Fien's 2021 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

With the first 28 picks set in stone and being just 3 weeks away from the Super Bowl, I figured the fans of the 28 teams who aren't in the conference championships would be itching for some draft content to be excited about. In this mock, I'll be trying to predict what the teams will do, not telling you what I'd do in that spot. I'll also be giving a brief description as to why the pick makes sense from both a team standpoint and a prospect evaluation standpoint. This is the 1st round only, with no trades. Enjoy!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence, QB (Clemson)

As much of a no brainer as they come in the NFL. I've been going deep into the NFL Draft for 6 years now, and Lawrence is by far the best prospect I've seen. Not just QB prospect, best prospect at any position. He's got all the tools to be a star QB in the NFL. He's got the prototypical size, the cannon arm, the accuracy and touch, the mobility, and ability to extend plays that is becoming more and more important in the NFL. He'll come in and start right away and accelerate this Jaguars rebuild very quickly.

2. New York Jets- Zach Wilson, QB (BYU)

Call it a hunch, call it a gut feeling, call it what you will...but I think the Jets pass on consensus #2 pick Justin Fields in favor of Zach Wilson. I think Fields is the better prospect right now, but it's easy to understand why. Fields played with much better coaching, weapons, and overall talent than Wilson did. Wilson didn't really have any other players on his team that are 1st or even 2nd round NFL draft picks. If we're looking at everything objectively, I think Wilson has better tools as a passer. He's got a much better arm and I think sees the field better than Fields, and a lot of that can be attributed to experience and volume. Wilson has attempted 219 more passes than Fields in their NCAA careers. I think it's fair to say that Wilson's ceiling is higher than Fields' as well. The Jets should swing for the fences after falling flat on their face with the Sam Darnold pick.

3. Miami Dolphins (via HOU)- Devonta Smith, WR (Alabama)

It just makes too much sense. Why not reunite the Heisman Trophy winner with his former QB Tua Tagovailoa? The Dolphins lack playmakers on offense, and giving Tua someone like Smith would tremendously help him progress into the franchise QB he was drafted to be. Smith excels at getting open and posses the best hands of any WR in the draft. He'd be the go to #1 WR for Tua from day one and would take this Dolphins offense to a whole new level.

4. Atlanta Falcons- Justin Fields, QB (Ohio State)

Fields, a Georgia born kid who started at the University of Georgia, falls into his hometown team's lap here at #4. Matt Ryan looked like a shell of himself this season, and it's clear to see that he's regressing rather quickly. It's time for a new era in Atlanta, and the Georgia kid is the perfect person to lead that new era. Fields is a good passer with above average arm talent, but his most impressive asset to me is his rushing ability. He's as quick and shifty as Kyler Murray, but runs with physicality that reminds me of a prime Cam Newton. He's truly a special player that definitely needs some fine tuning on things like timing, anticipation, and reading the field. The Falcons are the perfect team that could give him that time and even have him sit behind Ryan for a little while.

5. Cincinnati Bengals- Penei Sewell, OT (Oregon)

Sewell is my #2 overall player in the class, and is easily the best OT I've ever seen on tape. But many scouts don't feel the same way. Recent reports have indicated that many trusted scouts actually don't have Sewell as the best OT in this class, which is surprising. Sewell has been the consensus top non QB in this class for a while now, but it seems like things are changing a bit. For now, I'll assume it's all a smoke screen. The Bengals need a lot, but a franchise tackle to block Joe Burrow's blindside has got to be very high on that list of needs. This pick is really about Joe Burrow more than anything. He got beat up behind a bad offensive line this year, so it makes sense to invest in a player that'll help to keep him healthy.

6. Philadelphia Eagles- Ja'Marr Chase, WR (LSU)

Amidst all of the controversy surrounding the Eagles and their quarterback situation in 2020, two things were crystal clear to me- they don't have anyone that can consistently get open, nor do they have anyone that can go up and get 50/50 balls. Ja'Marr Chase fills both those needs. I know Eagles fans are haunted by passing on Justin Jefferson in the 2020 Draft, but here's some good news. Chase and Jefferson were teammates at LSU in 2019, and Chase was by far the better player. He may be a little slower than the typical NFL star WR, but he's physical, strong, athletic, and has sure hands. He'll be a reliable option for whoever is throwing him the ball in Philly.

