CHINERY MOCK DRAFT 2.0
By Alex Chinery
With the NFL Draft around 10 days away it is time for me to unveil my final mock draft. Its one round, with trades (although I only see one happening if the board falls this way) and it isn’t what I myself would do, rather what I predict the teams will do.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2021 Record: 1-15
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
A three-year starter at one of the premier schools in the country. Lawrence has a close to complete profile as an NFL quarterback. With ample arm strength and an impressive physical ability Lawrence will have scouts everywhere drooling. This combined with an incredible level of self-confidence and maturity make Lawrence one of the most tantalising quarterback prospects since Andrew Luck.
2. New York Jets
2021 Record: 2-14
Justin Fields, QB, OSU
Whilst most believe Zach Wilson is the pick for the Jets, I wonder if those rumours have been a slight smokescreen. Fields has many links to Kyle and Mike Shanahan, who mentored both the Jets HC and Offensive Coordinator. Fields and Lawrence have been 1a and 1b throughout their careers from high school to the pros. The difference between their evaluations for me isn’t huge at this stage either. Fields is accurate with a big arm and tantalising athleticism. If he can process the speed of NFL defences and learn when to tuck and run, he could take the NFL by storm.
3. San Francisco 49ers via Miami via Houston
2021 Record: 6-10 (Mia: 10-6) (Hou: 4-12)
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Nicknamed the Mormon Manziel by Mello Miller during one of his many appearances on the College Chaps Podcast. Wilson has all the tools to be a top NFL quarterback in the 2020’s. Comfortable throwing from crazy angles and on the run, Wilson is able to create big chunk plays in unexpected situations. Similar to Patrick Mahomes in that the play calling and offensive line of the team that selects Wilson will make a huge difference to how he plays early in his career. Shanahan makes perfect sense as the head coach to develop Wilson.
4. Atlanta Falcons
2021 Record: 4-12
Kyle Pitts, Offensive Weapon, Florida
The Falcons believe they can challenge for a playoff spot in 2021 and adding the most dynamic weapon in the NFL draft will certainly help those chances. Capable of lining up anywhere on the line, Pitts is a YAC monster who can be used both beyond and behind the line of scrimmage to keep the chains moving. A monster in the red zone, Pitts would do a huge amount to solve an area of the field that has troubled Atlanta for a few years. Julio Jones is a disappointment in the red zone given his physical gifts, pairing him with Pitts might just open things up in a way that he hasn’t seen in years.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Record: 4-11-1
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Sewell may be the most underrated player in this draft class. A likely 10-15 year starter at left tackle in the league Sewell possesses a rare combination of athleticism and strength. The blindside protector of Justin Herbert during his college career, Sewell is technically brilliant with his footwork being a particular highlight. The Bengals lost Joe Burrow to a torn ACL halfway through last season after nine games of punishment behind a brutal offensive line. Whilst Jonah Williams is coming back from injury, surely the Bengals decide to fill the second most important position in football with a high upside, young talent than an oft injured player who has struggled somewhat in his limited playing time.
6. Miami Dolphins via Philadelphia
2021 Record: 10-6 (Phi: 4-11-1)
Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
In trading back from pick three Miami doubled down on their second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. They decide to get him a weapon with this pick of the best receiver in the draft class. Chase is a good athlete with elite body control and a spectacular route running ability. A premier release and plus physicality that allows him to leave the corner covering him in his dust at the line allows the LSU product to use his rangy strides to get open wherever he’s lined up. The featured receiver on the famous 2019 LSU offence, Chase is going to be a star in this league and could be to Tua what Michael Thomas has been to Drew Brees.
7. Detroit Lions
2021 Record: 5-11
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
After selecting Jeff Okudah at the top of the draft last year, the Lions double down on creating one of the top young secondaries in the league in 2021. The corner class is top heavy so selecting one cannot wait and Detroit uses its pick ahead of some other needy teams to select the top defensive player on many boards. Surtain is a rangy corner with a skillset that compliments Okudah nicely. Corners usually take a season or two to adjust to the NFL, the Lions have that time having only just appointed a new football staff. This is a move that secures their defensive future long term.
