01/25 Official Round 1 Mock Draft V1 (Pre-SB)
1. Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence QB, Clemson
Jaguars reset their franchise with the best player in this draft class. We skim over Lawrence all the time but his collegiate greatness cannot be understated. This revitalized offense with Urban Meyer commanding the troops will be fun to watch for the foreseeable future.
2. Jets
Zach Wilson QB, BYU
Although I think that Justin Fields is a more talented prospect, Zach Wilson is the second most pro ready QB in this draft. And with Joe Douglas being more or less on the hot seat atop a rebuilding Jets franchise, Wilson gives the Jets the best opportunity to make a name for themselves year one.
3. Dolphins
Ja’Marr Chase WR, LSU
If the Dolphins are going to stick with Tua (they undoubtedly should) they need to surround him with weapons. Ja’Marr Chase is the best receiver in the draft and his contested catch ability and precision on the sideline is going to help Tua out extremely in terms of being able to confidently spread the wealth.
4. Falcons
Trey Lance QB, NDSU
With Matt Ryan being an almost impossible contract to release or trade away, it looks like he will be the Falcons signal caller for the next two seasons he is under contract. That being said, an opportunity to bring in a raw talent like Lance to work and study under Ryan will prove to be beneficial to both sides.
5. Bengals
Penei Sewell OT, Oregon
The Bengals inability to protect Joe Burrow can turn from a weakness to a catastrophic downfall if the Bengals do not address their offensive line issues. Sewell is the most talented and pro ready lineman in the draft and solidifying the tackle position opposite of Jonah Williams is going to prove to be the most important move the Bengals can make this offseason.
6. Eagles
DeVonta Smith WR, Alabama
Moving away from Doug Pederson seems to be a signal that the Eagles are going to give Wentz (and his $33.8M dead cap hit) another shot in 2021 meaning that the Eagles are going to have to provide Wentz some more options in order to prove himself. Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson will not cut it and the addition of Heisman winner DeVonta Smith is going to spread out the offense and give the Eagles another weapon to add to Wentz’s (or Jalen Hurts’) arsenal.
7. Lions
Justin Fields QB, Ohio State
The Fields slide stops here. Although I believe Fields is QB2 in this draft class, I do not think the NFL is there with him yet. Detroit adds one of the most versatile and exciting players to watch in college football after news that the Lions and Matt Stafford have agreed to part ways.
8. Panthers
Rashawn Slater OT, Northwestern
After an all-defensive draft in 2020 I fully expect the Panthers to load up on offense and start to build around whoever they believe to be their franchise quarterback. Picking at 8 means that they will most likely have to trade up in order to select one of the top four QBs however no matter who becomes their QB it is no question that the Panthers need to bolster up their offensive line. With the league becoming higher and higher on Slater I expect him to be taken sooner rather than later and a top 10 stop seems like a right place for him.
9. Broncos
Caleb Farley CB, Virginia Tech
This almost seems like a done deal at this point for the Denver Broncos. Fangio loves his lengthy and physical corners and Farley perfectly fits the mold for what the Broncos need this offseason.
10. Cowboys
Patrick Surtain II CB, Alabama
Ever since the Cowboys let Byron Jones walk in free agency their secondary has been utter garbage. Easily one of the weakest units in the NFL gets an insane upgrade by adding 2021 National Champion Patrick Surtain.
11. Giants
Jaylen Waddle WR, Alabama
After some pretty solid performances by Daniel Jones in the latter half of the season, the Giants are expected to roll with him for the foreseeable future. Adding another weapon to Jones’ arsenal will prove to be vital for his progression as a year three quarterback. Waddle adds outside presence and explosiveness that is lacking from the Giants offense.
12. 49ers
Kyle Pitts TE, Florida
If the board falls this way, the 49ers find themselves in a less than favorable situation. Both top corners are gone, top three receivers are off the board, and the two tackles worth taking this high are now taken. John Lynch is no shmuck, and he is going ot make the best out of this situation by taking the undoubted best player available in Florida tight end, scratch that “pass catcher”, Kyle Pitts. Florida used Pitts almost everywhere on offense last season and adding versatility to the receiving room is going to let Shanahan have a field day.
13. Chargers
Samuel Cosmi OT, Texas
Protecting Justin Herbert has leapt to the top of the Chargers’ to-do list this offseason and even if they have to over pay for a tackle here at 13, I think it is worth it. Cosmi comes into the offensive line as an unquestioned starter.
14. Vikings
Kwity Paye EDGE, Michigan
In order for the Vikings to improve on a third lowest sack count last season, improving the defensive line is at utmost importance for the Vikings this offseason. Paye has elevated to EDGE #1 on my board in a weak defensive class and jumping on the top rated EDGE will prove to be a huge stepping stone to creating a formidable defensive front in Minnesota.
15. Patriots
Christian Barmore IDL, Alabama
Adding athleticism and versatility to a weak ad young defensive line will do wonders for this Patriots’ defense. Barmore is one of the most physically talented players in this draft and his athleticism and versatility on the defensive line will prove to be essential.
