Some trades have been made to change the Draft Order since then, but there sounds like the possibility of a lot more moves on the day of the Draft than we have seen in a few years. That is mainly down to the fact that some Quarter Back needy teams are likely going to take the risk to move and grab the player they want, while reports suggest the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, who have both made moves already, are taking calls for their top twelve positions.
With that said you can make a mockery of any Mock Draft, especially in those years when so many teams will be looking to make their moves for the players they have identified.
Anyway, let's get on with it as the NFL Draft fast approaches.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence: If this is anyone other than Trevor Lawrence going first, you may as well throw the rest of this Mock Draft in the bin.
Nothing has really changed since the end of the season and the Jaguars have their Quarter Back of the future.
2. New York Jets- Zach Wilson: In my initial Mock Draft I had Zach Wilson placed here and it only seems like the Jets have hardened in focusing on this Quarter Back.
Since my first Mock, Sam Darnold has indeed been moved on so a Quarter Back is high on the list of priorities, while the Jets have always seemed to have targeted Wilson in the start of a new era in New York.
3. San Francisco 49ers- Mac Jones: My personal opinion is that Justin Fields would be the absolutely perfect player to plug into Kyle Shanahan's San Francisco Offense, but most rumours around the NFL suggest they have moved up in a trade with the Miami Dolphins to pick up another Quarter Back.
That player sounds like being Mac Jones from Alabama and I do think that is where they go even if I would have chosen Fields instead.
4. Atlanta Falcons- Kyle Pitts: I would love to be wrong about this because this is the player I thought would have been ideal for the Miami Dolphins, but the Atlanta Falcons surely pick Kyle Pitts.
He is a match up nightmare and will give Matt Ryan more Offensive weapons in what is a pivotal season for the veteran. The Falcons could potentially be tempted to move down the Draft order if another team chasing a Quarter Back is desperate to move in here, but I think that is unlikely with Cincinnati and Miami to come (two teams who seem set to go with who they have in that position) and so taking Kyle Pitts becomes a no-brainer.
I had Pitts dropping down as low as Carolina in my First Edition Mock, but his stock is extremely high and I would be surprised if he fell below here.
5. Cincinnati Bengals- Penei Sewell: It might not have been the move many would have been hoping for, but in my First Edition Mock I had Penei Sewell going to the Miami Dolphins at Number 3.
This is an Offensive Tackle that looks like he could have a huge NFL career and you have to protect your young Quarter Backs, something the Cincinnati Bengals were reminded of last season when Joe Burrow was lost for the season.
The Quarter Back himself has been lobbying for Offensive support, but in the skill areas rather than on the Offensive Line. However, in years to come I think Burrow will be extremely grateful for the protection that Sewell will offer.
6. Miami Dolphins- Ja'Marr Chase: He may have sat out in 2020, but this is the Wide Receiver that Joe Burrow would love to see in Cincinnati.
The chips fell that way in my original Mock, but with Penei Sewell available I think the Bengals go that way which leaves the Miami Dolphins with all Wide Receiver options on the table. There is still some suggestion that the Dolphins will look to make another trade down if a Quarter Back needy team is willing to move up, but if not I think Chase edges out Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith despite the Alabama connection with Tua Tagovailoa.
7. Detroit Lions- Jaylen Waddle: Would anyone be surprised if this was a Pick that was traded away by the Detroit Lions on Draft Day? The likes of Denver and New England may be willing so they can bring in the Quarter Back of their choosing, while the Lions can't be hindered by picking up more Draft stock.
For the purposes of this Mock the options for the Lions will be improving the Offensive Line to protect newly acquired Jared Goff or giving him a top Receiving threat with Kenny Golladay moving on to the New York Giants.
Injuries hurt Waddle last season, but he is still seen as the superior Receiver to his team-mate at Alabama DeVonta Smith and I think the Lions take him here if they have not traded down.
8. Carolina Panthers- Rashawn Slater: Since my First Edition Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers have traded for Sam Darnold and he will likely be given a shot at Quarter Back.
The feeling is that they will give the ex-New York Jet an opportunity and building up the Offensive Line may be the plan considering all Draft Picks were used on the other side of the ball last year.
Rashawn Slater missed all of 2020, but he may still edge out Christian Darrisaw as the second Lineman to come off the board.
This may be a slight reach here so I would not be surprised if the Panthers decide to move down as long as they can pick up one of those two Offensive Linemen when their turn does come around.
9. Denver Broncos- Justin Fields: My initial feeling was that the Denver Broncos were going to pick up a veteran to compete with Drew Lock at Quarter Back, but the new management looking to get this franchise back on track have no real reason to hitch their wagon with the incumbent.
The fact they didn't make the move means I will Mock Justin Fields here.
I am a big fan of Fields and I think he will do really well in the NFL in the right system, but there is every chance another team leapfrogs Denver to make sure they can pick up this Quarter Back.
