We’re less than 48 hours away from the beginning of the highly anticipated 2021 NFL Draft ripe with storylines and intrigue. As such, Couch Potato General Manager offers its final Mock Draft to satiate your NFL Draft appetite just a while longer. CPGM Drew and Juice go head-to-head on the first 32 (1-16) picks comprising the 1st round chalk full of trades, with teams jockeying to nab their quarterback of the future, star play-maker and/or additional draft capital. Please note that this mock draft does not reflect what we think will happen, but rather what we would do given the opportunity to make these picks ourselves. Enjoy. Part two coming soon.
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49ERS, DOLPHINS, AND EAGLES PRE-DRAFT TRADE BREAKDOWN! 2021 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins first sent shock waves across the NFL landscape by trading the No. 3 pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the No. 12 pick this year, a first- and third-round pick in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023. However, the Dolphins weren’t finished jockeying for 2021 NFL Draft positioning as evidenced by their subsequent trade with Philly. The Philadelphia Eagles traded the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NFL draft along with a 2021 fifth-round pick (No. 156) to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 12 pick, a fourth-round pick (No. 123) and a 2022 first-round pick.
All signs are pointing towards the 49ers selecting a quarterback third overall. Meanwhile, Eagles fans are lamenting at the fact that it is highly unlikely that Kyle Pitts nor Ja’Marr Chase will be available when the 12th overall pick rolls around. Meanwhile, the general consensus is that the Miami Dolphins pulled a coup having traded back up to the 6th slot. Will it be Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, or Mac Jones landing in San Fran? Will the Dolphins add the playmaker at wide receiver they covet the most? Will the Eagles still be able to land a high-end prospect that can make an immediate impact as a starter? CPGM Juice and Drew discuss in full.
WHY JA’MARR CHASE’S & KYLE PITTS’ PRO DAYS MEAN NOTHING… AND EVERYTHING!
Top 10 2021 NFL Draft Prospects Ja’Marr Chase of LSU and Kyle Pitts of the Florida Gators wowed all spectators with their respective Pro Day performances. News of their dominant performances spread across social mediums like wild fire and while there may have been some hyperbole associated with each prospect prior to the official measurables being announced it reached critical mass after their 40-yard dash times were made public.
At Couch Potato General Manager we recognize that athletic testing is part of the equation. However, we make it a point not to over-exaggerate its significance in comparison to their game film. Still, both players deserve credit for approaching their Pro Days, which amount to a job interview, as if they had been preparing for the biggest game of their lives. That should not be under-sold. However, if you’re making wholesale changes to your rankings and throw the “tape” out the window in lieu of these impressive times than you may want to consider adjusting your 2021 NFL Draft Prospect evaluation process.
MATTHEW STAFFORD TRADE SHIFTS FOCUS TO SEAN MCVAY! Los Angeles Rams Trade Breakdown
Two first round selections in 2022 and 2023 respectively and a third round selection in 2021. Furthermore, the Rams still owe Jared Goff $22.2 million in 2021 and will pick up the remaining two years on Stafford’s contract for a total of $43 million. After trading for Stafford, the Rams will have potentially gone seven consecutive seasons without a first round pick.
Clearly the Rams are “all-in” in 2021 which has been par for the course since General Manager Les Snead and Sean McVay have began working together in L.A. However, it was the battery of Snead and McVay should not (will not) continue to receive a pass for the Rams’ struggles. Snead’s aggressiveness in terms of acquiring veteran talent via trade and willingness to dole out exorbitant contracts has put the Rams in a challenging cap situation particularly with the salary cap being reduced in 2021. McVay on the other has been insulated from criticism for the most part considering Goff’s struggles. However, a close examination of his situational play-calling and use of personnel reveals that he has not adjusted effectively enough since his meteoric rise to the head coach rank.
CPGM Juice and Drew delve into the blockbuster trade from the perspective of the Rams focusing primarily on: Stafford, McVay and the future of the Rams front office/roster.
WENTZ AND REICH RE-UNITE & HURTS ASCENDS! Colts/Eagles Trade Breakdown
A bit late to the party but CPGM Drew and Headley weigh-in on the trade completed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason; sending former #2 Overall Pick Carson Wentz to the Colts where he will be re-united with his former offensive coordinator and current Colts’ head coach Frank Reich. In return, General Manager Howie Roseman of the Eagles net a 3rd Round selection and a 2nd Round Pick that may become a 1st Round Pick. Naturally, 2nd-year pro Jalen Hurts who impressed in his limited action a season ago will assume the starting quarterback position in Philadelphia. In light of the recent trade the Eagles completed with the Miami Dolphins netting an additional 1st Round pick in 2022 it appears Philly is setting entering a full rebuild.
WR1 KENNY GOLLADAY TO BIG BLUE!
The New York Giants didn’t enter the free agency fray immediately, instead prioritizing the retention of Leonard Williams. However, General Manager Dave Gettleman did manage to land the definitive WR1 in the 2021 Free Agent class. With Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin returning to their respective teams via Franchise Tag and Juju Smith-Schuster opting to remain in Pittsburgh at a discounted rate, it was Kenny Golladay who became the most sought after wide receiver available. Despite only playing five games due to injury in 2020, Golladay landed a 4-year $72 million deal with $40 million guaranteed making him they 7th highest paid wideout in the league on a yearly average basis.
AN ALL-PRO TRIO HEAD TO THE DESERT!
The Arizona Cardinals Front Office has been busy. After the relatively young Cardinals team fizzled mid-way thru the 2020 NFL Season and came up just a little short of making the playoffs last year, general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury made it a point to add some veteran leadership with quite the list of accolades.
Of course the Cardinals weren’t able to retain everyone. Notable players such as Kenyan Drake (LVR), Patrick Peterson (MIN) and Haason Reddick (CAR) are no longer in town.
RYAN PACE STRIKES AGAIN!
Chicago Bears General Manager, Ryan Pace continues to struggle to land consistent, competent quarterback play. Mitchell Trubisky is out and enter… Andy Dalton!? Pace has managed to add some impressive individual talent to the roster over the course of his tenure as GM but in a quarterback driven league Pace’s efforts have been underwhelming to say the least. CPGM Headley and Drew give their take on the embattled Pace and the Chicago Bears’ offseason as a whole.
2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
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
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