7. Detroit Lions- Jaylen Waddle, WR (Alabama)

This would be the first time in NFL history that 3 wide receivers were taken in the first 7 picks. Detroit needs Jaylen Waddle BAD. Not only is their offense stale and slow, but their three best wide receivers from this past season (Golloday, Jones, and Amendola), are all free agents. Jaylen Waddle would be the perfect player to overhaul a receiving corps and transform an offense. When you think of Waddle, you should think of speed. This guy will probably run in the low 4.2's at the combine. But he's not just that. He's very sure-handed and is also advanced as a route runner. I think he's a more complete player than last year's 12th overall pick (and former teammate), Henry Ruggs III. Waddle would be a dynamic field stretcher and chain mover for the Lions

8. Carolina Panthers- Micah Parsons, LB (Penn State)

The Carolina Panthers have been looking for an answer at ILB since Luke Keuchly retired, and Micah Parsons is a godsend in terms of what they're looking for. He's a do it all type of linebacker that I'd compare to Anthony Barr, back when he was really good. He's instinctive and physical in the run game, is fast and athletic enough to keep up with TEs and RBs in the pass game, and he's also very good as a blitzer and pass rusher. You could throw Parsons all over the field and he'd make you a big play. I truly think he could be a true mike inside backer, play off the ball at Sam or Will, or even be a dominant edge rusher on 3rd downs. Adding Parsons to a front-7 group that already includes Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and Shaq Thompson would be a homerun.

9. Denver Broncos- Caleb Farley, CB (Virginia Tech)

The Broncos desperately need a corner. The team traded for AJ Bouye prior to the 2020 season, but some injuries and overall bad performance (not to mention saving about $15,000,000) will almost certainly lead to him being cut before the start of next season. That leaves the Broncos with slot extraordinaire Bryce Callahan, 2020 3rd round pick Michael Ojemudia, and 2020 UDFA Essang Bassey at CB. Caleb Farley plays an athletic and finesse style of corner on the outside. He's physical, can run with anybody, and has tremendous ball skills that come from his years of experience at WR. He's also willing and aggressive in the run game, which is something Vic Fangio looks for in his corners. Farley would give the Broncos a true man to man boundary corner, which is something they haven't had since the "No Fly Zone" era.

10. Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Surtain II, CB (Alabama)

The son of former Pro Bowl CB Patrick Surtain, Patrick Surtain II is a lengthy corner with eye popping measurables and good football instincts. He's 6'2" with long arms that really help him play the ball in the air. He uses his arms well to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage as well. He's not as athletic or as good in the run game as Caleb Farley, but he's got better instincts and is better in zone coverage. I don't think you can go wrong with either, but Dallas for sure needs one of them. Their defense and especially their secondary took a beating last year. They lost their best CB Byron Jones in free agency last offseason, and they'll probably lose their current best CB Chidobe Awuzie this offseason, making Surtain II the perfect fit for the Cowboys.

11. New York Giants- Kyle Pitts, TE (Florida)

Yes, the Giants have Evan Engram. Yes, Evan Engram just made a Pro Bowl. But Giants fans and anyone who watches the Giants for 5 minutes will tell you, Evan Engram is not very good. He's 27 already, on the last year of his deal in 2021, and struggled mightily this year with drops and overall effort. The Giants can also save $6,000,000 by cutting him. Seems like an easy decision to me. To replace Engram, the Giants select Kyle Pitts. Pitts is a more dynamic weapon than Engram has ever dreamed about being. He's a true mismatch player that I'd compare to Darren Waller. He's too big for corners and safeties, and he's too fast for linebackers. Pitts would be the go to target for Daniel Jones and would add a whole new dynamic to a struggling offense.

