CHINERY MOCK DRAFT 1.0

By Alex Chinery

It’s that time of year again. Both the NFL and College Football seasons are over. Brady and Saban have yet another ring. Now, we’re on to draft season. This is my first mock draft of the year. Unlike the big names in draft media, I don’t have access to teams so can’t do a mock of what I am hearing. However, my mock drafts are what I think will happen, not what I would do. But I do try to throw in a few names I think the NFL will be higher on than draft twitter is.

Jaguars, Jacksonville Jaguars 2020

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

2021 Record: 1-15

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

This pick might already be on the card. The towering quarterback is accurate, smart and a great team mate. Add to this his stellar athletic profile and Lawrence may be the best Quarterback prospect since The Sheriff Peyton Manning.

Jets, New York Jets

2. New York Jets

2021 Record: 2-14

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

The superlatives being thrown around when speaking about Wilson may be a little over the top, but his tape is legit. Wilson is comfortable creating on the run when the play breaks down, with many of his throws coming out of system. Some late season jitters against a very good Coastal Carolina team show there is work to be done, but New York gets new head coach Robert Saleh his guy.

Dolphins, Miami Dolphins 2020

3. Miami Dolphins via Houston

2021 Record: 10-6 (Hou: 4-12)

Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

The Dolphins are getting the band back together! Yes there are some size concerns, but Smith is one of the best college route runners I have ever seen. His release reminds me of Davante Adams. Smith cooked almost everyone he came up against last year and when he came up against the one guy who could live with his route running Derrek Stingley Jr of LSU, well, Smith produced one of the best catches of all time…

Falcons, Atlanta Falcons 2020

4. Atlanta Falcons

2021 Record: 4-12

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

The Falcons might have the worst cap situation in the NFL, so a trade back is likely in my opinion, likely. However, I haven’t done trades in this mock so the team from the ATL bring Justin Fields back to the Peach State. In need of a year to sit and develop mentally, Fields has all the physical tools you could want in a quarterback. If the Falcons can work on his decision making, Fields will be a home run selection!

Cincinnati Bengals 2020

5. Cincinnati Bengals

2021 Record: 4-11-1

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

The construction of the Bengals offensive line in 2020 was laughable in its incompetence. Number one overall pick in 2020 Joe Burrow was lost for the season to an ACL injury and the plan for the 2021 offseason was immediately clear. Get an offensive tackle. Sewell is the premier blindside blocker in this class, with great footwork and stellar blocking technique. His anchor may be tested at the NFL level, but he should have enough technical nouse to cover it until the base strength is developed.

Eagles, Philadelphia Eagles 2020

6. Philadelphia Eagles

2021 Record: 4-11-1

Rashawn Slater, OT/OG/C, Northwestern

With Jason Peters very much at the end of his career and Andre Dillard struggling in the NFL, the Eagles add a piece on the offensive line. Happy on the outside, but with perhaps a future at guard, Slater has an elite toolkit, with great feet and hand placement. His work against Chase Young in 2020 is rightly giving him a lot of hype. As the NFL trends towards smaller, more agile players that are comfortable playing in space, Slater is a perfect fit!

Lions, Detroit Lions 2020

7. Detroit Lions

2021 Record: 5-11

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

The best pure athlete available at the quarterback position in the 2020 NFL draft. Lance has a big arm and phenomenal tape from the 2019 season. The lack of starting experience and level of competition is a worry and Lance’s success in the NFL will be directly tied to how he develops mentally. If by year three Lance is reading coverages, with a play book opened up to include the full range of formations and protections, then the Lions will have the best Quarterback in the NFC North. 

Panthers, Carolina Panthers 2020

8. Carolina Panthers

2021 Record: 5-11

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Parsons is a unique athlete at the linebacker position. He lives in gaps downhill, has elite sideline to sideline speed and is a presence is the pass rush! Defensive coordinator Phil Snow would be the perfect guy to implement Parsons in his defence, a combination with 2020 rookie Jeremy Chinn is mouthwatering. Parsons comes in the fill the role Luke Kuechley vacated when he retired at the end of the 2019 season.

