1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
There is no confusion or intrigue as to what the Jaguars are doing with their first overall pick. Since they “won” this pick from the New York Jets in the waning weeks of the regular season and hired Urban Meyer, no one has really questioned that Jacksonville will be moving forward with one of the best quarterback prospects this side of John Elway. Trevor Lawrence is still young and lean, but the National Champion comes with a proven track record and an ability to make the quarterback position look easy.
2. New York Jets – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
A lot of debate has been had over whether Zach Wilson or Justin Fields is the better prospect behind Trevor Lawrence in this draft class. The two quarterbacks have proven themselves as likely top-5 picks in very different ways. While Zach Wilson put up better numbers, making more highlights on an otherwise mediocre team, Justin Fields led a talented unit, albeit occasionally struggling with his poise under pressure, to consistent wins against quality programs during his Ohio State tenure, most notably out-dueling Trevor Lawrence in the CFP semifinal.
3. Miami Dolphins – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Penei Sewell has gotten lost in all the quarterback chatter, but he is the Trevor Lawrence of the offensive line class. Miami could not only replace, but likely upgrade on Laremy Tunsil and ensure that Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t have to look over his shoulder throughout his Miami career. The Oregon offensive tackle would quickly establish himself as the league’s premier anchor for the next ten-plus years due to his ability too out-athlete defenders off of the edge and making a difference as a downhill-blocker.
4. Houston Texans (from ATL) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
HOU receives: QB Matt Ryan, LB Deion Jones, 4th overall pick, 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, 2023 second-round pick
ATL receives: QB Deshaun Watson, WR Brandin Cooks, 2022 fifth-round pick
As much as I can see Matt Ryan leading this team for the next five-ish years, the Falcons could look to restart their franchise and their cap situation by trading for Deshaun Watson and acquiring the fully un-guaranteed contract of Brandin Cooks to help balance the books before eventually cutting. Watson hasn’t been mentioned as a potential target for Atlanta, but if the Falcons can maneuver around their salary cap situation, this team does have the offensive assets that could reap huge benefits with the addition of another prime franchise quarterback.
On to the pick, Zach Wilson is mocked to the same team at a different spot. Wilson showed franchise-altering potential by throwing darts throughout his 2020 season, leading BYU to an 11-1 record and a convincing Boca Raton Bowl win against UCF, mostly without an NFL-caliber supporting class to help him. While it will be much difficult to turn a mediocre professional franchise like the Texans around, it might be the proper motivation for Wilson to continue excelling.
5. Cincinnati Bengals – Kyle Pitts, TE/WR, Florida
In a draft class where a Heisman-winning wide receiver is coming off of a legendary college championship game despite only playing a half, and the number one receiver on the historic 2019 LSU offense, one of the best units in college history are both available, Kyle Pitts has emerged as potentially the most tantalizing weapon of the draft class at the next level. In Cincinnati, the former Florida Gator could take over the A.J. Green role as a big receiver who can dominate 50-50 balls or provide a matchup nightmare over the middle of the field. Joe Burrow could have a Megatron-lite at his disposal in an already-solid receiving group.
6. Philadelphia Eagles – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Ja’Marr Chase didn’t need a 2020 season to ensure that he will be a top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While the Eagles might be sick of their front office taking shots at receivers after the recent selections of Jalen Reagor, Nelson Agholor, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Philly would be getting their best prospect at receiver possibly in their team history. For anyone who thinks that’s a stretch, Justin Jefferson was the certified number-two receiver behind Chase in 2019, and looked the part of being the second-best receiver on a college team before all of a sudden playing like a top-10 receiver once entering the NFL. Whether the starter next season is Jalen Hurts or a veteran QB, Chase will be a favorite target in that offense that could use a guy to push Reagor and Dallas Goedert down the priority list.
7. Detroit Lions – Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Despite the Lions’ need for a backup plan in case Jared Goff continues his struggles into his Detroit tenure, it might be for the best that Detroit to secure a weapon that could help out any quarterback. Devonta Smith might fall behind Pitts and Chase as pro prospects due to his slighter build, but the dynamic receiver has shown his ability to carry an offense around him and could end up making teams regret not making him the number one receiver in the draft. Nick Saban didn’t seem to be very concerned about Smith’s durability during his time in the SEC, putting the Heisman Trophy winner on special teams coverage as well as his full-time role on offense.
