We are almost there! The 2021 NFL Draft is three weeks away, and the excitement builds up more every day. With most of free agency behind us and the draft rumor mill picking up speed, Prime Time Sports Talk has put together their first group mock draft of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Seven of our writers will act as decision-makers for all 29 NFL teams picking in the first round of the draft. There are seven trades in this mock draft, including two in the top 10 picks. Be sure to check out all of our great draft content here.
Each writer was assigned the following teams:
Mike Fanelli – Jets, Panthers, Vikings, Washington, Saints
Mason Thompson – Lions, Cardinals, Colts, Browns
Alex Kielar – Broncos, Eagles, Raiders, Ravens
Brady Podloski – Jaguars, Bengals, Cowboys, Bills
Chris Gallagher – Falcons, Patriots, Titans, Packers
Alex Barbour – Dolphins, Chargers, Steelers, Buccaneers
Kamran Nia – 49ers, Giants, Bears, Chiefs
Teams without a first-round pick – Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
1) Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Urban Meyer would not have come to the NFL if not for the chance to coach Lawrence. The supporting cast of the Jaguars booster gives Lawrence a comfortable situation to develop in. It’s clear, Lawrence will be the first pick. – Brady
2) New York Jets – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
After his tremendous pro day, the Jets appeared all in on Wilson. Then on Monday, the Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for three draft picks. With Darnold in Carolina, Wilson is a lock to picked second overall by the Jets. After adding several pieces in free agency, expect Wilson to hit the ground running as a rookie. – Mike
3) San Francisco 49ers (via Miami, Houston) – Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
With Lawrence and Wilson off the board at the third pick, the 49ers have three options for a quarterback: Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. Lance is a strong quarterback who runs the ball well, often drawing comparisons to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. At NDSU, Lance ran many plays that were similar or identical to the 49ers playbook. He would be able to elevate the 49ers’ offense with his versatile skillset. – Kamran
4) Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
While the Falcons could look to address the quarterback position long term, the opportunity to nab Pitts is too good to pass up. Dynamic over his time at Florida, the junior racked up 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final season. Pitts clocked a 4.4 40 yard dash time at 6’6″, making him a matchup nightmare to pair with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. – Chris
5) Cincinnati Bengals – Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
With the Panthers officially trading for Darnold, they are more likely to pick a tackle than before. While there are several tier two tackles, there is now less chance they will be there in the second round for the Bengals. Thus, the Bengals elect to take the first offensive tackle on the board and play it safe. The prize of Sewell is a potential game-changer for the offensive line. The Bengals wouldn’t have to worry about right or left tackle for a decade with Jonah Williams and Sewell on both sides. – Brady
6) Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia) – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Dolphins repositioned themselves at this pick to select one of three great talents: Pitts, Sewell, or Chase. Unfortunately, they get the last of the three, but Miami is certainly happy that they got to steal an elite wide receiver. Getting Tua Tagovailoa another weapon is crucial. Will Fuller is only there for one year, so it is a one-year stint until the cap goes back up. Chase provides an elite, dynamic threat that can do anything. If the Dolphins want to see how Tagovailoa can push the ball downfield, this is their best shot at it. – Alex B
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New England Patriots receive pick 7. Detroit Lions receive picks 15, 46, 2022 third-round pick.
7) New England Patriots (via Lions) – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
A dynamic athlete, Fields has both the arm strength and accuracy to make throws all over the field. He also offers elite mobility and athleticism as a runner in open space. Fresh off an appearance in the National Championship game, he amassed over 5,000 yards through the air during his final two seasons with the Buckeyes while tossing more than 60 scores. A perfect match for a Patriots team in desperate need of an upgrade at the position, Belichick makes a rare move up in the draft to get his guy. – Chris
8) Carolina Panthers – Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
After adding Darnold on Monday, the Panthers are out of the quarterback market. Now they turn their attention to helping Darnold out. In New York, the biggest problem Darnold faced was the lack of good protection. The Panthers have built up their offensive line recently but still, need one more starter. Slater’s ability to play all five positions will give the Panthers the versatility to get the five best linemen on the field to protect Darnold. – Mike
9) Denver Broncos – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Denver attacked the secondary in free agency, as they signed Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller. With that said, the Broncos could shift their attention to shoring up their front seven and getting one of the best defensive players in the draft. Parsons is very versatile and will look very good next to Von Miller. Vic Fangio would be able to get creative with him. – Alex K
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Minnesota Vikings receive picks 10, 75. Dallas Cowboys receive pick 14, Danielle Hunter.