Broncos, Denver Broncos 2020

9. Denver Broncos

2021 Record: 5-11

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Football runs through the DNA of the NFL legacy, former five star recruit and Alabama alpha dog Patrick Surtain. Surtain has the perfect package of length, discipline and coverage chops to be a day 1 starter on the outside at the NFL level. There are some questions about his deep speed, so he will need help over the top against the blazers in the league. However a pairing with pending free agent Justin Simmonds as his single high safety would start to rekindle memories of the famous ‘No Fly Zone’!

Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys 2020

10. Dallas Cowboys

2021 Record: 6-10

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

A former quarterback who brings a unique athletic profile to the position he only started playing in 2019. Not that you would know it from his film! Living in man to man coverage, Farley is ready for the step up to the big boy league. Alongside Trevon Diggs this pick would complete a young and talented cornerback pairing for the Cowboys moving forward!

Giants, New York Giants 2020

11. New York Giants

2021 Record: 6-10

Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The number one guy in the stellar 2019 LSU offense, Chase dominates one on one. Phenomenal route running and hands, the athletic profile isn’t going to jump off the page but it is good enough to allow Chase to win on Sundays. Chase is scheme agnostic, and will bring a weapon to this offense that hasn’t been present Odell Beckham Jr was traded away!

49ers, San Francisco 49ers 2020

12. San Francisco 49ers

2021 Record: 6-10

Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC

With the top four quarterbacks off the board, San Francisco chooses to upgrade the interior of their offensive line. Giving Kyle Shanahan another protection piece to work with when coming up against both Aaron Donald and Chandler Jones twice a year is a sound strategy! AVT is a stellar athlete, with left tackle experience. Comfortable moving and blocking in space, his athleticism will give Kyle Shanahan another weapon in the run game!

Los Angeles Chargers 2020

13. Los Angeles Chargers

2021 Record: 7-9

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

Whilst offensive line, which seems like a perennial need in LA was on the table here, I couldn’t resist mocking Jaylen Waddle to LA. The speed, the playmaking instincts, the potential for superstardom all in Hollywood with the reigning rookie of the year! Sign me up! Waddle has it all, track speed, great hands and a wide catch radius. In a division where you have to keep up with Mahomes and the Chiefs, it’s important to stuff your offense with playmakers!

Vikings, Minnesota Vikings

14. Minnesota Vikings

2021 Record: 7-9

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

A dominant blocker and three year starter at VT. Darrisaw has an interesting mix of size and athleticism. A people mover in a zone blocking scheme, he is a great fit on the Vikings. There is some development still needed in his pass blocking hand placement and footwork, but the physical tools and outcome is too much to pass at this stage for a team like the Vikings who need offensive line help.

Patriots, New England Patriots

15. New England Patriots

2021 Record: 7-9

Kyle Pitts, WR/TE, Florida

A move tight end with spectacular ability pre and post catch who can make plays all over the field is exactly what this New England offense needs. The jolt of electricity that powered a Florida offense spearheaded by a physically limited quarterback in Kyle Trask in 2020, Belichick and co will be hoping Pitts can do the same on Sundays for the team from Foxboro’. 

Cardinals, Arizona Cardinals 2020

16. Arizona Cardinals

2021 Record: 8-8

Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan

A plus athlete with a huge ceiling, Paye can effect NFL games from week 1 with his power and athleticism. Paye’s improvements in 2020 were phenomenal given the abbreviated nature of the season and bodes well for future development at the next level. Paye plays with his hand in the dirt, rushing best from a three point stance, something the Cardinals would pair well with Chandler Jones on the other side. Paye is also an incredible brilliant character, who will add to the locker room massively from day 1. His story is going to be everywhere on draft night!

Raiders, Las Vegas Raiders

17. Las Vegas Raiders

2021 Record: 8-8

Joesph Ossai, Edge, Texas

A high upside pass rusher who became the Longhorns leader on defense in 2020. His toolbox is still developing, but the year spent with coordinator Chris Ash has been brilliant for focusing his ability. Ossai is a natural playmaker with an insane motor. Add to this a wicked level of versatility and you have a guy who can do everything from dropping back into coverage to playing 5-Tech with his hand in the dirt.