8. Carolina Panthers – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The Panthers are reportedly interested in moving on from Teddy Bridgewater due to a potential lack of physical ability, so it could be possible that Carolina goes for the raw, but physically gifted Trey Lance. While Lance could benefit from a year behind a starting quarterback, Joe Brady could be capable of tailoring an offense that Lance could thrive in if Carolina’s offensive coordinator takes advantage of the passer’s dual-threat capabilities. Lance’s impressive arm and game-changing athleticism could prompt the team to trade up to secure their future. For now, though, they can stay at eight and still get their guy.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (from DEN) – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
LAC receives: 9th overall pick
DEN receives: 13th overall pick, 78th overall pick, 174th overall pick
The Broncos could let the next few picks play out and collect some assets if they aren’t sold on a defensive prospect with their top-ten pick. The offensive run continues for now, as the Chargers trade up to acquire the offensive lineman that some scouts have rated higher than Penei Sewell. Slater’s biggest issue is a lack of size and length, which is why plenty of teams will be interested in shifting the former Wildcat from tackle to guard at the next level. However, he’s twitchy and quick, making him a lot more capable of dealing with NFL edge rushers than most undersized offensive tackles, thus tempting the Chargers into trading up for Justin Herbert’s blindside protector.
10. Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Cowboys found a solid starter at the cornerback position in the 2020 NFL Draft by selecting Trevon Diggs in the second round. However, Dallas saw Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie struggle tremendously. In fact, no other Dallas cornerback finished higher than 85th in PFF’s cornerback rankings. Caleb Farley gives Dallas a tremendously physically gifted cornerback, one that comes with solid ball skills. Despite missing the 2020 season, Farley has the natural ability to return to action without skipping a beat if his instincts are still intact, allowing for Dallas do get another day-one starter for their secondary.
11. New England Patriots (from NYG) – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
NE receives: 11th overall pick, 76th overall pick, 2022 fourth-round pick
NYG receives: 15th overall pick, CB Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore heads to New York, allowing the Patriots the ability to trade up with the Giants, grab their future quarterback, and grab a couple more resources for a team that looks like they’re in need of some Belichick draft magic to get the wheels back on the wagon. Patriots fans will soon forget about their 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, or thank him for being a necessary sacrifice in their quest to acquire “more mobile Tom Brady.” Mac Jones’ glowing endorsements from former teammates does nothing but continue to push his draft stock toward the top 10.
12. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The son of the former NFL defensive back, Surtain II has the desired size, experience and cover skills that many teams would want in their cornerback. The 49ers, who are losing Richard Sherman and possibly Jason Verrett in their defensive backs room, could use a day-one ready replacement for the veterans. While his lack of straight-line speed could potentially be taken advantage of at the next level, Surtain would flourish in a defensive system like the 49ers’ have developed under previous DC Robert Saleh and to be continued under Demeco Ryans.
13. Denver Broncos (from LAC) – Kwity Paye, Edge/DL, Michigan
The Broncos’ roster looks to be in very poor shape heading into the 2021 NFL offseason, especially on their defensive side. Von Miller is likely gone after a decade in Denver, so it might be time for the team to restart the culture starting with the defensive line. Miller’s character issues occasionally overshadowed his accomplishments with the Broncos. Meanwhile, Kwity Paye is an athletic freak that not only comes without character concerns, but with reports surrounding an impressive work ethic and a non-stop motor. The Michigan product comes with a great build and solid college production as well, and could be the best defensive line prospect in this draft class if he develops a cabinet of pass rush moves.
14. Minnesota Vikings – Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami
The Vikings did not help themselves by trading for Yannick Ngakoue and giving up a second-rounder for an edge rusher that they would eventually trade away themselves for a diminished return. Gregory Rousseau might not be able to recoup the lost pick, but could provide the Vikings with some great value halfway through the first round as long as the former Hurricane returns with little-to-no rust after forgoing the 2020 NCAA season. In his only season, Rousseau looked like a must-have prospect during his 15.5 sack season with the Hurricanes, his only non-redshirted season of experience in college.