If he is here, I think the Broncos will pick Fields over Trey Lance as their future franchise Quarter Back.
[UPDATE] Just as this Second Edition was going live the news broke that Teddy Bridgewater has been traded to the Denver Broncos.
It also suggested that a Quarter Back will not be taken here, but I think the Broncos would still go that way and look for that unit to find a break out star. The Broncos could also trade down here now, but I will keep Fields plugged in where he is.
10. Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Surtain II: If any of the top three Offensive Linemen fall down to the Dallas Cowboys it may be hard for them to pass up having had plenty of success by bulking up the Line and then running the ball effectively behind them in the past.
However, Dallas need plenty of support Defensively and Caleb Farley may be the top Corner in the Draft even if he has one or two injury concerns.
Patrick Surtain II was my selection for the Dallas Cowboys in my First Edition which you can read here but in that one Farley was off the board and so I will plug him in here.
Don't be that surprised if the Cowboys trade down either.
[UPDATE] A late editing decision means I am now going to plug in Patrick Surtain II back into this position- there are reports that Farley could be in for a drop with lingering concerns about his injuries and the Cowboys need someone who can step in and contribute immediately. They could go back in for an Offensive Lineman instead, but the Cowboys need Secondary help and Surtain II is the choice
11. New York Giants- Kwity Paye: You can never have too many Wide Receiver options and the Giants may be tempted to go that way, but bringing in Kenny Golladay may make that a secondary concern.
In the recent years when the New York Giants won the Super Bowl they have had a powerful pass rush and they need all the help they can get when trying to bring down the opponent's Quarter Back.
Kwity Paye being here at Number 11 would be impossible to pass up as far as I am concerned and I think the Giants get themselves a player that will work hard to star in the NFL.
12. Philadelphia Eagles- DeVonta Smith: There is talk that the Eagles want to trade back into the top 10 of the NFL Draft after moving down in a swap with the Miami Dolphins.
I am not sure whether they have identified a Wide Receiver they covet more than the others on the board, but for this Mock Draft I have them selecting DeVonta Smith.
Philadelphia will be very happy to be able to Draft Smith here as they look to replace the likes of DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffrey, and especially as I had them picking him up in their original Number 6 spot in my First Edition Mock Draft.
13. Los Angeles Chargers- Christian Darrisaw: If things shake up as I have seen them, the Los Angeles Chargers will feel very happy in being able to take one of the top three Offensive Linemen off the board.
Penei Sewell might be the standout, but there isn't much between Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw and I think the Chargers would be happy for either to land here as they look to protect Justin Herbert.
14. Minnesota Vikings- Alijah Vera-Tucker: The Vikings are yet another team that may look to pick up some Draft stock in order to drop down in the First Round, but if they are picking here they have a number of options.
The window looks to be closing for Mike Zimmer and the Vikings and the Head Coach may be keen to see a big Defensive player picked up here.
You wouldn't blame him with the likes of Micah Parsons and Patrick Surtain II around in my Mock Draft, but the Offensive Line also needs key help and Alijah Vera-Tucker has played at Left Tackle. That may be his long-term move in the NFL and he is a key addition for a team that wants to run the ball with the Offense moving through Dalvin Cook.
15. New England Patriots- Micah Parsons: There is a clear feeling that the New England Patriots are primed to move up in the Draft and select one of the Quarter Backs that are expected to be around once the top three teams have selected.
In my Mock Draft that would be Justin Fields or Trey Lance and I think if Bill Belichick is convinced by either the Patriots will move ahead of the Denver Broncos and select him.
If they are sitting at Number 15 in this Mock Draft situation it may be difficult for the Defensive minded Head Coach to ignore the talent of Micah Parsons who has dropped here. Without the move I can't imagine the Patriots will be that bothered about taking Trey Lance and so this looks the right player to Mock here.
However, I would not be surprised at all if a deal with the Carolina Panthers is reached to select at Number 8 on Draft Day.
16. Arizona Cardinals- Caleb Farley: Being able to pick up one of the top Corners in the Draft is a bonus for the Arizona Cardinals who have strengthened the team in the Draft.
They would love for Micah Parsons to somehow slip to this point, but I think it is unlikely with the way the chips fall.
If not, Patrick Surtain II looks a solid selection who will transition into a full time starter at the end of the 2021 season.
[UPDATE] I now have Caleb Farley as the second Corner Back going in the Draft having initially had Patrick Surtain II going here. The Cardinals can perhaps take a chance on Farley, whose own Agent believes he won't drop out of the top 20 despite some suggesting he will miss the First Round, considering they have signed Malcolm Butler to pair with Patrick Peterson for the season.
It will give Farley time to rebuild his strength as he plays as perhaps the third Corner this season and he can be ready to compete full time in 2022.