Dolphins, Miami Dolphins 2020

18. Miami Dolphins

2021 Record: 10-6

Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

A true do it all defensive prospect, Collins would be a sure fire fit in a Dolphins scheme very reminiscent of the 2010’s Patriots. Collins adds speed and playmaking to an already stellar unit. Collins match of size, speed and football IQ gives him the potential to be the ultimate chess piece for the Dolphins on the defensive side of the ball. It sure would be good to see a trademark Collins pick 6 in South Beach!

Washington Football Team 2020

19. Washington Football Team

2021 Record: 7-9

Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas

Cosmi is 6’7, 310lbs and has a 12 yard college rushing touchdown on his resumé. A top tier athlete at the position, Cosmi has a ton of college experience and can lock down the left tackle spot in Washington for the next decade. Cosmi could easily get to 330lbs in the pros which would help with some of the weaknesses in his game whilst retaining his strengths. His ability to get the second level in the run game blew open some holes that his rushers didn’t hit this season. This combined with his length in the pass game gives him plenty of tools.

Bears, Chicago Bears 2020

20. Chicago Bears

2021 Record: 8-8

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Options are running out for Chicago at the QB position. With a head coach and general manager very much on the hot seat, the Bears can’t go into the season with Foles under center. Enter Mac Jones. Jones is the leader under centre that Chicago hasn’t had in two decades. A unifying influence, Jones was able to command the locker room at Alabama. The Bama QB also reads the field exceptionally well and is comfortable getting to his third or fourth read. Whilst his arm strength isn’t stellar, his deep accuracy is good. The biggest question will be whether he can produce outside of the perfect situation in Tuscaloosa.

Colts, Indianapolis Colts 2020

21. Indianapolis Colts

2021 Record: 11-5

Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

With the trade for Carson Wentz, the Colts attempted to extend their Super Bowl window. This pick continues that trend. Eichenberg is a day one starter at left tackle and next to Big Q would form a stellar tandem on Wentz left side. Technically brilliant, with good but sometimes slow feet Eichenberg matches up well against almost every kind of pass rusher. His performance in the run game is stellar and his pass protection tape looks that much better when you remember he was protecting Ian Book, whose anticipation of rushers was near non existent.

Titans, Tennessee Titans 2020

22. Tennessee Titans

2021 Record: 11-5

Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami

Eye popping production in 2019 (his last season playing football) and tantalising physical traits make Rousseau an intriguing and exciting prospect. He is a guy who requires polishing and development to be successful at the next level, but his natural bend and dip round the edge combined with an impressive motor. Comfortable all over the line, Rousseau may be a late bloomer at the position given most of his high school career was played at receiver and safety, but he has the tools to be a top player in the league.

Jets, New York Jets

23. New York Jets (via Seattle)

2021 Record: 2-14 (SEA 12-4)

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

A converted safety, JOK is a hive of activity around the line of scrimmage. His explosiveness jumps off the page, making a living in the backfield and pillaging close to the line of scrimmage, JOK is a three down player. The combination of instincts and speed, have allowed him to be the standout player in a number of matchups this season. Even giving Clemson big problems in the regular season matchup. JOK with a mind like Robert Saleh is something us football fans deserve to see.

Steelers, Pittsburgh Steelers 2020

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

2021 Record: 12-4

Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

Big Blue’s hefty edge protector would be right at home in the Steel City! Mayfield is a combination of good technical ability and a strong athletic profile. A force in the run game, Mayfield won consistently against some talented opponents and opened up some huge holes. His introduction to college football in 2019 was to face the best rushers in college one after another. It was the making of him. His 2020 performances were one of a much improved and much more polished prospect. Mayfield is scheme agnostic and possesses the traits to be a top tier guy at either tackle spot.

Jaguars, Jacksonville Jaguars 2020

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LA Rams)

2021 Record: 1-15 (LA 10-6)

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

A towering cover corner Horn doesn’t have the stiffness that usually accompanies corner prospects of his size. His length and physicality allowed him to live with some of the top SEC receivers on the outside. A trait he will bring to the NFL. His want to make plays can lead to him biting early on routes and getting exposed and Horn’s tackling leaves a little to be desired, but those physical tools and consistent improvement over the three years he spent in college give me confidence he can continue to grow in the league. 

