NFL Mock Draft 2021 First Round- Second Edition (April 29th)

It has been a few weeks since my Mock Draft was put together and you can read that here.

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.

NFL Mock Draft 2021 First Round- First Edition (February 5th)

We have yet to crown a 2020 NFL Champion, but that is going to be decided in Tampa Bay on Sunday 7th February and I mentioned in my Championship Game Picks thread that I would hopefully have time to create a couple of Mock Drafts before the actual 2021 NFL Draft takes place in April.

This is actually a pretty early time for the first Mock, but I am looking to have at least two more with one taking place in the week when the new NFL season officially gets underway, and the other in the days before the Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th April 2021.

A lot will change between now and then with trades and team needs changing depending on how Free Agency develops. For the first Mock Draft I am planning to keep teams in their current spots and I will then add any Mock Trades and moves in the second Mock Draft I put together in mid-March.

In the days leading up to the 2021 Draft I think we will know the likely order teams will be selecting at, although things can change markedly on the night.

I will have a thread up for the Super Bowl Pick on Sunday, but this should be published before that so I am selecting Kansas City in Number 32 and Tampa Bay in Number 31 as the Chiefs are favoured to win back to back Championships.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence: the arrival of Urban Meyer as Head Coach of the Jaguars has raised some questions as to what Jacksonville will do with the Number 1 Pick in the 2021 Draft.

Meyer's links with Ohio State have pushed the Justin Fields narrative, but I think it would be one of the biggest surprises in Draft history if the Jaguars do not select Trevor Lawrence here.

The Quarter Back looks like a generational talent and has long been considered as the player who will go as Number 1 whenever he declares for the Draft.

2. New York Jets- Zach Wilson: for a long time the question was whether Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields will go first, but there is a growing movement behind Zach Wilson of BYU being the second Quarter Back that goes in the Draft.

I have him down with the New York Jets in this opening Mock Draft selection, but there is a huge disclaimer at play.

First up I think the Jets are going to be firmly in the discussion for any trade that can be worked out for Deshaun Watson and that will mean this Pick is moved to the Houston Texans who could go a number of positions instead of Quarter Back, especially if they like Sam Darnold enough to have him part of the trade.

The Jets have a new Coaching staff that have no connection with Darnold, but they might like him enough to take a big time talent on the Offensive Line to prevent their Quarter Back from seeing 'ghosts'.

Or perhaps the Jets new Coaching staff decide to take the Quarter Back I have selected here and start a new era at the position in 2021.

3. Miami Dolphins- Penei Sewell: like the Jets I expect the Miami Dolphins to try and entice Deshaun Watson to South Florida and that would mean this selection is no longer theirs.

I also think the team are likely to pass this selection on to a team who might be desperate to take one of the top Quarter Backs, but if Miami are forced to Pick here they could do worse than Penei Sewell.

Strengthening the Offensive Line for Tua Tagovailoa is one thing, but Sewell looks like being one of the top Linemen in the NFL for years to come and it is so important to dominate the trenches.

4. Atlanta Falcons- Micah Parsons: there are a number of ways the Atlanta Falcons could go.

They could choose to finally Draft Matt Ryan's replacement or they can trade down and stockpile more selections to improve a team that underperformed in 2020.

Micah Parsons may have chosen to sit out the 2020 season, but he can provide an upgrade at Linebacker for the Falcons and is considered one of the top Defensive players in the Draft.

5. Cincinnati Bengals- Ja'Marr Chase: last season it was an easy choice for Cincinnati to select Joe Burrow as the Number 1 Pick in the 2020 Draft, but the injury suffered by the franchise Quarter Back will likely mean targeting improvements on the Offensive Line this time around.

If Penei Sewell happens to drop I think that will be an easy selection for the Bengals, but in this Mock I have him gone by now.

They could potentially reach for another Offensive Lineman, but instead I have the Bengals picking Ja'Marr Chase to give Burrow another big time Receiver and especially with AJ Green likely to be moving on.

He sat out this season so DeVonta Smith has closed in on Chase in the Wide Receiver top prospects list, but I think the fact he played with Burrow at LSU in 2019 and over 1700 Receiving yards would see the Bengals select this Receiver.

6. Philadelphia Eagles- DeVonta Smith: it is a new era in Philadelphia as far as the Coaching staff go and we are yet to hear whether Carson Wentz or Jalen Hurts will be the starting Quarter Back going forward.

The Eagles have fallen quickly from their Super Bowl success, but a big issue last season was the lack of consistent playmakers on the Offensive side of the ball. Injuries hurt and I think the Eagles will look to resolve that early by taking either DeVonta Smith or Ja'Marr Chase in this spot.