8. Carolina Panthers
2021 Record: 5-11
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State University
Whilst the Panthers have just traded for Same Darnold, he has only one year left on his cheap rookie contract. If Lance is available for the Panthers at 8, it makes sense for them to select him. A huge arm, incredible athletic profile and very accurate career, Lance has all the makings of a star. However, a lack of playing experience, messy mechanics and lack of top-quality competition in his college career mean that Lance will need at least a year to sit and learn before he sees the field at the NFL level. The Panthers have an exciting young team and will be in a much better place if they end the 2021 season with two exciting quarterbacks than ending it with none.
9. Denver Broncos
2021 Record: 5-11
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
A dynamic, impactful, on-field leader at Penn State, Parsons is the beating heart of a defence. Great sideline-to-sideline presence and a pass rushing legacy mean that Parsons can be used in a number of different ways by a creative defensive mind. There is work to do in coverage and matching Parsons up against a tight end early on in his career would be a disaster. Parsons also has some character flags. There have been rumblings of some pretty brutal hazing at Penn State at which Parsons was at the centre. However, in the mature environment of an NFL locker room, Parsons could flourish and become a premier player in the league.
10. Dallas Cowboys
2021 Record: 6-10
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
A rangy, gritty corner with premier coverage ability and greater leadership attributes is exactly what the Cowboys defence needs heading into 2020. The secondary has been a mess for some time and Horn can become the leader that the group needs. Never one to beack down in an SEC that has become a haven for offensive talent in recent seasons, Horn took on the best and locked them down, often with no help from the rest of his squad. A true alpha, Horn is physical and often ruins the day of the receiver opposite him. There is some work to do on his tackling, but Horn is a great addition for Dallas.
11. New York Giants
2021 Record: 6-10
Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
This is probably the first pick in this draft that will result in angry tweets from fans of the team doing the drafting. However, many NFL insiders have inferred that teams are much higher on Barmore than those of us who study the draft from the outside. In a shallow defensive line class, Barmore stands out as the top talent. Possessing an impressive physical profile, Barmore has room to grow into a top defensive lineman at the NFL level. Giants GM Dave Gettleman loves to select defensive lineman with top picks, and it has been a couple of seasons since he last did so. Combining Leonard Williams and Barmore make for a scary defensive presence.
12. Philadelphia Eagles via San Francisco
2021 Record: 4-11-1 (SF: 6-10)
Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
If Smith isn’t an Eagle in the hours after this pick, I fear for the city of Philadelphia. Eagles fans are besotted by the Heisman Trophy winner and it is easy to see why. Smith is an outstanding route runner with great hands and a killer release. His film against future top 10 pick Dereck Stingley Jr was an insane battle that will be shown over and over again if the two ever face off in the league. Smith’s body control and physicality at his size are incredibly impressive and add to what is a prototypical receiver built for early success in the league. Smith’s size is worrying, but his college career hasn’t been filled with injuries. Reuniting Smith and Hurts would be exciting for those in the Keystone State.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
2021 Record: 7-9
Rashawn Slater, OT/OG/OC, Northwestern
The Chargers hit on a franchise quarterback in 2020 and now they must go into overdrive to build around him. Slater add to LA what they haven’t had in many years. A top, versatile, young offensive lineman. Slater has excelled at tackle in college and will start there in the NFL, but his future may lie on the interior. If it does, he will be a perennial top 10 player at his position. The Chargers need to start adding top quality contributors on the offensive line. Slater is a great start.
14. Minnesota Vikings
2021 Record: 7-9
Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC
You can’t succeed in the NFL in 2021 without a competent offensive line. To get one you have to either be good at developing players or pick lineman who are competent coming out of college. The Vikings have been awful at the first part, so must turn to the second. AVT comes into the NFL with a very solid career at left tackle for USC but his future lies inside. Good footwork and solid technical ability give him a great base to work from and will allow him to be a force in the Vikings zone rushing scheme. With Dalvin Cook continuing to cement his status as one of the best running backs in the NFL, giving him a new talented guard to open up lanes, whilst also having the pass protection chops to give Kirk Cousins enough time to throw will be a huge boost to an offence that has underwhelmed in recent seasons.