17. Las Vegas Raiders- Zaven Collins: Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are unconventional and I think the Raiders have a multitude of options here.
They could move down, they could simply pick the best player left on the board, but I think it would be a surprise if Las Vegas don't want to improve their Defensive unit in a Division alongside Patrick Mahomes.
Zaven Collins may be a reach, but a jack of all trades Linebacker seems like the kind of player that would appeal to the Mayock-Gruden team, although you could throw up ten names here and still be way off the mark in trying to work out what these two will be thinking.
18. Miami Dolphins- Jaelan Phillips: After disappointing Tua Tagovailoa by not picking one of the Alabama Wide Receivers I can make a case for Miami making it up to him by picking Najee Harris here as another skill player for the Offense and the young Quarter Back.
That Draft Pick would not be a massive surprise, but Miami need to find more pass rush support and they can land Jaelan Phillips who made his mark with the Hurricanes in College after a decent, but unspectacular career with the UCLA Bruins.
I think this would be something of a steal for the Dolphins who continue their rebuild through the Draft with a selection on both sides of the ball in the First Round.
Injury concerns are an issue for those teams selecting Phillips though and something the Miami Dolphins will be thinking about.
19. Washington Football Team- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: The Football Team would likely be focusing on the Offensive Line first and foremost, but with the top three Linemen gone they will instead use this Pick to boost the Defense.
We all know how good the Defensive Line can be, but Washington had holes further in the unit and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah can have a day one impact for the team.
In my First Edition I had a Lineman dropping into this spot, but the top three look likely to be off the board by the time it gets to Washington in this Second Edition Mock.
20. Chicago Bears- Rashod Bateman: Things seem pretty clear for the Chicago Bears, well as far as I am concerned anyway, and the decision on Draft Day is going to be whether they wish to move up and take one of the two Quarter Backs that is likely to slip in the Draft.
Personally I think there are teams ahead of them who can leapfrog up the order without giving up as much as the Bears would have to and the signing of Andy Dalton would mean they are likely looking to strengthen other areas if they get down to this point and have not moved.
With that in mind I am not going to plug in Trey Lance here and instead I will place Rashod Bateman for the second Mock Draft in a row. Allen Robinson has been re-signed for at least the next season, but Bateman could be a long-term replacement and give Andy Dalton plenty of weapons to target.
Caleb Farley would be another option if he reaches here.
21. Indianapolis Colts- Azeez Ojulari: This is another team that would likely take one of the top three Offensive Linemen if they dropped this far, but again I doubt that happens.
One did drop in my First Edition Mock Draft which can be read here, but even then this looks too far down for the Indianapolis to look at this side of the ball.
Free Agency was the method used to try and rebuild the Line, but in today's NFL the best Defenses are those that can force ample pressure up front to give their Secondary a chance to make plays.
With that in mind Azeez Ojulari may be more ready to come in and make an impact for the Colts immediately than someone like Gregory Rousseau, although I love the potential of the latter.
The Colts feel their window for success is fairly limited as they stand though and they can't really wait for Rousseau to develop into the player he can be and Ojulari is the selection.
22. Tennessee Titans- Jaycee Horn: I had the Tennessee Titans picking a player to rush the Quarter Back in my First Edition Mock Draft, but I think they will find it hard to choose between Tevin Jenkins (Offensive Tackle) and Jaycee Horn (CB) here.
The latter wins out after the amount of huge plays the Titans gave up last season and with Jenkins perhaps a long-term Guard rather than a Tackle which is the position Tennessee are keener in filling.
Jaycee Horn will be able to challenge some of the taller Receivers in the NFL and looks to be the third Corner Back who will be selected in the Draft.
23. New York Jets- Greg Newsome II: With the top three Corner Backs gone, the New York Jets can opt for a number of players here after selecting their future Quarter Back already in the First Round.
However, it feels like most are of the belief that the second First Round Pick will be focusing on the other side of the ball and Greg Newsome II looks the only option unless Caleb Farley drops further than his Agent is anticipating.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Najee Harris: James Connor is gone and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in 'win now' mode with Big Ben Roethlisberger returning for at least one more season.
Improving the Offensive Line has to be on the minds of the Coaching staff with key players moving on or retiring, but Najee Harris may be an Offensive weapon that is impossible for the Steelers to ignore.
If not going this route, picking up Tevin Jenkins looks the most likely call.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars- Tevin Jenkins: They have already selected the Quarter Back of the future and there are some decent Offensive weapons for Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, at least for the upcoming season.
There are plenty of areas that Urban Meyer can target ahead of his first season as Head Coach in the NFL, but protecting Lawrence has to be key.
Picking up Tevin Jenkins bolsters the Offensive Line and he can slot in at Guard or Tackle.
26. Cleveland Browns- Gregory Rousseau: The Browns did make the PlayOffs last season, but will know they need to improve Defensively to take the next step in their development.
