We are less than four days away from the Super Bowl. However, for the 30 teams not playing Sunday, their focus has turned to the offseason, especially the 2021 NFL Draft. While there are still a few months away from the event, it is never too early to do a mock draft. So without further ado, here is my first 2021 NFL Mock Draft with two rounds of analysis and 11 trades.
1) Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Don’t let the hire of Urban Meyer fool you; Lawrence will be the top draft pick no matter what team ended up with this selection. The only thing left for Lawrence to do is get a copy of the playbook and hire a real estate agent.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Carolina Panthers receive pick 2. New York Jets receive picks 8, 39, 2022 first-round selection.
2) Carolina Panthers (via Jets) – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The Panthers reportedly offered the eighth pick to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. While that fell through, expect the Panthers to be very aggressive in trading up come draft night. Many in the scouting community think Wilson could be a superstar, and the Panthers are in a position to get him. Meanwhile, the Jets add their third first-round pick next year while giving Sam Darnold one last chance to show he’s the franchise quarterback.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Houston Texans receive picks 3, 18, 36, 2022 first and third-round selections, Tua Tagovailoa. Miami Dolphins receive pick 112, Deshaun Watson.
3) Houston Texans (via Dolphins) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Watson wants out of Houston, and Miami is on the list of preferred destinations. Thanks to the Laremy Tunsil trade from two years ago, the Dolphins have four picks in the top 50 selections and use them plus future picks and Tua to get their franchise guy. With getting Tua back in the deal, the Texans have their replacement for Watson. The best thing they can do to help him out is adding a dynamic wide receiver like Chase.
4) Atlanta Falcons – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
While Matt Ryan will be a Falcon in 2021, the team can save $15 million in cap space in 2022 by moving on from a 37-year-old Ryan. Fields is from Georgia and would give the Falcons the next face of their franchise to pair with Calvin Ridley. Giving Fields a year to sit behind Ryan would be best for his development and the Falcons’ long term outlook.
5) Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
When the Bengals won a few meaningless games to end the season, many thought they took themselves out of the Sewell sweepstakes. However, with potentially all four teams ahead of them looking at quarterbacks, Sewell fell right into their lap. The Bengals have ignored the offensive line for too long, and now it’s time to protect Joe Burrow.
6) Philadelphia Eagles – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Whether it’s Carson Wentz or Jalen Hurts under center, they need more weapons at wide receiver. Even though they spent their first-round pick on Jalen Reagor last year, adding Smith would provide the Eagles with a true go-to receiver.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
San Francisco 49ers receive picks 7, 102. Detroit Lions receive pick 12, 2022 first-round selection.
7) San Francisco 49ers (via Lions) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
While Jimmy Garoppolo should be the starting quarterback for the 49ers this season, he isn’t likely to be back in 2022 as the team can save over $25 million by releasing him. Lance needs a year to sit and watch, and the 49ers are the perfect spot for him, thanks to Kyle Shanahan. Meanwhile, the Lions claim they view Jared Goff as a franchise quarterback, so if that’s true, trading down and adding their third first-round pick in 2022 is the best move for their rebuilding process.
8) New York Jets (via Panthers) – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
After deciding to pass on a quarterback with the second pick, all of the big four go in the top seven selections. If the Jets are going to give Darnold one last shot at proving he’s the franchise guy, they need to add some weapons. Given his versatility and skill, Pitts might be the best offensive weapon in the draft class.
9) Denver Broncos – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Broncos’ defense was hit hard by injuries in 2020, and while the duo of Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell played well at times, adding Parsons would turn the defense into an elite group. With taking a quarterback out of the question, the Broncos take the best player on the board.
10) Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Assuming the Cowboys either franchise tag or sign Dak Prescott to a long term deal, they will have limited cap space this offseason. Unfortunately for them, their secondary struggled and now will likely lose two starters as Jourdan Lewis and Chidobe Awuzie are upcoming free agents. The Cowboys had success drafting an Alabama cornerback last year, so doubling down isn’t a bad idea.