15. New England Patriots
2021 Record: 7-9
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
After an out of character free agency spending spree, some have spoken about the idea of the Patriots trading up, I think they stand pat and let Jones fall to them at 15. Jones will immediately compete against Cam Newton for the starting QB role, particularly as Cam underwhelmed last year. Jones’ pretty deep ball and accurate short passing game will fit well in Josh McDaniels offensive system. Jones is a natural leader, who could begin to fill the leadership void that several big-name departures from Foxboro have left over the last 12 months. That leadership will be perfect for continuing the Patriot way into a new generation.
16. Arizona Cardinals
2021 Record: 8-8
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
This year feels make or break for the Cardinals and head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Quarterback Kyler Murray is on an upward trajectory, towards the top half of passers in the league and the results need to follow. The addition of do it all back Harris gives the offence another weapon that teams have to prepare for. A force in both the running and passing game, Harris was a true Heisman snub this year. Kingsbury mixes a lot of run concepts into his pass happy philosophy; Harris gives the Cardinals a true lead back to mix into their arsenal.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
2021 Record: 8-8
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
After trading away Trent Brown back to the Patriots, the Raiders need a people mover to open up big holes for Josh Jacobs in the run game but also one capable of keeping Derrick Carr upright. Darrisaw has everything from a length, size and mobility standpoint and has improved in each of the three seasons that he has played in college. If he is able to add some strength once he gets into an NFL conditioning plan, Darrisaw can become a fixture on the Raiders line for years to come.
18. Miami Dolphins
2021 Record: 10-6
Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
Super bendy with an incredible dip, Ojulari has so many assets that will intrigue scouts. His body control and great motor see him get home at any level. Whilst his rushing technique needs some refinement, I believe Brian Flores is the perfect person to get the best out of Ojulari. With the departure of Kyle Van Noy, the Dolphins need to bring through the next generation of pass rusher in South Beach.
19. Washington Football Team
2021 Record: 7-9
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
An explosive, versatile, playmaker in the middle of what is fast becoming one of the best defences in the NFL. Playing behind Washington’s mean defensive line, JOK would thrive hitting the gaps they create, roaming sideline-to-sideline and making plays. Experienced in coverage, it often looks like he is playing at a different speed to all those around him. JOK would add a new dynamic to what is already a tantalising defence.
20. Chicago Bears
2021 Record: 8-8
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
A dynamic weapon with lightning pace who is comfortable all over the field. Another player who seems to play at a different speed to all his opponents, the Bears would finally have a weapon that they can scheme touches for without needing to rely on the man under centre. Waddle would strike fear to the other teams in the NFC North, none of whom have a defender that possesses the speed to cover him in the open field. Far more than just a speed merchant, Waddle was outpacing his Heisman Trophy winning teammate Devonta Smith before a broken ankle ended his season. This would be a seriously good pick.
21. Indianapolis Colts
2021 Record: 11-5
Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
When someone like Brandon Thorn talks in glowing tomes about an offensive lineman like he does Liam Eichenberg, you listen. A potential day one starter at left tackle, Eichenberg has all the technical prowess you need to play at the NFL level. Comfortable on an island against most edge rushers, Eichenberg uses superior technical ability to shadow rushers beyond the pocket and away from danger. At times, good speed rushers have exposed his slow footwork, but they are his only weakness. For a team looking to contend again in 2021, Eichenberg is a perfect day 1 starter at left tackle.
22. Tennessee Titans
2021 Record: 11-5
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
With Corey Davis departing in free agency, the Titans have a chance to add a lengthy outside receiver to replace him. Comfortably WR4 in this class Bateman lives on the outside. He consistently ties corners in knots with his excellent route running and elite body control which he often uses to create separation. The combination of Bateman and AJ Brown would be a dynamic one for Ryan Tannehill to throw to.