15. New York Giants (from NE) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Before Jaylen Waddle’s injury, there was a lot of potential to see the Alabama receiver rated higher as a prospect than 2019 draftees Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. The speedy target picked up over 550 receiving yards in the four games he played before fracturing his ankle and missing almost the entirety of the remaining season, and should see his draft position be very similar to his former teammates. The Giants need a few more weapons to help Daniel Jones take more steps forward in his development, and Jaylen Waddle’s elusiveness when with the ball in his hands combined with his game-breaking speed could give the New York Football Giants a DeSean Jackson-like talent out wide.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Asante Samuel Jr. doesn’t come with the same size that Farley or Surtain do, which is why he has been ranked a tier below the other two day-one starters at the cornerback position. However, Asante Samuel Jr. might be the most polished cover corner in this draft class, coming with the natural ball skills and instincts that can only come from a young prospect who’s father played the same position at a high level during his NFL career. The Cardinals are losing Patrick Peterson this offseason, so a minor reach for the undersized, yet feisty corner could reap huge benefits for the franchise.
17. Las Vegas Raiders – Alijah Vera-Tucker, G/OT, USC
The Raiders are in need of retaining their standout offensive line, as quarterback Derek Carr has been one of the quarterbacks that is most reliant on the offensive line maintaining a clean pocket for him. Alijah Vera-Tucker could start immediately at guard, replacing either one of the departed starting guards from 2019, Richie Incognito or Gabe Jackson. The athletic mauler could also provide a future option for any potential questions at the tackle position, as he excelled at left tackle for USC as well.
18. Miami Dolphins – Jaelen Phillips, Edge, Miami
Jaelen Phillips wouldn’t have to go too far from his alma mater to play for the Dolphins. The former Hurricane and UCLA Bruin took over for Gregory Rousseau in 2020 and didn’t disappoint, collecting 15.5 tackles for a loss throughout this past season and proving to be a force off of the edge regardless of the situation. Despite 2020 being his only season of extended play, Phillips is regarded as a similarly impressive prospect, one that Miami regarded highly, as evidenced by Phillips’ acquisition of Gregory Rousseau’s number 15.
19. Washington Football Team – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The loss of Trent Williams was mitigated by an impressive 2020 season by Cornelius Lucas, but Washington should not ignore the fact that they played an entire season without a proven left tackle. Christian Darrisaw needs to put on some more weight in order to hold his own against professional defensive linemen, but the technique, athleticism, and talent has all been proven by the former Hokie, as well as his effort to improve. The offensive tackle took a step forward every season and has the physical traits to continue developing into his young pro career.
20. Chicago Bears – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
The Bears are strapped of cap room heading into the 2021 offseason, leaving both Charles Leno and Bobby Massie as future question marks for the roster due to the money that the team would save by cutting them. Anticipating the team cuts at least one of them, here’s a replacement tackle. Jalen Mayfield is a more natural fit at right tackle, but as a relatively raw prospect in terms of technique, the former Wolverine could eventually switch to the other side if his technique develops, as he possesses imposing physical traits that would allow him to excel as the anchor of the offense in the future.
21. Buffalo Bills (from IND) – Zaven Collins, Edge/LB, Tulsa
BUF receives: 21st overall pick
IND receives: 30th overall pick, 94th overall pick, 2021 fourth-round pick
With the top tackle prospects all of the board before the Colts can replace Anthony Castonzo, they trade down and screw Tennessee out of a promising edge-rusher in Zaven Collins. The Bills are said to be looking at help off of the edge in free agency, but if they can’t land a big fish like Yannick Ngakoue or Trey Hendrickson, Collins could be a great consolation prize. The former Golden Hurricane’s versatility along the front seven could see him take over Lorenzo Alexander’s former role as an off ball linebacker that is adept at getting into the backfield; a role the Bills missed sorely last season.
22. Tennessee Titans – Joseph Ossai, Edge/LB, Texas
Joseph Ossai isn’t quite the prospect the Zaven Collins translates to be, so the Colts earn a win against their rivals simply by trading down at 21. However, the Texas standout was another linebacker who seemed to always be in the opposing offense’s backfield. With 29 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons, Ossai could excel across from Harold Landry off the edge in Tennessee.