11) New York Giants – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Many will expect the Giants to use their pick on offense as they had one of the worst in the league. However, Leonard Williams was the only member of the team with more than four sacks in 2020. He is a free agent and the Giants’ top priority this offseason. However, even if he is back, the Giants need to add more pass rushers.
12) Detroit Lions (via 49ers) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
After trading down and adding future picks, the Lions still land themselves the best wide receiver on the draft board had they stayed at the seventh pick. Every wide receiver on the roster except Quintez Cephus is a free agent next month. While Kenny Golladay could get slapped with the franchise tag, Marvin Jones has likely played his last down in Detroit. Adding Waddle would give Goff a weapon he needs.
13) Los Angeles Chargers – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Justin Herbert looks like a future star and face of the league, so the Chargers would be foolish to risk his health and not fixing the problems on the offensive line. While Bryan Bulaga has the right tackle spot locked down, Trey Pipkins and Sam Tevi can’t be counted on to protect Herbert’s blindside. Slater can play multiple positions but would be a staple at left tackle for the next decade.
14) Minnesota Vikings – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
As much as Viking fans want to take a quarterback with this pick, Kirk Cousins will be back next season as the starter, thanks to a $41 million cap hit if he’s released or traded. However, the same can’t be said for Riley Reiff. He was almost moved before the trade deadline last season, and the team can save almost $14 million in cap space by releasing him this offseason. If the Vikings go that route, Darrisaw would pair nicely with Brian O’Neill as bookend tackles.
15) New England Patriots – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
After a strong senior bowl week, many believe Jones will be a top 15 pick come April. The biggest thing held against Jones is his lack of rushing ability. However, his leadership qualities and play this season make him a prime target for the Patriots. It also doesn’t hurt that Bill Belichick and Nick Saban have a very close relationship.
16) Arizona Cardinals – Alijah Vera-Tucker, iOL, USC
While Kyler Murray can make up for a poor offensive line, the Cardinals would be wise to address the position in the first round of the draft. After passing on an offensive tackle with their first-round pick last year, many questioned the decision. Furthermore, the Cardinals could be without both starting guards next season as J.R. Sweezy is a free agent while Justin Pugh could be a cap casualty. Vera-Tucker has experience at tackle as well, providing versatility to the team.
17) Las Vegas Raiders – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Despite investing several draft picks and cap space into pass rushers, the Raiders had one player with more than three sacks last season. Clelin Ferrell could be in a make or break season in 2021, while Maxx Crosby‘s sacks regressed by 30 percent last year. Meanwhile, Phillips had eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss in his only season at Miami. Pairing him with Crosby could finally fix the Raiders’ pass rush problems.
18) Houston Texans (via Dolphins) – Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Watson isn’t the only Texan whose future with the team is in doubt. J.J. Watt is entering the final year of his contract, and the team can save almost $18 million by releasing or trading him. Even if Watson is back next season, many expect Watt to be playing elsewhere. With him off the roster, adding Barmore would be a good replacement. After an eight-sack season in 2020, Barmore is only scratching the surface of his potential.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Jets receive pick 19. Washington Football Team receive picks 23, 86.
19) New York Jets (via Washington) – Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Several of the next few teams picking need an offensive tackle. With several draft picks, they can afford to give up the Seahawks’ third-round pick to move up and select the tackle of their choice. While Mekhi Becton looks like a star at left tackle, the other side needs upgrading. Meanwhile, Washington needs a quarterback, but one isn’t worth taking with this pick. Instead of reaching, they trade back four spots and add another pick on day two.
20) Chicago Bears – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Much like Washington, the Bears need to figure out what to do at quarterback. After his play to close out the season, Mitchell Trubisky has earned a new contract. However, it should be a short deal and could potentially get slapped with the franchise tag. No matter who is under center for the Bears, they need help at wide receiver, even if Allen Robinson re-signs with the team.
21) Indianapolis Colts – Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
After missing out on the Stafford sweepstakes, the Colts have to figure out what’s next at quarterback. However, much like the two teams picking ahead of them, there isn’t one worth selecting with this pick. Instead, the Colts fill their other big hole at left tackle after Anthony Castonzo‘s retirement.