12. San Francisco 49ers- Trey Lance, QB (North Dakota State)

Jimmy Garoppolo can't stay healthy, and when he is healthy, he's very very mediocre (at best). The easy decision for the 49ers is to cut Jimmy G and save themselves $24,000,000. Then they should draft a young QB and sign a veteran bridge QB (Fitzpatrick, Dalton, Taylor, Newton, Brisset). Trey Lance would be a perfect fit, as he's dynamic but still a little raw. He's got good mechanics and especially impressive footwork. He's good in the pocket and extends plays well with his legs. He could even be a QB that you run read options and QB powers with. He's an excellent decision maker and rarely turned it over at NDSU, and also has a plus arm. Where he lacks is the ability to work through multiple progressions, diagnose a defense, and overall accuracy. Overall he's got a sky high ceiling and could easily push the 49ers back into contention.

13. Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater, OT (Northwestern)

Remember when I was talking about how some trusted scouts believe that Penei Sewell isn't the best tackle in this class? They all think that this guy is. Slater won't wow you with his measurables and also won't drop any jaws at the combine, but he is quite impressive on film. He's more of a run blocker than a pass protector right now, but that's not a knock on his pass blocking ability, he's just that good as a run blocker. To prove his pass blocking ability, go watch his 2019 game against last year's 2nd overall pick Chase Young. Slater's biggest asset though might be his versatility. He has the ability to play tackle, guard, or even center at the next level. The Chargers should be desperate for young and talented offensive linemen to protect Justin Herbert.

14. Minnesota Vikings- Gregory Rousseau, EDGE (Miami)

The Vikings were in the bottom 5 this past year in sacks, they definitely need someone to get after the quarterback. Rousseau is an athletic freak with a very raw skillset. He has some plays that are truly jaw dropping, but he also has some that are head scratching. He's super quick and super bendy at the point of attack and is quicker than most of the tackles he faced in college. His issues lie within the technical aspects of the position, which isn't a surprise considering he played mostly wide receiver and safety in high school. I believe that he's best suited as a DE and that he'll work perfectly in the system that Minnesota typically runs.

15. New England Patriots- Daviyon Nixon, IDL (Iowa)

The Patriots allowed the 7th most rushing yards per game last year, and also were ranked 26th in sacks. It's pretty evident they need a force in the trenches defensively. Daviyon Nixon is exactly that. He enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2020 that lead to him being named the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year, and for good reason. He tallied an incredible 13.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in just 8 games this season. He's powerful, quick, instinctive, and plays with a really high motor. He's still bringing it all together, but the ceiling is sky high. He'd be the perfect player to fix New England's issues up front defensively.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Jaycee Horn, CB (South Carolina)

With CB Patrick Peterson's contract expiring, it's hard to imagine that Arizona would bring him back due to his age, performance, and their overall rocky relationship throughout the years. With an offense lead by Kyler Murray that could shoot it out with just about anyone, it's clear that the defense needs to improve. Replacing Peterson with Horn is an upgrade, given Horn's ability to play tough and physical man coverage on the boundary. He's the true definition of a "lockdown" corner in the sense that he wants the other team's best WR, and he wants to be in his face all game. Arizona desperately needs one of those guys in a division with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel.

17. Las Vegas Raiders-Zaven Collins, LB (tulsa)

The Raiders spent big money on some linebackers that haven't quite worked out. The Raiders are more than likely moving to a 4-3 scheme this coming year, so they're looking more for an off the ball linebacker, despite many thinking they need an edge. With Crosby and Ferrell slated to start as the ends, linebacker is the obvious need. Collins is versatile in the sense that he could be an every down mike, an off the ball sam or will, or even a situational pass rusher. New DC Gus Bradley should have fun putting Collins all over the field.

18. Miami Dolphins-Jerimiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB (Notre Dame)

Back to back linebackers go off the board, as the Dolphins look to add another dimension to an already stout defense with their second 1st round pick. Think of JOK as a linebacker-safety hybrid, not in the sense that he's going to play both (though he could), but in the sense that he posses skills of an elite linebacker with safety speed and coverage ability. He's a sideline to sideline mover that excels in both zone coverage dropbacks and in man coverage against RBs and TEs. He's not a punishing tackler that's going to fill gaps and blow up dive plays, but he's fundamentally sound as a tackler with good range. He's an off the ball versatile linebacker that will be best utilized in pass coverage. Taking JOK gives Miami another fun tool defensively.

