2021-04-27
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It’s that time of the year again. Here we are with the NFL Draft just two days away, and it it is time for me to nail my colours to the mast. This is my only mock draft for the year so enjoy!
This one is as locked in as Burrow to the Bengals last year. Urban Meyer gets to kick start his time in Duval with the top quarterback in the draft.
Pick number 2 shouldn’t offer any more surprise than the one before it. The NFL wil be wary of how they missed on Mahomes. Zach Wilson isn’t that guy but he has freaky enough arm talent for the Jets to fall in love.
There seems less certainty over this pick then there was a week ago. However, Mac Jones remains the heavy favourite. The 49ers have playmakers, they need an accurate QB to get the ball to them in space. I’m not sold on it but Kyle Shanahan seems to be.
Let’s make it four in a row. Yes, the Falcons are tied to Matt Ryan for two years but they may not be in position to take a top QB again. Jones to 49ers gives the Falcons the chance to to bring Fields back to Georgia.
Ok, the mainstream media will disagree but the Bengals appear to have made peace with Riley Reiff and the depth of the offensive line class. The move gives Burrow his favourite target and Cincy a mouth-watering receiving trio of receivers.
The Dolphins have made moves to enhance their offensive line but are we sure Robert Hunt is their right tackle of the future? They could shift him inside to make room for the Oregon behemoth. Chase, Pitts and Sewell are the cream of this class and the Dolphins ensure they get one of them.
The Lions might not be a fit for Kyle Pitts but they will benefit from adding picks for Dan Campbell to build around. The Pats jump up to take Lance, who can sit behind Cam Newton for a season.
Pitts is a top-5 player in this draft and Matt Rhule won’t pass up on the chance of taking a game changer with this pick. He gives Darnold the help he lacked in New York.
The Broncos find themselves vaulted for the QBs. They can take solace in getting a chess piece of a defensive player. Vic Fangio values athletic linebackers (see Roquan Smith), JOK adds athleticism and coverage ability to the middle of the defense.
It’s the most popular pick of this year’s draft. The Cowboys still need help in their secondary and Surtain is a polished prospect. There aren’t too many flaws to a player who has learned about being a pro from his father’s time in the league.
Sometimes you just can’t let a player keep dropping. Waddle is a special athlete that adds a different dimension to pair with Kenny Golladay.
The Eagles made the trade back knowing there would be a good choice of wide receivers and cornerbacks available. They will be pretty pleased to grab a Heisman winner to help Jalen Hurts.
The Chargers have their franchise QB, they have to protect him. Slater is at worst an excellent guard but his technical ability suggest he can start at tackle in the NFL.
The top end talent on the offensive line is coming off the board fast now. Ezra Cleveland and Brian O’Neill should man the tackle spots for the Vikings, Vera-Tucker solidifies the interior.
You could argue that Micah Parsons is the best defensive prospect in this draft. Maturity issues could cause a bit of a fall but Lions new brass is going to love his ‘smashmouth style’.
The Cardinals lost Patrick Peterson this offseason and there is some question marks over the position going into 2021. Horn is a physical corner who could lock an outside spot down for the foreseeable.
The Raiders forced themselves into an impromptu rebuild along the offensive line this offseason. Darrisaw is the prototypical, long-armed, heavy set tackle that you would think Mike Mayock could love to pair with Kolton Miller.
Ok, hear me out. Dolphins fans are going to be upset not to land a receiver with one of their first rounders. However, Ojulari is a great fit, able to rush from a two point stance or with a hand in the dirt.Â
Washington have built a solid defense so I have them looking to bolster their offensive line. They are going to plug a young QB in eventually (potentially 2022) having Jenkins already in place will be a big help when they do.
The Bears see Jenkins go ahead of them and without a high end QB or tackle availble they could bail. The Browns grab Farley, who could drop due to medical issues, to pair with Denzel Ward.
Chris Ballard isn’t afraid of bold draft day moves. Here they take Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. The Colts will have to get comfortable with the medical history but play-wise, Phillips is a no-brainer.
The Titans moved on from Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson this offseason. They have Kristian Fulton but Greg Newsome is a smooth corner who will help this secondary out.
The Jets may have added Carl Lawson to be their premier pass rusher but you can’t have too many guys who can get to the quarterback. Paye is versatile and at this point one of the best available on the board.
Having weighed in at 270lbs during medical rechecks, Collins appears to be be aiming at becoming an outside linebacker in the NFL. He can help replace some of the rushing ability of Bud Dupree as well as moving around the defense.
The Ravens are rumoured to be keyed in on receiver in the first round. They could be wary of the Saints or Packers trying to leap up and make a small move to secure Bateman. They hope he can reproduce his 2019 play and give Lamar Jackson a reliable target.
The Bears move back and add picks while still landing a solid offensive line prospect. Leatherwood can be a very good guard or tackle. He has ideal length and SEC experience.
The Jags move down here and still get a great fit. Moehrig is the number one safety in the class, Jacksonville get him and some extra picks – win/win.
Michael Thomas can’t lead the Saints offense on his own. Jameis Winston will need weapons and Marshall is a tall and speedy wideout who adds a different dimension in New Orleans.
Cornerback play was the undoing of the Packers last season so they return to the first round to find a new starter. Campbell was solid in college but has the traits to be even better in the NFL. Quick and stricky in man coverage, he fits what the Packers need.
The second Georgia cornerback goes the very next pick. Outside of Tre’Davious White the Bills will need cornerback help with contracts expiring next offseason. Stokes’ athletic testing could propel him into the first round.
The Ravens find their Orlando Brown replacement by going back to the Notre Dame well. They use their second first round pick on Liam Eichenberg. Giving them Fighting Irish bookend tackles.
Oweh has a lack of production at collegiate level but tests like a freak. Where better to develop than behind the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh?
Cfb contributor
formerly writing for the inside zone, rory will be breaking down college tape and keeping you up-to-date with all things CFB for the touchdown. an avid bengals fan, you can also find some of rory’s work at stripehype.com.
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