They have some strong pass rushers signed up for the 2021 season, but those are on short-term deals and this looks an ideal spot for Gregory Rousseau to develop in the months ahead and learn behind Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney.
You can never have too many guys that can come in and rush the passer when it comes to the post-season too and the potential of Rousseau has to be exciting enough for the Browns to take the chance here.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Liam Eichenburg: I have little doubt that the Baltimore Ravens will move out of this position, either up or down, but if they do select here they have a number of options.
There are a few areas of improvement required, but the Offensive Line might be the target in the First Round as they look to offer Lamar Jackson more protection.
A Wide Receiver is another route they can go and I was close to placing Kadarius Toney into this spot, while the Ravens need pass rushers.
However, it could feel a reach picking one at Number 27 with some of the top players off the board and I will place a solid Offensive Tackle that can grow into a vital piece for the Ravens for years to come.
28. New Orleans Saints- Terrace Marshall Jr: The Drew Brees era is over in New Orleans, but the Saints are not really in a position to move up and Draft his replacement at the top of the First Round.
I think Justin Fields would intrigue Sean Payton if he was to fall out of the top ten, but the reality is that the Saints will go with Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston this season.
What has become evident is that the Saints need to beef up the Receiving corps with an unhappy Michael Thomas perhaps someone that may look to move on.
Terrace Marshall Jr doesn't have the same kind of standing as his LSU team-mates Ja'Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson, but he can complement Thomas this season and perhaps take over as the Number 1 option in the years to come. With the way the Saints play under Payton, there will be plenty of schemes devised to get Marshall Jr out into space where he can do considerable damage after the catch.
29. Green Bay Packers- Kadarius Toney: The only Jeopardy the Green Bay Packers will be facing over the coming season will be regarding Aaron Rodgers if they are not able to provide Offensive weapons for their future Hall of Fame Quarter Back.
Last season the Packers had a Draft that was rightly questioned, but Rodgers used it as motivation to remind everyone how good he can be.
They still came up short in the PlayOffs and I think a slot Receiver like Kadarius Toney will offer Rodgers another weapon that could open things up further for his connection with Davante Adams.
30. Buffalo Bills- Travis Etienne: I think the Buffalo Bills are going to move out of the First Round as they can surely pick a player they want later in the Draft while adding Draft stock.
The Bills need to improve the pass rush and I am placing Travis Etienne here without really feeling Buffalo will make the selection. It would be a luxury selection at this point of the Draft (they could move down and get Etienne anyway), but the Bills may be hoping one or two of the top pass rushers fall to them here.
31. Kansas City Chiefs- Dillon Radunz: There is little doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs have learned how important their Offensive Line is having come up just a little short in their bid for back to back NFL Championships.
Patrick Mahomes can make all the throws, even under duress, as he showed in the Super Bowl, but giving him as much time as he needs only helps the Chiefs.
Chances are they will move out of the First Round, but either way I expect their first Draft Pick to be on the Offensive Line.
Dillon Radunz could develop into a really solid starter in the NFL and it feels like his style fits in with well with a timing Offense run by the Chiefs, one that loves to run the ball too.
[UPDATE TRADED TO BALTIMORE RAVENS]- So the Orlando Brown trade to the Kansas City Chiefs has landed the Baltimore Ravens with another First Round Pick.
They could easily go with the same player I have placed here for Kansas City as the Ravens rebuild the Offensive Line, but I don't think they will use both First Round Picks they have in the lower reaches of the Round.
If the Baltimore Ravens do select here, I can see Joe Tryon being a potential Draft choice as they try and improve the pass rush on the other side of the ball. The Ravens have more holes in their roster than I would have imagined, but a move out of the First Round would not be a massive surprise.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Landon Dickerson: The Tom Brady signing has proved to be the right one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who became the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home Stadium and ended up winning it all.
There are areas that can still be improved despite the majority of players sticking with the Buccaneers to try and repeat as Champions.
Protecting Brady is always going to be key and plugging in Landon Dickerson looks a risk worth taking despite some concerns about his durability. He has played right across the Offensive Line and that is vital in what is now a seventeen game regular season.
Now there is no reason to doubt that this Mock is going to take a hard left very soon when the real Draft takes place, but that is the case for many.
Teams will trade up and down and there are always surprising selections as teams reach for needs.
I have Trey Lance falling out of the First Round, but it would not be a massive surprise if one of the teams intrigued by him come back into this Round late and take the Quarter Back. The teams towards the bottom of the First Round are always likely to check out of the Pick, while the NFL Draft always makes for good television because of the uncertainty around it.
It will be fun to watch on Thursday when the First Round is set to take place and further Rounds will come through the weekend.
And we are now just two weeks away from finding out the 2021 NFL schedule, one that I am hoping it will be possible to attend at some point in the coming months.
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