In this Mock Chase is off the board, but Smith is coming in off a big season and looks like a Receiver who will be ready to make an impact at the NFL level immediately.

7. Detroit Lions- Kwity Paye: Matthew Stafford is no longer a Detroit Lion, but the arrival of Jared Goff means the Lions are unlikely to be interested in a Quarter Back here as Justin Fields continues to slide.

They could trade down if Fields is coveted by another team, especially as Detroit have a number of holes throughout the roster that need filling with the rebuild starting this season.

If one of the top Receivers falls down the order this is a logical spot for them too, but in a Division with Aaron Rodgers (for now) I think the Lions need more disruption on the Defensive Line and the pass rush of Kwity Paye could be a help.

8. Carolina Panthers- Kyle Pitts: After a year in the starting role as the Quarter Back, Teddy Bridgewater may be wondering if his time with the Panthers is over.

They could easily look to take a Quarter Back here, but the Panthers might also be in the hunt for Deshaun Watson. It would not be a massive surprise if they are do think to bring in another veteran and instead look to improve the Receiving options by taking Kyle Pitts to offer a big target at Tight End.

I am a big fan of Pitts and I think he showed at Florida that he is ready to play at the next level and Carolina can finally replace Greg Olsen who was the long-time TE here.

9. Denver Broncos- Caleb Farley: John Elway may choose to go the veteran route to provide a real challenge to Quarter Back Drew Lock who does not look like the franchise player at the position.

If Justin Fields is available here there may be some interest, but Denver have a number of issues on the Defensive unit that will need addressing.

Patrick Surtain II had a really good season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but at this stage the feeling is that the decision to sit out the 2020 season has not hurt Caleb Farley's standing and he may be the best Corner Back in the Draft that offers Denver immediate help in the Secondary in a Division where they face Patrick Mahomes twice a season.

10. Dallas Cowboys- Patrick Surtain II: 2020 was a very difficult year for the Dallas Cowboys and it is clear they have some issues to address in the Draft.

There is every chance they could decide to take someone like Wyatt Davis or Rashawn Slater to bolster an Offensive Line which was devastated by injury in the 2020 season, but Dallas also need to upgrade the Defensive side of the ball.

Patrick Surtain II might be the top name on the board that fills a need for the Dallas Cowboys and I think they will select him here.

11. New York Giants- Gregory Rousseau: The NFC East was a poor Division in 2020 and all four teams have plenty of areas that need to improve if they are going to challenge for Championships.

Daniel Jones remains the Quarter Back with the New York Giants, but they don't give him any more help here and instead focus on the Defensive Line.

After sitting out in 2020, Gregory Rousseau does not see his Draft stock hurting too much and he is picked up to give the Giants someone to bring the pass rush.

12. San Francisco 49ers- Justin Fields: in my first Mock Draft I have Justin Fields being the unfortunate player who slips down the board as we tend to see most seasons.

Jimmy Garoppolo's position as the Quarter Back for the 49ers is under threat and I would not be surprised if he is moved on which will leave Kyle Shanahan in a position where he will perhaps look to bring in someone new in the Draft.

Some think Shanahan will be looking for a veteran with the 49ers in 'win now' mode, but in my Mock I think he would find it impossible to pass up someone like Justin Fields who could thrive in the system run in San Francisco.

The slide comes to an end.

13. Los Angeles Chargers- Rashawn Slater: the Chargers have the franchise Quarter Back, but the new Coaching staff will know Justin Herbert needs a little more time to make his plays down the field.

He may have sat out the 2020 season, but Rashawn Slater is well respected as someone who can really offer the Chargers a big upgrade on the Offensive Line and give Herbert some protection.

14. Minnesota Vikings- Wyatt Davis: it feels like the Minnesota Vikings have had a window for success, but that window is beginning to close at a rapid rate.

There are some serious holes to sort out on both sides of the ball, but in the First Round they could look to improve the Offensive Line which did not keep Kirk Cousins on his feet and also drive open some more lanes for Dalvin Cook.

The Vikings could look to improve the Defensive Line as well as the Secondary, but I have them taking the best player on the board who can help them immediately.

15. New England Patriots- Jaylen Waddle: Cam Newton is gone and the New England Patriots could look to replace him with another veteran for the 2021 season.

It has been a long time since the New England Patriots were able to select someone in the First Round as high as this having missed out on the PlayOffs, but there is no doubt that whoever is taking the snaps at Quarter Back is going to need some playmakers.