19. Washington Football Team- Christian Darrisaw, OT (Virginia Tech)

Washington surprised people by winning the NFC East this past season, despite having a bad offensive line and inconsistent quarterback play. There's no quarterback worth taking here in my opinion, and even if there was, putting a rookie behind this current offensive line is a bad idea. The right side of the line is actually pretty good on paper for 2021, they're just lacking a true LT. Darrisaw fills that need, as he was a 3 year starter at LT for Virginia Tech. He's got the size, length, and mobility that you want in an NFL LT. He's shown growth from a technical standpoint but could afford to get better in that area. Drafting Darrisaw would be a step in the right direction in achieving the goal of keeping whoever is back there playing QB upright.

20. Chicago Bears- Samuel Cosmi, OT (Texas)

A situation very much like the one above with the WFT, the Bears made the playoffs despite a bad offensive line and bad quarterback play. Drafting Texas tackle Samuel Cosmi, who has experience at left and right tackle, would go a long way in helping this offense. I'm not sure who's going to be under center in 2021, but you have to do a better job at protecting him than you did in 2020.

21. Indianapolis Colts- Liam Eichenberg, OT (Notre Dame)

The third offensive tackle off the board in a row, Eichenberg is a true left tackle who should fill the shoes of recently retired longtime left tackle Anthony Castonzo. The Colts heavily value their offensive line, and really made their money this year by running the ball. So it makes sense to take Eichenberg, who excels as a run blocker. Plus, it worked out pretty well the last time the Colts took a Notre Dame lineman in the 1st round.

22. Tennessee Titans- Kwity Paye, EDGE (Michigan)

This is low for Paye, who is a consensus top 15 player on most boards, but I feel like he may get overlooked on draft night due to the quality depth of edge rushers throughout the draft class. Other than Harold Landry, the Titans don't really have anybody to rush the passer from the edge. They signed Jadeveon Clowney for 1 year, but I doubt he'll be back in Tennessee in 2021. They clearly need an edge rusher, and Paye is a perfect fit. He's a physical monster who excels at using pure power to beat offensive linemen. He's got quick feet, but he hasn't figured out the best ways to use them yet in terms of getting after the quarterback. He's a little raw but has all the tools to be elite. I think he's a hand in the dirt DE, and that's exactly what the Titans need.

23. New York Jets (Via SEA)- Terrace Marshall Jr, WR (LSU)

In the pick they got in the Jamal Adams trade, it makes a lot of sense for the Jets to add a weapon for new franchise QB Zach Wilson. The Jets are overall pretty weak in the weapons department, and the whole offensive skill position group needs an overhaul. Terrace Marshall is a really good place to start. He's a versatile wide receiver that can do absolutely anything and everything on the football field. He's had success in the slot and on the outside, he uses his 6'3" frame well in jump ball situations, he's a good route runner, and even can make people miss after the catch. The issue is that he has some "jack of all trades but master of none" in his game. While he does everything on a football field well, there's other WRs in this class who are better route runners, or better after the catch, or better in jump ball situations. I think his vast skillset is perfect for the Jets though, who don't really have any staples at the position right now.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Najee Harris, RB (Alabama)

When I think back on all of the Steelers success in my lifetime, I think of tough and physical teams who ran the ball down your throat. The Steelers this past season had virtually no running game. James Conner has shown that he's a mediocre NFL running back, and with his contract expiring, the Steelers should be looking to replace him with a dynamic player. Najee Harris is as dynamic as they come. He's a bruiser in between the tackles who runs with aggression and seeks contact. But he's also got an eye popping finesse to his game, which is rare for such a physical running back. He can make people miss with jukes, or run straight through them. He's also really effective as a pass catcher out of the backfield, something the Steelers have been missing since the departure of Le'Veon Bell. Drafting Harris adds a whole new dynamic to the offense.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars (VIA LAR)- Christian Baramore, IDL (Alabama)

With an offense already loaded with weapons, it's clear that the Jaguars need to sure up the defensive side of the ball if they want to be competitive in the near future. Jacksonville allowed the 3rd most rushing yards of any team in the NFL last year, so drafting Alabama's Christian Baramore is an investment to try to fix that problem. He's a true gap plugging run stuffer who's going to eat blocks inside. He doesn't have much pass rush ability besides overpowering guards and centers, but it can be developed.

