Another NFL season has come and gone and now it’s time to already start looking ahead to the next season. Every year the NFL Draft marks the unofficial ‘beginning’ of a new season where teams will start their quest towards a championship.
This year’s draft, perhaps more so than any other draft in recent memory, is full of mystery and intrigue in the first round. Many teams have several different crucial needs to address, but deciding when to address them will be the key factor. The draft lined up in such a way this year where the draft order and team’s needs do not necessarily coordinate with the best available talent. What this means, in short, is that draft night should be very exciting.
For example, there are three top-five caliber QB talents atop this year’s draft, yet there are only two teams that need a QB… or are there? This says that we should be expecting to see multiple trades on draft night.
Another underrated piece of this year’s draft is a monstrous free-agent class coming up this spring. All-time greats like Philip Rivers and Tom Brady have hit the free agent market and stud skill players like Derrick Henry will be sure to completely reset the free agency market. This will also mean that every team’s needs will change as draft day creeps closer.
Please enjoy my idea of what the first round will look like. I did not include any trades in this mock, as they would be simply too difficult to predict. Each team is listed with what I believe are their top team needs along with the pick I believe works best for them.
Let’s do this!
1. Cincinnati Bengals (QB, WR)
QB – Joe Burrow, LSU
This is probably the easiest call of this whole entire mock. Joe Burrow. Bet the farm on Burrow to the Bengals first overall. The stars aligned for the Cincinnati Bengals who have been stuck in a purgatory of mediocrity for what seems like decades now. Joe Burrow can be the man to change that. And if you are the Bengals sitting with the number one overall pick, how do you even look anywhere else? Burrow to the Bengals, no doubter.
2. Washington Redskins (EDGE, OT, WR, CB)
EDGE – Chase Young, Ohio State
Ohio State seems to be a factory for edge rushers over the past ten years. From the Bosa brothers in 2019 and 2016 all the way back to Cam Heyward in 2011, Chase Young comes from a long line of well-proven edge rushers from OSU. He is freak of a physical specimen, which should only further solidify his as the obvious number two overall pick for Washington. However, as recent reports have begun to arise about Washington’s interest in a QB with the second pick, I am growing slightly more weary about this pick.
3. Detroit Lions (LB, CB, EDGE)
CB – Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
I really had some difficulty with this selection. Recently, the Lions shipped away their All-Pro Darius Slay via trade, which is why I learned towards the Okudah pick. Isaiah Simmons was the other potential candidate here, but I think Okudah fits the Lions’ system a little bit more seamlessly. Don’t get me wrong though, after Simmons having a great showing at the combine, I would not blame the Lions for taking a stab at his freakish athleticism. But for now, I think Okudah is the obvious choice for the Lions.
4. New York Giants (OT, LB, EDGE)
LB – Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
As you can tell from the Lions write up just above, I am super high on Isaiah Simmons. I think he is a steal at fourth overall for the Giants and he can be an immediate impact maker for that defense. He is unbelievably versatile for a linebacker with the coverage skills to be able to drop in coverage and the speed and toughness to rush off the edge. My mind immediately goes to Jabrill Peppers as a similar mold, without the size to play line. The Giants love Peppers versatility and I believe they will love Simmons at four also.
5. Miami Dolphins (QB, EDGE, OT, RB)
QB – Justin Herbert, Oregon
Perhaps the best thing that could happen for the Miami Dolphins is seeing two of the “Big 3” quarterbacks get selected before their pick. If the cards fall correctly and Joe Burrow lands in Cincinnati and perhaps Tua lands in Washington, then the decision has essentially been made for the Dolphins already. I think that Herbert is their man through and through and Tua’s injury concerns have only been further solidifying this. I expect to see Herbert in Miami, learning behind Fitzmagic for a year before taking over the reigns.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (QB, OL, CB)
QB – Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
The Chargers are going to have to do a lot of hoping and praying that a quarterback falls to them at sixth overall. If the cards fall right, however, I believe that Tua Tagovailoa should be there for them at the six. Jordan Love has also been a trendy name as of recent, so perhaps he will be in play with this pick. Be on the lookout for LA to trade up to the third overall pick to try and get their pick of Tua and Herbert.