Last season it was a part of the reason Newton struggled and the Patriots can pick up Jaylen Waddle, a Receiver who can stretch the field with his speed. Injuries slowed him down in 2020, but Waddle showed what he can do when he was on the field and I think he is a good fit for the Patriots who will be looking to take their Offensive schemes forward.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Najee Harris: in each of the last two seasons only a single Running Back has been taken in the First Round of the NFL Draft, but we could have more than that this year.

The first one I believe that comes off the board is Mocked to land with the Arizona Cardinals who have Kenyan Drake heading into Free Agency. While they like Chase Edmunds, picking up Najee Harris gives them the power Running Back to play behind Kyler Murray and one who can be a pass-catching threat too.

The successes of Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry will have teams keen on picking up the latest Running Back off the Alabama production line and it could be the Cardinals who take the chance on Najee Harris as they continue giving Murray as many Offensive weapons as he needs.

17. Las Vegas Raiders- Christian Barmore: there are a number of ways the Las Vegas Raiders could go as they perhaps bid to improve the Offensive Line, while the likes of Trey Lance or Mac Jones could be intriguing to the team.

Some are still not convinced that Derek Carr is the future for the Raiders at Quarter Back with the inconsistencies he continues to display, but eventually it may be decided that the Raiders need to find a way to get more pressure on opponent's Quarter Backs.

Taking an improving player like Christian Barmore could offer the Raiders some penetration on the Defensive Line as they seek a way to improve the pass rush in a Division where Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert could be problems in years to come.

18. Miami Dolphins- Travis Etienne: depending on any move for Deshaun Watson, this is a selection that may have been traded away come Draft Day.

If the Dolphins are still looking to rebuild through the Draft which has proved to be a good policy in recent seasons, I do think they will be looking to improve their Offensive skill players to help out Tua Tagovailoa.

I would love to see Miami make a move for someone like Allen Robinson in Free Agency and that may leave the way open to pick up Travis Etienne in the Draft to improve the Running Back position. Travis Etienne would be a threat catching the ball out of the backfield to give the entire Offense a boost and also the young Quarter Back assuming Tua is back.

19. Washington Football Team- Christian Darrisaw: there is likely going to be a change at Quarter Back this season for the Washington Football Team with Dwayne Haskins gone and Alex Smith looking past his best.

Making the PlayOffs as the NFC East Champion means it is unlikely for Washington to be in a position to Draft one, although Trey Lance and Mac Jones are available in my Draft.

It may be a reach to grab Jones and Lance may be more of a project although both could easily go here. However I have Washington looking to improve the Offensive Line which gave up an eye-watering 50 Sacks last season and taking Christian Darrisaw may give them Left Tackle protection for years to come.

20. Chicago Bears- Rashod Bateman: Mitchell Trubisky may be moved on and that could see the Chicago Bears in for a Quarter Back, while Allen Robinson is heading to Free Agency and could leave.

Assuming the Quarter Back situation is resolved by keeping the unit together or perhaps even working out a way to bring in a veteran, I think the Bears have options in this spot.

The likelihood of Robinson leaving means the Bears will need more help at Receiver and I have them tabbed to pick Rashod Bateman over Rondale Moore with the latter being a bit too similar to Darnell Mooney. Injury concerns also see Moore slipping further down the Rankings for some teams and the Chicago Bears can't afford to take too many risks with the Coaching staff in a precarious spot heading into 2021.

21. Indianapolis Colts- Rondale Moore: with Philip Rivers retired, the Indianapolis Colts are likely going to be looking to bring in a veteran signal caller to compete with Jacoby Brissett for the starting role next season.

This is a team that is capable of winning now and so I think they may look for a project Quarter Back in this years Draft rather than selecting one in the First Round.

Rondale Moore has some concerns about durability, but he is a huge potential playmaker at the next level and will give the Colts a new Offensive threat with some key performers potentially not returning at Wide Receiver.

22. Tennessee Titans- Patrick Jones II: another PlayOff defeat will keep the Titans believing their window for success is still open, although some fans would like to see an upgrade in some key Offensive areas, namely Quarter Back.

For now the Coaching staff believe in Ryan Tannehill who is mainly handing the ball off to Derrick Henry and the problems for Tennessee in 2020 was the inability to rattle Quarter Backs which exposed the Secondary.

A player who is better suited to the 4-3 might be a risk, but the Titans need to find a way to get to the Quarter Back and Patrick Jones II could really help them here.

23. New York Jets- Trey Smith: assuming the New York Jets keep hold of both First Round Picks in the 2021 Draft I think they will be in a position to try and take what they feel is the best player on the board.

I am sure they would love to give my Mocked Pick Zach Wilson some Offensive help with a skill player, but they would have to reach with the majority of the top Receivers off the board and two Running Backs already taken too.

