the majority if their holes in the draft. You can never have enough quality offensive lineman. That’s why Teven Jenkins would be a great selection with this late round one pick. Jenkins played in 37 games, (35 starts) at Oklahoma State. He has experience with time at right guard, left tackle and right tackle. He would be a decent tackle in the NFL, but one of the best guards in the league for a decade. Jenkins is 6’5, 330 lbs. He’s a high-character guy that works extremely hard and is physical.
30. Buffalo Bills: Team Needs = LB, OT, EDGE, CB, TE
Selection – Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama
The Bills just re-signed Matt Milano to a 4-year $44 million dollar extension. Now that they have somewhat secured this position, we have them addressing their offensive line with their first pick in the draft. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bills offensive line ranked # 18 in 2019 and climbed to #10 in 2020. This is a nice leap, but they could climb even further by adding Alex Leatherwood to the group. Leatherwood started at right guard for Alabama in 2018 before moving to left tackle his junior and senior years. He won the Outland Trophy his senior year, as the best offensive lineman in the nation. Leatherwood is a large man, coming in at 6’6 322 lbs. He’s the ideal height, weight and length that NFL teams look for in an offensive tackle. He’s a good athlete with an excellent set of skills and has a lot of experience going up against top competition.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Team Needs = IOL, OT, WR, LB, IDL
Selection – Jackson Carman, OL Clemson
The Chiefs fell apart in the Super Bowl when their offensive line broke down. To add fuel to the fire, they decided to cut former Pro Bowler Eric Fisher and All-Pro Mitchell Schwartz last Thursday to get under the salary cap. This saved them a combined $30 million. They need to replace them immediately, which is why they need to select Jackson Carman with their first draft pick. Carman was Clemson’s starting left tackle the last two years protecting the most coveted college quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. He’s long, powerful and big at 6’5, 330 lbs. He’s a great run blocker with good technique and will be able to create holes for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He’ll be best switching from tackle to guard in the NFL.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Team Needs = EDGE, IDL, IOL, WR, RB
Selection – Azeez Ojulari, LB Georgia
The Bucs have a lot of decisions to make over the next week with 30 impending free agents and a reduced salary cap. They will not be able to sign them all and the majority of them are on defense. They’ll need to fill some gaps and Azeez Ojulari could be the best player on the board to do so. He’s best suited to be an outside linebacker. Many draft analysts have Ojulari as a top ten pick. In the SEC, where they breed top tier offensive tackles, no one could stop him. His explosion, closing speed and violent hands made him almost impossible to stop. Ojulari is around 6-foot-3 and played at 240 pounds this past season. Those are perfect for predominantly 3-4 schemes. He is comparable to Von Miller with similar height and weight, and he has put together a Hall of Fame resume.
To continue to Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Mock Draft click HERE.