22) Tennessee Titans – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Even after signing Vic Beasley and Jadeveon Clowney in the offseason, the Titans struggled to rush the passer in 2020. The big problem was the duo combined for zero sacks in 13 games. Beasley was released midseason, and Clowney likely won’t be back next season. Rousseau is raw but had 15.5 sacks the last time he stepped on the field and would pair nicely with Harold Landry.
23) Washington Football Team (via Jets) – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Many expect Washington to go offense in the first round, whether a quarterback, wide receiver or offensive tackle. However, they also have a big hole at linebacker that needs to be filled. Cole Holcomb appears to be a long-term starter but behind him are mostly stop-gap options. Owusu-Koramoah may be viewed as too light to be a three-down linebacker, but he weighs the same as Darrius Leonard, and his game makes him a difference-maker in any situation.
24) Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Ben Roethlisberger will be back in 2021. While he had one of the quickest releases in the league this season, the Steelers’ offensive line played a critical role as well. However, three of their starters are either free agents or will retire. Mayfield is a bit raw but has all the tools needed to take over at left tackle.
25) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams) – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Many will be surprised to see Farley still on the board this late in the mock draft, but several teams ahead of them have more pressing needs. However, the Jaguars will happily take Farley with this pick. After spending their top pick on C.J. Henderson last year, adding Farley gives the Jaguars two talented cornerbacks to build their defense around.
26) Cleveland Browns – Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
There might not be a better pass rusher than Myles Garrett. However, Olivier Vernon was the only other Brown to have more than 4.5 sacks last season. Unfortunately for him, he’s a free agent next month and is coming off a torn Achilles injury that will force him to miss a big chunk of the 2021 season. With Vernon out of the picture, the Browns need someone to take attention off Garrett, and Ossai had 11.5 sacks in his final two seasons at Texas.
27) Baltimore Ravens – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
After a slow start to the season, Marquise Brown ended 2020 on a strong note. However, when the Ravens relied on Dez Bryant to play meaningful snaps, that proved they lack playmakers at wide receiver. Bateman had 19 touchdowns in his time at Minnesota and would pair well with Brown and Mark Andrews.
28) New Orleans Saints – Trevon Moehrig, SAF, TCU
The Saints project to lose several free agents next month as they are in a tight cap situation. The biggest name on the list is Marcus Williams, who should get a big deal on the market. Furthermore, Malcolm Jenkins struggled in coverage at times last season. Adding the best safety in the draft would be a good replacement for Williams.
29) Green Bay Packers – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
If you watched the NFC Championship Game, you repeatedly saw Kevin King beat by the Buccaneers’ receivers. He’s a free agent, and between his play this season and the Packers’ cap situation, he won’t be back in Green Bay. When teams throw away from Jaire Alexander, the Packers need someone on the other side to make them regret it.
30) Buffalo Bills – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Other than Tre’Davious White, most of the Bills’ cornerbacks are free agents next month. Even if they were under contract for next season, the team needs to upgrade the starting spot opposite of White. Horn is viewed by most as the last cornerback with a first-round ground and would be a perfect fit in Buffalo.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Philadelphia Eagles receive picks 31, 94. Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive picks 37, 69, 164.
31) Philadelphia Eagles (via Buccaneers) – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Entering the offseason, the Eagles have two major holes to fill at wide receiver and linebacker. After adding Smith earlier in the mock, the Eagles flip third-round picks and send a day three selection to move up ahead of a few linebacker needy teams. Furthermore, they get the fifth-year option on Collins’ rookie deal. The Eagles have ignored the problem at linebacker for too long, but adding Collins would be the first step in fixing it.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Atlanta Falcons receive pick 32. Kansas City Chiefs receive picks 35, 131, 2022 fifth-round selection.
32) Atlanta Falcons (via Chiefs) – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Falcons have a history of trading back into the first round as recently as 2019 when they traded back into the first round for Kaleb McGary. By sending the Chiefs a couple of day three picks, the Falcons can jump the running back needy Jets at pick 34 and get the fifth-year option on Harris’ rookie contract. Some will be surprised to see Harris as the first running back off the board. However, new head coach Arthur Smith had a big back with Derrick Henry in Tennessee and will want his version of Henry in Atlanta.