16. Cardinals
Jaycee Horn CB, South Carolina
Although the Cardinals are reaching here a little bit, Jaycee Horn will fit perfectly into the void eventually created by legend Pat Pete’s departure. Byron Murphy and Jaycee Horn will prove to be a solid corner duo for years to come.
17. Raiders
Micah Parsons LB, Penn State
Adding explosiveness, speed, and talent to this defense will be at the forefront of the Raiders’ needs and if Parsons slides this far I see no reason why the Raiders should not target him. Parsons really can do it all and in a division with Mahomes and Herbert, you’re going to need to bring out the absolute best 11 on defense.
18. Dolphins
Najee Harris RB, Alabama
If the Dolphins want to add Najee, they’re going to have to jump on him early. After an incredible 2020 season, Najee Harris has leapt to the top of the running back big boards. With uncertainties at the running back position last season, the Dolphins will look to add a bell cow back to assist Tua.
19. Washington
Terrace Marshall Jr. WR, LSU
Picking at 19 is for sure an undesirable spot for a QB needy team. However, I expect Washington to be in the market to being in a veteran quarterback which means that they need to add some more weapons. Marshall will be a perfect addition to a receiving room led by Terry McLaurin.
20. Bears
Christian Darrisaw OT, Virginia Tech
Needing help all across the offensive line, Darrisaw can be a day one starter really anywhere the Bears see a need.
21. Colts
Rashod Bateman WR, Minnesota
If the Colts want to progress further than a first round exit in the playoffs, they are going to need to add weapons. An aging T.Y. Hilton and an inconsistent Michael Pittman Jr. are not going to cut it for a deep playoff run and adding one of the best playmakers in the draft in Bateman will do wonders for this team.
22. Titans
Joseph Ossai EDGE, Texas
Pass rush was nonexistent in Tennessee and their weakness up front was a glaring issue against the Ravens in the wild card round. Ossai adds speed and consistent edge pressure that this Titans’ defense desperately needs.
23. Jets
Travis Etienne RB, Clemson
Adding playmakers to this offense should be priority number one for Joe Douglas come this offseason and what better way to usher in a new era of Jets football than taking one of the most polarizing players in college football. Adding to both the running and receiving game, Etienne will prove to be a priceless asset for the Zach Wilson led Jets.
24. Steelers
Alex Leatherwood OT, Alabama
The Steelers’ top offensive lineman ae set to become free agents this offseason which will require an immediate fix for an offensive line that could not get anything going in 2020. Leatherwood will prove to be a day one starter as he can come into either tackle or guard role.
25. Jaguars
Jalen Mayfield OT, Michigan
A common theme for this year’s draft class is adding protection for your franchise QB, and the Jaguars are no different. After taking Lawrence with the number one overall pick, the Jaguars are going to need to find a replacement for Cam Robinson at the left tackle position. I think in general it is way better to over compensate in terms of protecting your franchise QB and that is what I think the Jaguars should do here at 25.
26. Browns
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB, Notre Dame
The Brown’s second level is an utter embarrassment and if JOK falls this far the Browns should be sprinting to the podium. One of the most versatile players in the draft, JOK will add a second level presence that will be essential to guarding the top-tier AFC offenses.
27. Ravens
Kadarius Toney WR, Florida
The Ravens need help on the receiving side of the football. Hollywood Brown, Willie Snead, and Dez Bryant will not cut it going up against the Chiefs, Browns, or Bills. The Ravens have ignored this issue for far too long and they should finally address it here at 27.
28. Saints
Gregory Rousseau EDGE, Miami
The conversation around New Orleans this offseason will be the fact that they are close to $100M over the cap. Adding rookie talent to positions that are usually high cost should be the Saints mindset in the 2021 draft. Rosseau has one of the highest ceilings in the draft but his limited experience at EDGE may lead teams off him.
29. Packers
Eric Stokes CB, Georgia
After Kevin King’s atrocious performance in the NFC Championship game, I doubt the Packers will be eager to being him back in free agency this offseason, creating a vacancy at corner opposite of Jaire Alexander. Eric Stokes has all the traits there but definitely needs some guidance and play time in order to become a formidable corner in the league. Playing next to Jaire will prove to be essential for his development and if the Packers play their cards right they can have one of the better corner duos in the NFL come three to four years.
30. Bills
Zaven Collins LB, Tulsa
With Matt Milano’s future as a Buffalo Bill uncertain, I think the Bills will elect to replace him with a younger and much cheaper talent in Zaven Collins. Having youth on the second level is extremely important especially when dealing with fast paced offenses. Zaven Collins and Tremaine Edmunds will prove to be one of the best linebacker duos in the league.
31. Buccaneers
Liam Eichenberg OT, Notre Dame
After landing their star rookie right tackle last year in Tristan Wirfs, the Bucs look to add to their line, upgrading from Donovan Smith on the left side.
32. Chiefs
Alijah Vera-Tucker IOL, USC
With the Chiefs’ recent offensive line issues, I assume that they will want to add bodies up front in case these injuries lead into 2021. Vera-Tucker sliding all the way down to 32 is unlikely but if he does end up here the Chiefs have a no brainer. Although they should explore receivers with Sammy Watkins most likely out the door, I think they can find talent there outside the first.
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