7. Carolina Panthers (DT, QB, CB, OL, S)
DT – Derrick Brown, Auburn
Carolina is one of the most interesting teams in this whole entire draft. Their draft strategy can go two very different ways based on their looming decision at the quarterback position. If they decide to move on from Cam Newton, then expect them to be in the market for a quarterback – perhaps Tua or Jordan Love out of Utah State who is quickly rising up draft boards. But, for now, Cam is still a Panther, so I will assume that they will address a different need; defensive line. Derrick Brown is a massive run stopper out of Auburn and will make an immediate impact on this less-than-threatening Carolina defense.
Note: I also think that the cards can fall right for the Panthers and they can see Isaiah Simmons fall to them. Simmons would be an ideal replacement for recently retired Luke Kuechley.
8. Arizona Cardinals (WR, OL)
OT – Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama
I originally had CeeDee Lamb ending up in Arizona as somewhat of a no-brainer. Kyler Murray played with Lamb during his time in Oklahoma and the Arizona receiving corps was in need of some serious help. Well, they got that help in a major way when they were able to pull off an absurd trade for All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins. So, that somewhat takes them out of the running for a wideout. I would not be surprised if Murray still makes a case to the front office to pick up Lamb at 8, but I think that the Cardinals will look to aid the protection of Murray by selecting a surefire tackle out of Alabama.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (LB, CB, S, DT)
DT – Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Kinlaw shot his way up the draft boards with a stellar showing in the Senior Bowl. He was a force to be reckoned with and I think the Jags will be very keen on that. They have struggled to get much of an interior pass rush since losing Malik Jackson and Marcell Dareus and I believe that Kinlaw will be the solution that they are seeking. Expect to see the Jags in the 2021 lottery for Trevor Lawrence.
10. Cleveland Browns (OL, S)
OT – Andrew Thomas, Georgia
The Browns are still trying to make it work with Baker Mayfield. Last year, they went out and acquired Odell Beckham Jr. to help out the passing game, but it ultimately ended up being a dud because of poor offensive line play. This year, the Browns will address their poor offensive line by selecting perhaps the most dominant offensive lineman in the draft, Andrew Thomas. Coming in at a massive 6’5” 320 lbs, Thomas can be an anchor in Cleveland for many years to come.
11. New York Jets (OL, EDGE, WR)
OT – Mekhi Becton, Louisville
Another player who helped himself at the NFL Combine, Becton showed some real speed. The Jets need to keep Darnold upright in order to see what their offense can actually do and Becton can help with that monumentally. Becton recently had some issues with a failed drug test, but I do not suspect the Jets will sway from a plug and play option on their currently shoddy line.
12. Las Vegas Raiders (WR, LB, CB, QB)
WR – CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Lamb may be one of the most polished receivers that have come out of college in recent memory. He attacks the ball when it is in the air, runs pristine routes and has top-end speed. All of these traits coupled with a team moving to a brand new city might make for the birth of a new superstar in the NFL. Oakland would be foolish to pass on Lamb if he is still there at 12. The Raiders’ receiving corps can also use all of the help it can get. Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow are not going to take this team to the promised land.
13. San Francisco 49ers (OL, WR, DT, DB)
WR – Henry Ruggs, Alabama
I think that the Niners will be quite happy to see that their guy fell to them at pick 13. As for the Niners and Ruggs, this is a pretty simple fit. Ruggs had a dominant showing at the 2020 Combine and the Niners’ receiving corps could use his massive speed to stretch the field vertically. A playmaker like Ruggs could be the missing piece from Shanahan’s Super Bowl formula. After coming so close to a Lombardi trophy in 2020, expect the Niners to be in contention again in 2021.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (DT, QB, OL)
OL – Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
There is now a new sheriff in Tampa Bay and the protection of that sheriff is the major concern for the Buccaneers. They have two Pro-Bowl caliber wide receivers and a functional backfield, which implies that the only missing piece is the line. Wirfs comes from Iowa, a school known for its line play and an incredible combine showing. Tampa will be lucky to land him at 14.