33) Jacksonville Jaguars – Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
After adding Lawrence with the first pick, the Jaguars turn their attention to adding weapons for him. They already have a nice duo of wide receivers in DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault but lack a difference-maker at tight end. Freiermuth isn’t the mismatch weapon Pitts is but should make an impact as a rookie.
34) New York Jets – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
While the Jets didn’t get to select the first running back off the board, they still get the top-rated running back by most scouts. Whether it was Le’Veon Bell or Frank Gore starting last season, the Jets struggled to run the ball. However, Etienne’s big-play ability on the ground and in the passing attack will make Darnold’s life much easier.
35) Kansas City Chiefs (via Falcons) – Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
The Chiefs selected Willie Gay Jr in the second round last year, and he appears like a star in the making. However, he needs a running mate at linebacker as Damien Wilson is a free agent and likely isn’t back due to cap space issues. Bolton has a shot to go in the first round, so for the Chiefs to get him early in the second is a steal.
36) Houston Texans (via Dolphins) – Asante Samuel Jr. CB, Florida State
With Watson and Watt traded away in this mock draft, expect the Texans to release veterans that open up big chunks of cap space. One of those players would be Bradley Roby, as the team can save $10 million by releasing him. Even if Roby is back in 2021, the Texans need to upgrade their cornerback unit.
37) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Eagles) – Jay Tufele, DL, USC
Assuming the Buccaneers re-sign Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers don’t have many holes on paper. However, they will have limited cap space after re-signing Godwin, meaning Ndamukong Suh will likely play elsewhere in 2021. With him gone, the Buccaneers will need to add depth along the defensive line.
38) Cincinnati Bengals – Terrace Marshall Jr. WR, LSU
Many Bengal fans will hope the Bengals draft Chase in the first round to reunite with his college teammate Burrow. However, Chase went off the board before the Bengals were on the clock in the first round. After giving Burrow a franchise left tackle, the Bengals add a former LSU wide receiver to replace A.J. Green.
39) New York Jets (via Panthers) – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Three selections in and the Jets haven’t spent a pick on defense. However, that changes now as they need to add pass-rushing help. Quinnen Williams led the team with seven sacks last season and was the only Jet to finish with four or more. Jordan Jenkins is a free agent and after only two sacks last season compared to 15 combined over the previous two seasons, he likely won’t be back next year.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Dallas Cowboys receive pick 40. Denver Broncos receive picks 44, 105.
40) Dallas Cowboys (via Broncos) – Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Tyron Smith has dealt with injuries for most of his career, but he should be back next season as the starting left tackle. However, the 2022 season is less likely as the team can save almost $10 million by releasing Smith after the upcoming season. Furthermore, the Cowboys have been hit hard by injuries along the offensive line over the past few years, and to get Eichenberg this late is a steal.
41) Detroit Lions – Carlos Basham Jr. EDGE, Wake Forest
After adding a wide receiver in the first round, the Lions turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. Romeo Okwara led the team with 10 sacks last season, but he’s a free agent and likely gets a big deal elsewhere. Basham would step in on day one as a starter, which shouldn’t be hard as Okwara was the only Lion with more than 3.5 sacks last season.
42) New York Giants – Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Giants passed on a wide receiver in the first round because of the depth at the position this year. Moore will get a chance to start as the rookie as Golden Tate will be released when the new league year begins. By releasing Tate, the Giants will open up over $6 million in cap space. Moore comes with injury risk, but if he’s healthy, he’s one of the most explosive players in the draft.
43) San Francisco 49ers – Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
In the first round, the 49ers got their quarterback of the future, and now they address their biggest need. Richard Sherman won’t be back with the team while Jason Verrett and Ahkello Witherspoon are free agents and likely will sign new deals elsewhere. Even if one or both are back, the 49ers need to add youth and depth at cornerback.
44) Denver Broncos (via Cowboys) – Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh
On paper, the Broncos don’t have many holes that need to be filled. However, one of them is the defensive line. DeMarcus Walker is a free agent, while the depth at the position is thin. With Von Miller and Bradley Chubb coming off the edge, Twyman should see plenty of easy matchups.
45) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Vikings) – Wyatt Davis, iOL, Ohio State
After selecting Lawrence to start the draft, then Freiermuth to start the second round, the Jaguars continue to rebuild their offense. The team can save roughly $5 million by releasing starting guard A.J. Cann. Davis has a chance to go in the first round, so to get him midway through the second round is a steal.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Los Angeles Rams receive pick 46. New England Patriots receive pick 57, 2022 third-round selection.
46) Los Angeles Rams (via Patriots) – Creed Humphrey, iOL, Oklahoma
Did you think the Rams would only make one trade this offseason? After adding Stafford, the Rams move up in the second round to secure the best center prospect this year. Starter Austin Blythe is a free agent and likely to cash in elsewhere as the Rams have limited cap space. It doesn’t make sense to trade for Stafford if you can’t protect him.
47) Los Angeles Chargers – Landon Dickerson, iOL, Alabama
Even after spending their first-round pick on the offensive line, the Chargers double down and select Dickerson. They have three interior offensive linemen headed towards free agency and needed to upgrade the interior of the line this time last season. Dickerson had a great senior bowl week and would be a day one starter in Los Angeles.
48) Las Vegas Raiders – Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
Josh Jacobs has been a star since entering the league, but he’s dealt with a heavy workload and injuries. The depth behind him is embarrassing as Devontae Booker was second on the team in rushing attempts. Adding Carter would provide depth at running back while lightening Jacobs’ workload and hopefully keeping him healthy.
49) Arizona Cardinals – Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
The Cardinals got limited production out of their tight ends this season as they combined for 47 catches. Leading the way was Dan Arnold, with 31 of them on 45 targets. However, he is a free agent, and the Cardinals need to upgrade at tight end. Jordan doesn’t get the headlines that some of the other tight ends in the draft class does, but he should be a top 50 pick in April.
50) Miami Dolphins – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
After their big blockbuster trade with the Texans for Watson, the Dolphins finally make their first pick of the mock draft. With Watson on board, it’s time to add some weapons. DeVante Parker and Preston Williams have dealt with injuries in their careers, and the Dolphins lack depth behind them. St. Brown can line up in multiple spots and develop into Watson’s favorite target early in his rookie season.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Carolina Panthers receive pick 51. Washington Football Team receive pick 103, Teddy Bridgewater.
51) Carolina Panthers (via Washington) – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Washington missed out on Stafford and while rumors suggest they could trade for Derek Carr, they swap their second-round pick for Bridgewater and an early fourth-round pick. Marty Hurney was the general manager of the Panthers when Bridgewater signed his deal last year. However, after trying to trade for Stafford, it appears Bridgewater’s time in Carolina is over. Bridgewater would give Washington a bridge gap starter and allow them to readdress the position next year. Meanwhile, the Panthers need to protect Wilson, and both starting tackles are free agents next month.
52) Chicago Bears – Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Trubisky played well to close out the season after getting benched but is a free agent next month. However, unless the Bears swing a blockbuster trade for Watson, Trubisky will likely be back next season on a short prove it deal. That shouldn’t stop the Bears from drafting a quarterback early in the draft. Trask had a great final season at Florida, and at this point in the draft, the Bears have to pull the trigger and add a quarterback.
53) Tennessee Titans – Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
The Titans declined the fifth-year option on Corey Davis‘ contract in the offseason, and now they regret it. Davis had a career year in 2020 with 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns. However, the Titans have limited cap space, and Davis is likely to cash in elsewhere this offseason. Adding Surratt to replace Davis would not only help out Ryan Tannehill but A.J. Brown as well.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Chicago Bears receive picks 54, 148. Indianapolis Colts receive pick 83, Nick Foles.
54) Chicago Bears (via Colts) – Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
After selecting Trask, the Bears don’t need to hold onto Foles. Meanwhile, the Colts struck out on Stafford and won’t be in the Watson sweepstakes. Instead, they trade for Foles and reunite him with his former offensive coordinator. Frank Reich was with the Eagles during their Super Bowl victory with Foles at the helm. Adding Foles wouldn’t solve the long term problem at quarterback but keep the Colts treading water for a year. Meanwhile, the Bears need to upgrade the right side of their offensive line, and Jenkins could start from day one at right tackle.
