2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence – Clemson – QB

The Jags have some work to do on defense but offensively aren’t too far off. This season we saw a quarterback carousel of Gardner Minshew, Jake Luton and Mike Glennon. Let’s be real, they are quality backups at best. Trevor Lawrence can be the franchise QB/face of the organization in Duval. With wide receivers  DJ Chark who I loved coming out; the swiss army knife in Laviska Shenault Jr. and the diamond in the rough James Robinson at running back drafting Lawrence here is a no brainer. He’ll have the opportunity to grow with this up and coming group of young high potential players. This selection has the potential to shake up the AFC South for years to come. 

2. New York Jets – Zach WIlson – BYU – QB

Assuming the Jets find a suitor for Sam Darnold, they’ll use the second overall pick in this 2021 NFL Mock Draft to replace the incumbent Darnold. I believe when it is all said and done Zach Wilson will be the second QB off the board and will bring the “it” factor that has long evaded this team. I don’t believe there isn’t anything Wilson can’t do. Unlike the Jags the Jets are a team who has some work to do in surrounding the new franchise quarterback with some talent.

3. Miami Dolphins (from the Houston Texans)  – Devonta Smith – Alabama – WR

It’s the best feeling when you can match the board with need and this is what has taken place here. If there is a glaring need on the Dolphins it is at the wide receiver position. Not to say the Dolphins don’t have guys that can offer what you want in a receiver from a speed, quicks, big play ability or possession type with consistency. Smith brings all this in one package.

4. Atlanta Falcons –  Jaycee Horn – South Carolina – CB

Was never high on Isaiah Oliver and here is his replacement. Jaycee Horn is what the Falcons thought Oliver should have been. A long, physical corner who plays bigger than his size to play the man in front of him. You can go pass rusher here and I wouldn’t be mad at it but Jaycee Horn on one side and A.J. Terrell on the other solidifies the corner position in Atlanta.

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Kwity Paye – Michigan – DL

Most expect Penei Sewell from Oregon here in this 2021 NFL Mock Draft; and I would say there are more offensive linemen in this draft that are closer in talent level then DL; specifically edge players. Not sure what the Bengals were doing with their defensive lineman this year not playing the best players then trading away Carlos Dunlap. But I do know that Paye would bring first step quickness and closing speed that opposing tackles would have to be concerned about.

6. Philadelphia Eagles – Penei Sewell – Oregon – OT

With possible cap casualties on the offensive line and Jason Peters most likely out again; the Eagles need to add a guy who can come in and make an impact immediately. Also, there is potential that Sewell can play guard as well. I know linebacker is a black whole on the Eagles defense but I don’t know that there is a linebacker prospect worthy of being drafted this high and with the emergence of Jalen Hurts why not protect the franchise. 

7. Detroit Lions – Kyle Pitts – Florida – TE

Matthew Stafford out and Jared Goff in why not go and get the best tight end (and wide receiver in my opinion) in the draft. There isn’t anything that Kyle Pitts can’t do from either position. He’s a matchup nightmare and can be the moving piece within the offense assuming of course Kenny Golladay is back.     

8. Carolina Panthers – Justin Fields – Ohio State – QB

Since we know that the Panthers were willing to trade the #8 pick for Matthew Stafford we know they are in the market for a quarterback. Justin Fields has plenty of athleticism and can be deadly accurate can compete with Teddy for the staring gig.  

9. Denver Broncos – Mac Jones – Alabama – QB

Perhpas the biggest curveball in this 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Elway out and new GM George Paton in and I think he gets his guy.  Jones is not super athletic, a physical phenom, or posseses the strongest arm but he’s incredibly consistent. Consistency at the quarterback position can go a long, long way especially if you have weapons around him. Jones can and will get them the ball so they can go to work. Ask Jaylen Waddle, Najee Harris or Devonta Smith. 

10. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain – Alabama – CB

With the inconsistency on the back end whether it be due to miscommunication, lack of effort, or just poor play the Cowboys need help all over the secondary; safety or cornerback take ya pick. Surtain is big, strong and looks comfortable both in man and zone. He is a guy who uses his size and length well to stymie and/or body receivers. So whatever the Cwoboys decide to do Surtain will play and match it and do it at a high level. 

For the full 1st Round visit couchptoatogm.com