15. Denver Broncos (WR, OL, CB, LB)
WR – Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Despite the fact that Courtland Sutton and Daesean Hamilton have both shown some promise in the past few seasons, Denver still needs to add some offensive firepower. Jerry Jeudy will be an absolute steal of talent for the Broncos with the fifteenth pick and will fill a massive need for the team. Drew Lock, Sutton, Melvin Gordon, Noah Fant and Jeudy could make this Denver offense quite a formidable one for the first time since the Peyton Manning era.
16. Atlanta Falcons (EDGE, CB, DT)
EDGE – K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
A cornerstone of the championship LSU defense, Chaisson was a monster in the trenches. After letting Vic Beasley walk this offseason, Atlanta will be seeking a replacement and Chaisson fits the mold quite well. I like the fit here at 16.
17. Dallas Cowboys (CB, S, DT)
CB – CJ Henderson, Florida
The Cowboys’ defense needs a boost in the secondary and CJ Henderson, a ballhawk corner from the Florida Gators defense will do the trick. He should fit in quite seamlessly to the Cowboys’ defense and hopefully provide some additional security in the secondary.
18. Miami Dolphins (From PIT) (QB, EDGE, OL, RB)
OT – Austin Jackson, USC
The Dolphins need to bolster their line in order to keep their newly drafted quarterback upright in the future. Austin Jackson is a raw talent, but will grow into his role with the Dolphins and will be an anchor for their line moving forward.
19. Las Vegas Raiders (From CHI) (WR, LB, CB)
LB – Patrick Queen, LSU
Much like K’Lavon Chaisson, Queen was a major player for the championship LSU defense. Although only a one year starter at LSU, Queen showed massive physical potential and scouts as a high-end NFL starter. Pair that talent with a Las Vegas team that is in search of a defensive cornerstone and you have a match made in heaven.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (From LAR) (LB, S, CB, DT)
LB – Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
It’s amazing how in this draft all of the players seem to come in chunks. For example, Herbert, Burrow and Tagovailoa are all lumped together. Ruggs, Lamb and Jeudy are another example. And here at picks 19 and 20, we have two very similar linebackers in Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray. The Jags could use some more physical presence alongside Myles Jack and Murray is the perfect player to fulfill that need.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (CB, LB, WR)
WR – Justin Jefferson, LSU
It is no joke that Philly is in desperate need of a wide receiver. Their current WR corp ranks among the worst in the league and they need to provide Wentz with some type of field-stretching weapon. Cue Justin Jefferson. While not crazy tall or crazy fast, Jefferson has some of the best play-making ability among the skill players in this year’s draft, as well demonstrated in the CFB National Championship game.
22. Minnesota Vikings (CB, OL, DT)
CB – Kristian Fulton, LSU
Continuing a massive run of LSU players, I think Fulton will land in Minnesota to help sure up the Vikings secondary. Many experts do not believe that Fulton will go in the first round, but I believe that his tape speaks wonders to his instinct and he comes from a winning background at LSU. Combine those two things and you have a successful corner.
23. New England Patriots (EDGE, OL, TE)
DE – Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
The Patriots have not had a consistent pass rusher since Chandler Jones was once a Patriot and Gross-Matos can be the change to that issue. After seeing Brady leave in free agency, most Patriots fans will be expecting the Pats to draft a quarterback, but I do not believe there are any quarterbacks worth selecting at this pick. Perhaps they will be movers on draft day, but I expect them to stick at 23 and take what falls to them. Gross-Matos also boasts massive upside, which Belichick will be foaming at the mouth to get his hands on.
24. New Orleans Saints (OL, WR, LB, CB)
CB – Trevon Diggs, Alabama
The Saints are in the fortunate position of not having any MASSIVE needs for the 2020-21 season, so I think they will invest some draft capital into their secondary. Diggs is a talented corner from Alabama and has the potential to work well alongside Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore. This will be essential for developing Diggs’ raw, but palpable talent.