23. New York Jets (via Seattle)
2021 Record: 2-14 (SEA 12-4)
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
It feels as though it has been a long time since Revis Island sat in the sea of the Meadowlands. Greg Newsome is not Darrell Revis, but he is exactly the kind of cornerback that new Jets head coach Robert Saleh will love to have in his defence. A perimeter guy with ball skills and length, Newsome is an instinctive corner and great tackler. If Newsome can overcome the durability issues that have plagued his career thus far, we could have a new star in the Big Apple.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
2021 Record: 12-4
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
An experienced lineman who has played all along the offensive line, Jenkins is a 320lb monster. A finisher in both the run and pass game, he has a violent strike that often ends contests before they’ve begun. As Big Ben transitions towards the end of his career, having a young, nasty lineman like Jenkins erasing opposing rushers will sit well. As the Steelers begin the multi-year process of getting younger on offence, Jenkins would be a close to perfect start.
TRADE Green Bay Packers trade picks 29, 142 and 220 to Jacksonville for pick 24.
25. Green Bay Packers (via Jacksonville) (via LA Rams)
2021 Record: 13-3 (JAX 1-15) (LA 10-6)
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Retaining Kevin King on a short-term deal brought ire from some Packers fans but it sets them up perfectly to be aggressive and take the best cover corner in this draft. The back injuries are a concern, but King will allow the Packers to give Farley half a season to adjust and recover. His ability to roam inside a zone, stick to an incoming receiver and play with his head on a swivel make him a dangerous addition opposite the best young corner in the NFL.
26. Cleveland Browns
2021 Record: 11-5
Jaelen Phillips, Edge, Miami
A former five-star recruit and stellar athlete, Phillips offers a rare blend of athleticism at edge. This combined with a solid technical prowess and the knowledge of both Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett could turn him into one of the best rushers in the NFL. There’s a lot to clean up, especially with his pad height and use of hands and concussion issues in his past may have him off the boards of some teams.
27. Baltimore Ravens
2021 Record: 11-5
Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State
An insane athlete with unreal potential off the edge, Oweh is the definition of a project. Oweh has bend, explosives and speed like no other edge rusher in the NFL but the technical prowess in both the pass and run game isn’t there yet. He’ll need to start as a situational rusher, but if any staff can help him reach his enormous potential, it’s Baltimore.
28. New Orleans Saints
2021 Record: 12-4
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
An eraser in coverage during his last two seasons at UGA, Stokes is fast and plays with his head on a swivel. Comfrotable in man, zone or press coverage. Stokes has the tools to make it at the next level. His speed on the artificial surface of the Super Dome could lead to some electric playmaking and wonderful pick sixes. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see Stokes involved in the return game during his career.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars via Green Bay
2021 Record: 1-15 (GB: 13-3)
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Sliding back a few picks and being able to pick the top single high safety would be a perfect outcome. Moehrig is a plus athlete with great ball skills and instincts. Not afraid to come up and tackle, he has played multiple roles at TCU but projects to be best deep in the NFL. His chops in man coverage need some improvement if he is to move closer to the line of scrimmage, but I don’t see that in his future. Moehrig is another great option for the Jaguars to continue their rebuild.
30. Buffalo Bills
2021 Record: 13-3
Joseph Ossai, Edge, Texas
New to rushing the passer this year, Ossai took to his new role with aplomb. A plus athlete with an incredible motor, Ossai explodes into his rush and doesn’t stop until he gets home. There is a need for refinement as he lacks experience. His play recognition isn’t his strongest attribute and will need to be refined during training camp, but his potential as a pass rusher will see him fit in well in Buffalo.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
2021 Record: 14-2
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Experienced at both tackle spots Cosmi is a phenomenal athlete with a 10+ yard rushing touchdown on his college resume. Playing slightly lean in college, Cosmi wasn’t helped by either the play calling or quarterback Sam Ehlinger’s slow release. The Longhorn uses his plus athleticism to cover up for some technical deficiencies, but this lends itself to development as technical can be taught, whilst athleticism is much tougher to train.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Record: 11-5
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
A dynamic offensive playmaker who can be schemed touches all over the field. With experience of lining up inside and outside, Moore has the potential to be used all over the field. Still raw as a route runner, Moore is a true burner at least early on in his NFL career. With Antonio Brown departing, Moore could become a great safety blanket for Tom Brady whilst also creating with his superior run after catch ability.
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!