Cleveland Browns Season, Cleveland Browns 2020

26. Cleveland Browns

2021 Record: 11-5

Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia

When my SEC colleague George Somerville told me about this kid back in October, it was before any big draft guys were talking about him. An undersized edge prospect, Ojulari makes up for it with rare bend and dip. Great get off and a stellar motor combine to make him a force in the pass rush game, there is work to be done on the technicals of pass rushing, but with someone like Myles Garrett on the other side, the Browns can line Ojulari up on multiple looks and let him feast!

Baltimore Ravens

27. Baltimore Ravens

2021 Record: 11-5

Terrace Marshall Jr, WR, LSU

One of the most complete receivers in this class, Marshall shone this year with Chase and Jefferson opting out and being in the league respectively. Marshall’s size, physicality, hands and route running make him a great fit for Baltimore who need a true number one receiver to compliment Hollywood Brown. TMJ’s large catch radius will work well with QB Lamar Jackson. He has some issues as a blocker in the run game, but if anywhere can clean that up, it’s Baltimore.

Saints, New Orleans Saints 2020

28. New Orleans Saints

2021 Record: 12-4

Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

An explosive linear athlete who can replace departing linebacker Kwon Alexander on day 1. Bolton is the kind of athlete that will revitalise the Saints linebacker corps. His leadership as the true alpha in the Missouri defense last season has prepared him well for life in the NFL. Bolton lays the boom like perhaps no other player in this class, some of his tackles on film are jarring! The coverage skills are somewhat lacking, but with how hard he hits receivers over the middle, the deterrent is there.

Packers, Green Bay Packers

29. Green Bay Packers

2021 Record: 13-3

Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

Oh buddy, oh pal! The Packers desperately need a corner to pair with Jaire Alexander. Kevin King hasn’t come close to working out, the Josh Jackson pick was a disaster (as was his treatment by the organisation) and the back end of this Packers defense would be shored up by Stokes. A blanket guy in coverage, Stokes has immense body control and route anticipation. He doesn’t show up much on game film because his assignment is erased regularly. When Stokes and Alexander lock it down, finding a guy to pass too is going to be tough!

Bills, Buffalo Bills 2020

30. Buffalo Bills

2021 Record: 13-3

Jaelen Phillips, Edge, Miami

The Hurricanes transfer overcame the injury issues that dominated his college career in 2020 to post a great season. His exciting athletic profile and underrated technical ability make him a solid addition in both the run and pass game for Buffalo. Comfortable rushing from the edge or the interior, Phillips certainly has some things to clean up, his pad level and hand technique need work but aren’t disastrous. His fit on a Buffalo defensive line with Ed Oliver and AJ Epenesa is tantalising. 

Chiefs, Kansas City Chiefs 2020

31. Kansas City Chiefs

2021 Record: 14-2

Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama

The hog molly of the tide defensive line, Barmore got better and better as the season went along. The tone setter on the leading defense in the country. Versatile enough to play anywhere from 1 to 5 tech, Barmore is a twitchy piece for KC to add to a line that produced very little in the Super Bowl. His hands are active and powerful and his pass rush moves are developed enough to allow him to make an impact day 1, but still hold a lot of potential moving forward.

Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2020

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2021 Record: 11-5

Daviyon Nixon, IDL, Iowa

A violent interior defender, Nixon is a plus athlete who just disrupts on every snap. Topping Bruce Feldman’s College Freaks list before the 2020 season, Nixon started to put it all together and realise his potential in 2020. Now he comes to the NFL and gets to blow up holes for this stellar Bucs pass rush. With Suh’s departure looking likely, Tampa can add a guy who can do a very similar role on their defense as they look to repeat as Super Bowl Champions!

ALEX CHINERY

HEAD OF ANALYTICS & SOCIAL MEDIA

ALEX IS THE HEAD OF OUR FOOTBALL ANALYTICS DIVISION, A PACKERS AND TEXAS LONGHORNS FAN ALEX IS ALSO ONE THIRD OF THE COLLEGE CHAPS TEAM. EXPECT TO SEE ALEX POPPING UP ALL OVER THE TOUCHDOWN!

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