55) Pittsburgh Steelers – Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
James Conner has struggled to stay healthy in his career, and even when on the field, his play has been inconsistent. Pittsburgh has spent a day three pick on a running back in each of the past three drafts, but don’t expect that to keep them from drafting a running back on day two this year. Williams had a great final season at North Carolina, totaling 22 touchdowns in 182 total touches. With Conner likely heading elsewhere in free agency, Williams would step in as the day one starter.
56) Seattle Seahawks – Keith Taylor Jr, CB, Washington
With no first-round pick thanks to the Jamal Adams trade, the Seahawks make their only pick of the mock draft here. Both starting cornerbacks are free agents next month while Tre Flowers is entering the final year of his rookie deal. All three aren’t in the team’s long-term plans, and Taylor fits exactly what the Seahawks look for in a cornerback.
57) New England Patriots (via Rams) – Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
After selecting their quarterback of the future in the first round, the Patriots add a weapon for him in the second round. Julian Edelman will turn 35 years old when the season starts and is entering the final year of his contract. Assuming the Patriots don’t cut or trade the veteran to open up some cap space, they need to find his replacement in this draft. After a strong senior bowl week, Rodgers has put himself into the second-round conversation.
58) Baltimore Ravens – Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Ronnie Stanley suffered a serious ankle injury during the season but should be back for the 2021 season. Without Stanley out of the lineup, Orlando Brown Jr moved to the left tackle spot and played well. However, he is entering a contract year, and recent reports are the team and Brown are far apart on money. The Ravens have already invested a lot of money into Stanley and have to sign Lamar Jackson to a massive extension soon. Little may need a year to work on his pass protection but would be ready to replace Brown in 2022.
59) Cleveland Browns – Jevon Holland, SAF, Oregon
The Browns are solid at safety as they will get back 2020 second-round pick Grant Delpit next season but he’s coming off a torn Achilles injury. Furthermore, both Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo are free agents, and the depth behind them is thin. Holland may not have a starting role as a rookie but should see meaningful snaps in three safety sets.
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Jets receive pick 60. New Orleans Saints receive picks 66, 129.
60) New York Jets (via Saints) – Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
Before compensatory picks are released, the Saints have only three selections in the 2021 draft. With that in mind, expect them to make some deals to add draft picks. By moving back six spots, the Saints add a day three selection. Meanwhile, the Jets select their second straight defender after using their first three picks on offense. Surratt had a great final season at North Carolina and is still learning the linebacker position after playing quarterback early in his collegiate career. Three years from now, this might be the best value pick for the Jets.
61) Buffalo Bills – Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Last year the Bills used their first draft selection on A.J. Epenesa, and they have high hopes for him in year two. However, the Bills need to add youth to their defensive end position as Trent Murphy is a free agent, while Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are both 33 years old. Furthermore, releasing Hughes and Addison would save over $13 million in cap space. With a massive extension coming for Josh Allen, the Bills need to find ways to save cap space with cheap rookie deals.
62) Green Bay Packers – Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
Fans won’t be happy seeing the Packers pass on a wide receiver for the second time in this mock draft. However, Aaron Rodgers had success last year with Davante Adams and the rest of the receiver group. The same can’t be said on defense as the Packers had one of the worst run defenses in the league last season. During his one season at LSU, Cox was a force, totaling 58 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, and three interceptions. He would be a day one starter for the Packers.
63) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
During the 2020 draft, the Buccaneers selected Tristan Wirfs in the first round, and he is a star in the making. However, on the other side, Donovan Smith is entering the final year of his deal, and the Buccaneers can save just over $14 million by releasing him. The team might need the cap space to re-sign Godwin, and even if they don’t, Smith likely won’t be back in 2022. With no major holes on paper, the Buccaneers would be wise to plan for next offseason.
64) Kansas City Chiefs – Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Both Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson will be free agents next month. Given the Chiefs’ limited cap space, both will likely sign elsewhere, leaving the depth behind Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman thin. Besides, why not give Patrick Mahomes another weapon.
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