10) Minnesota Vikings (via Cowboys) – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
While the Vikings signed Patrick Peterson in free agency, he is 30 years old and only under contract for one season. Furthermore, last year’s first-round pick Jeff Gladney is dealing with off the field issues. Even though the Vikings also added Mackensie Alexander in free agency, they need help at cornerback. Surtain is the best cornerback in the draft and should turn into the No. 1 cornerback for the Vikings by the end of the 2021 season. – Mike
11) New York Giants – Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
One of the Giants’ top positional needs this offseason is an edge rusher. With Parsons off the board, the Giants will take the next best option in Paye. Paired up with Leonard Williams, Paye would be a great fit and help fix the Giants’ struggles on the defensive line. This move would allow Dexter Lawrence to play his natural position at nose tackle. – Kamran
12) Philadelphia Eagles (via Miami, San Francisco) – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
In this mock, the Eagles had the choice of the two Crimson Tide receivers. They opt to go with Waddle, as he is an explosive and speedy scoring threat who would be a great weapon for Jalen Hurts. DeVonta Smith’s size question marks make him someone a team like the Eagles should avoid. – Alex K
13) Los Angeles Chargers – Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The left tackle spot is void for the Chargers. Justin Herbert’s blindside desperately needs help, and Darrisaw falls nicely to their laps. This pick was a no-brainer. He has the size, speed, and strength to compete on day one, yet he still has a ton of untapped potential. This spot is beyond a need: it is a necessity. The Chargers luck out and somehow find the best player available and the best fit for their team at 13. – Alex B
14) Dallas Cowboys (via Vikings) – Trevon Moehrig, SAF, TCU
By trading down with the Vikings, the Cowboys add two starters on defense. Hunter will make a dominant pass-rushing duo with DeMarcus Lawrence. In the secondary, Moehrig is best in a split field safety role, where he can make plays based on his play recognition. He would go a long way to fixing the secondary and will make the corners around him better. – Brady
15) Detroit Lions (via Patriots) – DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Detroit’s receiving core got wiped out during the offseason. While the Lions brought in Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman, neither of the two is a No. 1 receiver. Smith has taken a bit of a fall due to his weight concerns, but Detroit is happy to scoop him up and snag some extra picks in the process to have him as their top receiver. – Mason
16) Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Cardinals have gone all-in on putting a roster around Kyler Murray this offseason. However, Horn was available at the 16th pick, and Arizona scooped him up without thinking twice. The Cardinals added Malcolm Butler to go along with Byron Murphy in the slot. Horn would line up on the other side of Butler and be the future star as the top cornerback spot in Arizona. – Mason
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Washington Football Team receive pick 17. Las Vegas Raiders receive picks 19, 124.
17) Washington Football Team (via Raiders) – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
With the Panthers trading for Darnold and the Patriots moving up for Fields, Washington only has to stay ahead of Chicago to land Jones. After watching Chicago let Jones slide out of the top 15 picks, Washington moves up two spots and secures their future franchise quarterback. At the cost of a fourth-round pick, Washington is in a prime position to build a contending team around Jones. – Mike
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Pittsburgh Steelers receive pick 18. Miami Dolphins receive picks 24, 87.
18) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Dolphins) – Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
The Steelers lack options in this class for a tackle. Sounds crazy, right? This class has plenty of talented players at the tackle position, but few fit the Steelers 320 plus lb mold. Jenkins is the best bet at his size. Mobility is an issue with him in terms of fluidity, but Jenkins has been noted as a “dancing bear” by NFL scouts due to his movement skills at his enormous size. It does not matter which side the former Cowboy plays on: he will start and play at a high level on day one. Ben Roethlisberger needs all of the help he can get, and filling Alejandro Villanueva’s vacancy is a great start. – Alex B
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New York Jets receive pick 19. Las Vegas Raiders receive picks 23, 86.
19) New York Jets (via Raiders, Washington) – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
With Chicago, Indianapolis, and Tennessee picking ahead of them, the Jets flip the Raiders the latter of their two third-round picks to secure Vera-Tucker. With Wilson under center, the Jets can’t afford to treat him like they did Darnold. Building up the offensive line has to be their top priority. Vera-Tucker played left tackle and left guard at USC, but expect him to replace George Fant at right tackle for the Jets. – Mike
20) Chicago Bears – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Two of the Bears’ biggest needs outside of quarterback are the offensive line and wide receiver. With the three top tackles and Vera-Tucker off the board, the Bears will address their wide receiver need first. Pairing Bateman up with Darnell Mooney and Allen Robinson will create one of the most exciting receiving cores in the NFL. – Kamran
*** TRADE ALERT ***
Cleveland Browns receive pick 21. Indianapolis Colts receive picks 26, 91.