23. New York Jets – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Jets should probably go forward with a defensive prospect here, specifically at a valuable position like cornerback or edge rusher. However, with Justin Fields now in tow, the Jets could go all in on surrounding their second-overall pick with some more talent to avoid the same struggles that Sam Darnold faced without a supporting cast to help. Rashod Bateman has been lost in the mix of early-round prospects due to some top-notch prospects stealing the limelight, but the Minnesota receiver is big and athletic enough to run outside across Denzel Mims for the Jets and eventually fit into the slot role once Jamison Crowder leaves. Regarded as a pro-ready receiver, the Jets’ offense could look a lot different in 2021 if they focus on that side of the ball early in the draft.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
James Conner is reportedly unlikely to return to the Steelers upon hitting free agency this offseason, so the Steelers may look for a new running back in the draft to establish their identity upon. Ben Roethlisberger may or may not look the part of a starting-caliber NFL quarterback in 2021, so the team could really use a revitalized running game behind Harris to keep their offense in games that their defense wins for them. With 50 touchdowns in just his past two seasons, the bulldozer running back will prove to be an asset for a hard-nosed team with a solid offensive line.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The Jaguars could stand to improve their front seven. Losing Telvin Smith, Calais Campbell, and Yannick Ngakoue over the past couple seasons have softened Jacksonville’s defense beyond the Jalen Ramsey trade. As a direct replacement for one of those players, Smith, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the most talented linebacker in coverage of this draft class. The speedy linebacker is a bit of a tweener between safety and linebacker, but as long as Jacksonville can line up Myles Jack alongside the former Notre Dame defender will be at home as an extra cover-man on the field who can still make his fair share of plays in the box.
26. Cleveland Browns – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Another cornerback prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft whose father was also an NFL athlete. Unlike Surtain and Samuel, however, Joe Horn neither gave his child his first name or played the same position as Jaycee. Jaycee Horn is a long, lanky cornerback that needs to fill out a little bit in order to make it in the pros, but isn’t far behind the top-three guys when it comes to technique and matches Surtain and Farley in size. With some physical and technical development, Horn could provide Cleveland with another standout cornerback and allow Denzel Ward to move inside to nickel corner.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
Failing to replace Marshal Yanda last year hurt Baltimore down the stretch, especially when they lost Ronnie Stanley. Given the trade demand from Orlando Brown, Baltimore needs to address extra attention into the offensive line this year. Trey Smith would be a perfect fit into Baltimore’s run-heavy scheme at either guard or eventually even right tackle. A big and powerful mauler with experience at multiple O-line spots, Smith has some of his best days of football ahead of him.
28. New Orleans Saints – Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Marcus Williams is reportedly unlikely to be re-signed by the Saints in the offseason, so New Orleans could look to the draft to secure a replacement in the secondary. Despite forgoing the 2020 season, the Oregon junior played 27 games between his freshman and sophomore year and looked the part of a technically sound, athletically gifted free safety prospect. Like Farley, Rousseau, and the other players who missed the 2020 season, Holland really just has to prove that he can shake off the rust in order to prove the Saints smart for ignoring the recency bias.
29. Green Bay Packers – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Finally, Aaron Rodgers gets another weapon to go with Davante Adams in the receiving corps. Kadarius Toney is developing buzz around NFL circles due to his unique running style, and could be a yard-after-the-catch nightmare in Green Bay that pairs great with the possession receiver Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the deep threat. With 11 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season, Toney can also relieve Adams of some of the added attention he receives in the end zone.
30. Indianapolis Colts (from BUF) – Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
The Colts have a chance to grab another scheme-versatile first-round corner to group with Rock Ya-Sin. Tyson Campbell is a big corner that has occasionally struggled to make plays on the ball, but has all of the assets needed to succeed in most schemes at the next level.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Jackson Carman, G/OT, Clemson
The Super Bowl might have looked a lot different if the Chiefs were able to field Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher, so here’s an offensive lineman that can develop on the inside at guard before potentially taking over for one of the team’s offensive tackles. Carman struggles against speed rushers and might be better at guard in the pros, but the offensive lineman was largely able to keep Trevor Lawrence’s blindside clear against some of the best defenses college football had to offer, and has the capability to eventually do the same for Patrick Mahomes.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Christian Barmore can step in and fill the hole that Ndamukong Suh will leave when he departs for free agency. A productive interior rusher, Barmore proved that he could disrupt the backfield frequently, as evidenced by his 8 sacks throughout his redshirt sophomore year. The big defensive tackle could help Vita Vea neutralize the entirety of the interior offensive line, allowing for more damage to be done by Jason Pierre-Paul and whoever replaces the likely-gone Shaq Barrett.
QUEUESPORTS 