Instead I have the Jets shoring up the Offensive Line with an extremely talented player and along with Mekhi Becton could be the start of a very strong Line for years to come.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- Alijah Vera-Tucker: Big Ben Roethlisberger's decision in the off-season could determine what the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to do with their First Round Pick.

If Roethlisberger retires they could take a chance on Trey Lance or Mac Jones here, but assuming he is back I think the Steelers will shore up the Offensive Line that may allow Alejandro Villaneuva to leave in Free Agency.

Alijah Vera-Tucker can play from day one and will be the player who could slot in to protect Ben Roethlisberger's blind side for now and anchor the Offensive Line in years to come.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Mayfield: the Jaguars will likely select their franchise Quarter Back with the Number 1 Overall Pick and I think they will look to offer some real protection to Trevor Lawrence here.

Jalen Mayfield looks like someone capable of performing at a high mark at the professional level and I think it will be important to shore up an Offensive Line which gave up 44 Sacks last season.

26. Cleveland Browns- Nick Bolton: the Cleveland Browns finally returned to the PlayOffs at the end of the 2020 season and they will be looking to build on that in 2021.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Browns will be looking to improve on the Defensive side of the ball in the Draft and they need help at most levels.

Nick Bolton could be the selection at Linebacker as the best player of need on the board and his leadership might be crucial in shaping the Defensive unit in 2021 and beyond.

27. Baltimore Ravens- Quincy Roche: you do have to worry about the drop in production after transferring from Temple to Miami, but he still had enough success to encourage the Baltimore Ravens to pick up Quincy Roche at the bottom of the First Round.

They are potentially losing one or two pass rushers in Free Agency and the Ravens need to re-stock that unit, while it should also mean Roche can be given time to develop with his impact mainly felt on passing Downs.

Quincy Roche is capable of becoming someone who can impact the run too.

28. New Orleans Saints- Mac Jones: Defensive reinforcements are likely to be considered by the New Orleans Saints, but I think Sean Payton could look at Mac Jones as the perfect replacement for expected retiree Drew Brees.

Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill are on the roster, but I think Jones will fit the New Orleans schemes and may actually give the Offensive unit a boost compared with the diminishing arm of Brees.

I am not entirely convinced about Mac Jones and whether he will be a top NFL Quarter Back, but I can see the Saints seeing him as the best player available here and look to improve the Defensive positions further down the Draft and through Free Agency if possible.

29. Green Bay Packers- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: the decision to not offer Aaron Rodgers Offensive help in the 2020 Draft has clearly not been forgotten by the Quarter Back and what he chooses to do this off-season is going to be huge.

It will shape the direction of the Green Bay Packers for years to come and I don't think Rodgers will be given much support in the First Round of the Draft if he does choose to stay.

Unlike last year, the Packers don't do anything to irritate their future of Hall of Famer as they did in 2020, but for now they can't offer him any additional weapons. Instead the Packers pick a Linebacker who can make an impact all over the field and one who will be important from day one in the NFL.

30. Buffalo Bills- Derion Kendrick: the Bills took a big step forward in 2020 thanks to the development of Josh Allen who was well supported by the team.

I love what the Bills have done Offensively, but I think they will want to improve on the other side of the ball to compete with the very best teams in the NFL.

That was underlined in the AFC Championship Game as Buffalo were beaten for the second time by the Kansas City Chiefs and I think that sees them take Derion Kendrick in the First Round to improve their own Secondary. He is still a developing player, but Kendrick has a nice size at Corner Back, played at a school used to being involved in big games and has shown an improvement between 2020 and 2019 to believe he will get better in the Buffalo zone schemes.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Joseph Ossai: depending on the outcome of the Super Bowl this spot could be taken by the Kansas City Chiefs, but since this first Mock is being put together before the Championship Game I will place the underdog Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this place in the First Round.

There is much to like about the Tampa Bay roster, but some big decisions are going to be needed to be made in the off-season with the likes of Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David and Ndamukong Suh heading into Free Agency.

If one of the Linebackers is allowed to move on, the Buccaneers could take Joseph Ossai as a replacement- the Longhorn played well in 2020 and looks like he could make a big impact from an Outside Linebacker spot, although replacing the production of Barrett could take some time.

32. Kansas City Chiefs- Samuel Cosmi: injuries on the Offensive Line are likely to have an impact on the outcome of the Super Bowl and the Kansas City Chiefs may be looking for the future at the Tackle spots.

There is work to do for Samuel Cosmi to really impact at the next level, but he looks capable of playing at either Tackle spot and developing into a decent player in the NFL.

Andy Reid may choose to allow another team to trade into the First Round or he may choose to improve what is already a top Offensive unit in the skill positions, but the likely improvements on the Offensive Line is what I have for them here.