21) Cleveland Browns (via Colts) – Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Cleveland has transformed from a laughingstock into one of the best teams in the AFC. The Browns had a great offseason where they completed their secondary and now get to pick the best player available. In this case, they jump five spots and grab a pass-rusher that will make offenses have nightmares pairing him with Myles Garrett. Phillips had one of the best pro days of the process, and he wouldn’t even be here with this pick if there weren’t injury concerns. Cleveland gets one of the steals of the draft. – Mason
22) Tennessee Titans – Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Once thought of by many as the expected first cornerback off the board, Farley has begun to slip on many team’s draft boards after undergoing recent back surgery. However, he still possesses both the size, speed, and athleticism to translate into a No. 1 cornerback at the NFL level. In need of an upgrade on the outside, the Titans parted ways with Butler and Adoree Jackson. These moves leave second-year man Kristian Fulton and free-agent acquisition Janoris Jenkins as the starters. One of the best value picks of the round, Farley offers a young building block for Mike Vrabel. – Chris
*** TRADE ALERT ***
New Orleans Saints receive pick 23. Las Vegas Raiders receive picks 28, 105.
23) New Orleans Saints (via Raiders, Jets, Seattle) – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Linebacker isn’t a critical need for the Saints, but Owusu-Koramoah is so much more than a typical linebacker. He can play safety, cornerback, and rush the passer as well. The Saints’ defense lost several players this offseason because of the salary cap. For the price of the last pick in the third round, the Saints move up five spots to secure Dennis Allen’s chess piece weapon on defense. – Mike
24) Miami Dolphins (via Steelers) – Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Collins is an absolute stud. The Dolphins already addressed this area with their trade of Benardrick McKinney. However, the other inside linebacker spot is scarily vacant, especially with Jerome Baker having one year left on his contract. Collins has it all: tremendous size, elite coverage skills, solid tackling ability, and even some pass-rushing skills. This defense needs it all. He may not be fast or have a great motor, but Brian Flores will certainly give Collins his best shot at reaching his potential. – Alex B
25) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Los Angeles) – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
The biggest knock against Barmore is the game-to-game consistency. However, Barmore flashed top-15 potential in games, where he was a force at stopping the run or getting after the quarterback. The Jaguars have a loaded defensive line, and adding Barmore will make it even more impressive. – Brady
26) Indianapolis Colts (via Browns) – Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Chris Ballard will move down in the first round. Book it. Here, the Colts trade down, grab an extra third-round pick and still get the guy they would’ve taken with the 21st pick. Radunz to Indianapolis is one of the best fits in the draft and would immediately slot in as the starting left tackle for the Colts. – Mason
27) Baltimore Ravens – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
The Ravens need more weapons to help out Lamar Jackson. After signing Sammy Watkins in free agency, they still need to add more firepower. Watkins is solid when he is healthy but still doesn’t give Baltimore a No. 1 target. Toney has exceptional speed and would give Jackson a solid option next to Marquise Brown. Toney may start his career as more of a gadget guy, but he has the agility to burst off big plays from nothing. – Alex K
28) Las Vegas Raiders (via Saints) – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Raiders trade back twice to add some valuable draft capital. In doing so, the Raiders still draft the guy they would have at pick 17. Las Vegas needs serious help in their front seven and hasn’t had a solid pass rusher since trading away Khalil Mack in 2018. While they added Yannick Ngakoue in free agency, Ojulari would make their defense even better. It was a dumpster fire last season, and the former Bulldog would make an immediate dent into it. – Alex K
29) Green Bay Packers – Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Reportedly a pre-draft target of the Packers, Newsome allowed just a 31.7 passer rating when targeted in coverage in 2020, leading to an 83.8 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Standing over six feet tall, he offers rare length on the outside, along with the ability to attack the ball in the air. Furthermore, he remains a strong tackler in run support with the ability to press opposing receivers at the line. A strong fit in Green Bay, look for the team to move up for Newsome if the opportunity arises. – Chris
30) Buffalo Bills – Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Levi Wallace is a decent player, but the Bills can upgrade at that cornerback spot. Stokes’ best fit is a zone-heavy scheme, where he can make plays underneath and take more risks when the ball is in the air. Stokes has significant potential at cornerback with his size and speed. His instincts should improve with NFL coaching and experience. – Brady
31) Kansas City Chiefs – Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Chiefs released both of their starting tackles before free agency kicked off, creating a massive hole. However, getting Cosmi with this pick is a steal. The former Longhorn is a great fit for the Chiefs, as he has excellent footwork and pass-blocking ability. He will protect Patrick Mahomes for years to come. – Kamran
32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
The Buccaneers are fully loaded right now. The best choice is to either take the best player available or the one with the most potential. Oweh tested through the roof at his pro day, and he is beginning to garner top-25 hype. He did not statistically play well in college, but he does have almost a 90 PFF run-defense grade, which will be a good foundation for Oweh to grow upon. Jason Pierre-Paul may retire within two years, but until then Oweh will learn from one of the best to ever do it. – Alex B
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