25. Minnesota Vikings (CB, OL, DT)
DT – Ross Blacklock, TCU
The Vikings are in the very fortunate position of having two first round picks. Unfortunately, that cost them top wide receiver Stefon Diggs (whose brother I have going the pick before by the way!). I think that the Vikings will play things safe here and grab Blacklock out of TCU. Blacklock can help turn the Vikings’ defensive line from good to great this season and can hopefully become a stalwart for this defense in the future.
26. Miami Dolphins (From HOU) (QB, EDGE, OT, RB)
RB – Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Hopefully, Miami will learn from its mistakes in the past and will select the best available players when they find themselves on the clock. At 18, that best available should be Jonathan Taylor. Taylor can make an immediate impact in the Miami offense and after having a legendary career at Wisconsin, there should be no question whether he will succeed in the NFL. Adding not one, but two massive offensive weapons in this year’s draft could be monumental for Miami.
27. Seattle Seahawks (EDGE, WR, OL)
DE – A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Epenesa is going to be a gift for the Seahawks all the way down at 27. He checks off all the boxes as a prototypical NFL defensive end and can make an immediate impact in one of the league’s best defenses. This can be especially true if the team does not re-sign Jadeveon Clowney in the coming weeks. Part of me thinks that their hesitation in re-signing Clowney is because they are waiting to see if they land a DE in the draft.
28. Baltimore Ravens (EDGE, LB, DT)
LB – Zach Baun, Wisconsin
Much like you will see soon with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens are in a phenomenal situation with not losing much talent. I think that they will add another tough player to their defense by selecting Zach Baun. Baun will be able to help fill that ‘CJ-Mosely-sized-hole’ that the Ravens are still feeling in the middle of their defense.
29. Tennessee Titans (EDGE, OL, DT)
OL – Josh Jones, Houston
After committing to Derrick Henry for another year via the Franchise Tag, I expect Mike Vrabel and the boys to rock with the same formula that got them to the AFC Championship game in 2020… RUN THE DAMN BALL. And the way that they can accomplish that even better than last year is through the addition of a solid offensive lineman in Josh Jones. Jones has an extremely athletic build and can develop and grow even more with the current Tennessee line.
30. Green Bay Packers (OL, WR, TE)
WR – Denzel Mims, Baylor
Another draft sweetheart, Mims has shot up many teams’ draft boards. I think that the Packers are likely to take a chance on the Baylor product at 30. Mims dominated in the Senior Bowl, which has recently been a decent indicator of NFL success. Guys like Deebo Samuel and Michael Gallup have recently shown out at the Senior Bowl and have then gone on to have pretty solid rookie and sophomore seasons in the league. Mims will pair well with Davante Adams and will give Aaron Rodgers another massive target to find downfield.
31. San Francisco 49ers (CB, OL, S)
S – Xavier McKinney, Alabama
Unfortunately for guys like McKinney, Delpit and Winfield, there is just not a massive demand for safeties in this year’s first round. And those teams that do need safeties have other greater needs that they will be more likely to address. What this means is that guys like McKinney will have to wait a while to hear their names called. I think that McKinney is an exceptional talent for this late of a pick and will fit in very well to an already poignant San Francisco defense. Robert Saleh will be very happy to have McKinney roaming around in his secondary.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (CB, DT, RB)
RB – DeAndre Swift, Georgia
This is almost just not fair. The Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2020 and now return 20 out of their 22 starters in 2021. And, they are in a position to address one of their very few needs in the draft. In a draft that is very heavy on wide receivers and linemen, running backs will be sure to fall towards the end of the round and the Chiefs will benefit from that greatly. I think that the Dolphins will opt for Taylor at 26, leaving the Chiefs with DeAndre Swift here at 32. Not a bad pick for the last pick of a round.
What do you think about these picks? Am I right? Am I wrong? Did you make it this far? Tell me what you think on Twitter!