26. Cleveland Browns- Nick Bolton, LB (Missouri)

The Browns weakest position is by far linebacker. Mac Wilson has shown flashes, but regressed this year. Nick Bolton would be a perfect fit in Cleveland, as the Browns really lack an every down, do it all linebacker. In the run game, Bolton is aggressive, persistent, and hard hitting. He sheds blocks well and understands the nuances of pursuit angles and gap fits. In the pass game, he's shown ability in zone coverage. He's got good instincts when it comes to reading a quarterback and making a play on the football. He's not great in man coverage, but with his athleticism and high football IQ, there's hope he could become serviceable there too.

27. Baltimore Ravens- Rondale Moore, WR (Purdue)

The Baltimore Ravens had an up and down season that resulted in a 2nd round exit from the playoffs. There's a lot of Lamar Jackson haters out there, but there's only so much he can do when nobody on his team can consistently get open. Rondale Moore has "get open" ability, but not only that, he has homerun play ability every time he touches the ball. Purdue used him as a slot receiver, running back, and kick/punt returner because he is so dynamic and electric. The major question surrounding Moore is his health. He's played in just 7 games in the past 2 years due to different injuries, and there's real concern regarding his durability that might take him off of some draft boards. I think for a team like the Ravens, who are just a piece or two away from Super Bowl contention and were dead last in passing this year, taking a shot on Moore makes sense.

28. New Orleans Saints- Mac Jones, QB (Alabama)

With all signs pointing towards Drew Brees retiring, it's time for the Saints to find their QB of the future. They started Taysom Hill when Drew Brees was out, and that was a disaster, as Taysom Hill isn't an NFL quarterback. Jameis Winston is also currently on the roster, but his contract does expire this offseason and I'm not sure he's the answer either. I mean, how could he be? They consistently started a gadget tight end over him. Mac Jones could be the answer. He's not gonna wow anybody with his arm strength or mobility, but he does have great touch and accuracy, especially deep down the field. In a Saints offense that values accuracy and quick decision making over anything else, Mac Jones would be a perfect fit.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Joseph Ossai, EDGE (Texas)

Piggybacking off of what I said with Kwity Paye, I believe edge rushers are going to slip down draft boards because of the depth at the position, much like WRs did in the 2020 draft. The Buccaneers have a lot of interesting decisions to make this offseason, especially defensively. First, Lavonte David is a free agent. Second, Ndamukong Suh is a free agent. Third, Jason Pierre-Paul could be a cap casualty. This is where Joseph Ossai comes in. Ossai is assurance for Suh and/or JPP as an edge rusher, and also has experience in an off the ball linebacker role similar to Lavonte David's.

30. Buffalo Bills- Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL (USC)

Buffalo started Ike Boettger at LG this year, and while he was fine, they could use an upgrade there. Not only that, but starting RG Jon Feliciano and starting RT Daryl Williams are both free agents after this season. So OL is a big need for Buafflo. AVT is a mauler of a run blocker who has shown good reps in pass protection as well, mostly due to his above average athleticism for his size. He played both left guard and left tackle at USC, so the Bills could see his versatility as an added bonus, given their potential needs at both guard and tackle.

31. Green Bay Packers- Kadarius Toney, WR (Florida)

Talk about electric. Toney is every sense of the word. He's must see TV every play that he's on the field, because every play has the potential to go for 6. Toney played both running back and wide receiver at Florida due to his big play ability, but in the NFL he'll make his money as a slot receiver that stretches the field. That's exactly what the Packers are missing next to Davante Adams, Toney is a perfect complement. Toney's a bit limited in his route running ability right now, but there's no doubt that with the great offensive minds of Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur teaching him everyday, he's gonna pick up a few things.

32. Kansas City Chiefs- Creed Humphrey, IOL (Oklahoma)

The Kansas City Chiefs are really good. The offensive group is maybe the best in NFL history, and they've shown that they can rely on the defense to make plays when it matters. The only problem is that they're a bit restricted when it comes to salary cap space. So when starting center Austin Reiter's contract expires after this season, they may not be able to bring him back. So they draft Humphrey to replace him. Humphrey is a 3 year starter at center for Oklahoma and should be NFL ready from day one.