Full 2021 NFL Draft two-round mock draft during the thralls of training camp.
NFL training camps are, shockingly enough, nearing their end but that means that things are heating up. Though less publicized, the same is true for the college football teams playing in the fall as they gear up for mid- and late-September starts to the season. And of course, that will lead to the eventual collision course between the two in April with the 2021 NFL Draft.
Any mock draft for the 2021 NFL Draft at this point offers a ton of uncertainty, more so than normal. Yes, when you are some eight months away without a draft order even set, there is always going to be a ton that can happen between now and then.
At the same time, though, this 2020 season for the NFL and college ranks offers more risk and potential change at this point in the year than ever before.
The 2021 NFL Draft landscape, mock drafts could change a great deal
Perhaps the best instance of how variable every 2021 NFL Draft mock draft is right now, we are expecting that we won’t see Big Ten stars like Justin Fields, Shaun Wade, Aidan Hutchinson and many others this year due to the conference canceling the fall season with the hope of playing in the spring. But that may not be happening now.
According to reports, the Big Ten presidents and higher-ups have been meeting amid protests, lawsuits and petitions from players and discussing the potential for an earlier season, one that could start as soon as Thanksgiving. If that were to happen, it would not only make for an exceptionally odd college season but would allow many prospects the opportunity to play another year without it conflicting with the 2021 NFL Draft process.
This is all to say that, though we can do our best to dive deep into the 2021 NFL Draft with a mock draft right now, it’s more subject to change than ever. Even still, we’re going at it now, using NFL Mock Draft Database to simulate this two-round prediction (including the draft order) and see what the draft can offer all 32 teams over the initial 64 selections.
Two QBs unsurprisingly go in the top four picks of this mock draft.
There are two things that will happen at the No. 1 overall pick: Either a team needs a quarterback to take over for the future and lands Trevor Lawrence or they get a king’s ransom from a team trading up for Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville is in the first category. If they pick No. 1 overall, chances are that Gardner Minshew isn’t the right guy and they get a marvelous talent in Lawrence who checks every physical box you could ask him to.
With Trent Williams out the door after a long, arduous saga, the Washington Football Team needs some help at tackle. Luckily, they get a potential generational prospect in Penei Sewell to help with that. Not only is Sewell athletic and talented already at the position but he’s extremely young. That type of potential longevity and for growth on an already-impressive résumé makes him a lock to go No. 2 to the Football Team.
Joe Burrow is in the fold but A.J. Green is likely gone after the 2020 season with the Bengals. Though they drafted Tee Higgins in 2020, they still need more to help their franchise quarterback guide them into the future. His former teammate at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase, will more than do. There’s nothing Chase doesn’t do well and, paired with Burrow, they could continue their magic in Cincinnati.
If the Panthers are picking at No. 4, there’s a good chance that signing Teddy Bridgewater in free agency didn’t exactly go as the team had planned. Subsequently, Justin Fields is the pick here. The Ohio State quarterback wants to play badly in college in 2020 but, as of now, won’t get his wish. His combination of athleticism and arm talent make him an elite prospect, though, and Carolina would be giving the keys to sure hands if they took the signal-caller.
A pair of defensive studs not playing in 2020 go No. 5 and 6
Micah Parsons had already opted out of the 2020 season prior to the Big Ten shutting it down for the fall (for now). Of course, when you’re hands-down the best linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft class, you have that luxury. The Giants need a tone-setter that can move all over the field in all facets and that’s what the Penn State stud does every time he lines up.
People want to get Tua Tagovailoa some weapons in the first round and, while I approve, the Dolphins need to wait. If Gregory Rousseau is there early in the first round, they need to keep him in South Florida and grab him. The pass-rusher is long, explosive and tore up opposing offensive lines all last season. He opted out of 2020 but he’s a top-10 lock and the Dolphins should capitalize.
Detroit has been consistently adding good players but the results just haven’t been there, for whatever reason. My belief is that they need three-down playmakers in the trenches on defense to take more control. Marvin Wilson Jr. out of Florida State is that. The big defensive tackle is not only a game-wrecker with a never-ending motor but he’s a terrific leader that his teammates can get behind.
For me, there are bigger needs I’d like to address than wide receiver at No. 8 for the Jets. At the same time, fans have been crying for playmakers and there’s no question that Gang Green needs some. As such, they take the dynamic Jaylen Waddle here. A big-play threat whenever his cleats are touching grass, Waddle gives the Jets a monster weapon to hopefully help Sam Darnold continue his development.
An FCS star goes ahead of two Alabama standouts
If the Raiders are picking in the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft, that means that Derek Carr (or Marcus Mariota) isn’t the guy at quarterback. Thus, they are in position to take Trey Lance and they do. The NDSU star was phenomenal as a redshirt freshman last year and showcased an NFL arm and great athleticism for the position. Jon Gruden would love to get his hands on Lance and make him the franchise guy.
Could the Chargers use a tackle for the long haul? Yes. Are all of the tackles outside of Sewell available? Yes. At some point, though, you have to find the best vaue and that’s Patrick Surtain II — and he just so happens to help an area of need. LA has talent at corner but health and age are concerns. Surtain was built in a lab to play the position and should be a long-term asset for the defense.
For all of the people thinking that the Broncos are about to break out in the 2020 season, the offensive line could be a huge reason that doesn’t happen. Their tackle situation is awful, which is why they land Alex Leatherwood at No. 11. At Alabama, Leatherwood has played all over the line and thrived. He needs some further development with consistent footwork but he should be a valuable addition in Denver.
There is little reason to fault what the Cardinals have done since the arrival of Kliff Kingsbury as the head coach as Kyler Murray looked like a stud and things have just been trending up. The offensive line, however, needs to be fixed and they should start on the interior. Creed Humphrey is a proven stud at his spot and should be a Day 1 starter in Arizona or wherever else he lands.
Two wide receivers go with two defensive stars in this range
Though Rousseau isn’t playing in the 2020 season for Miami, Temple transfer Quincy Roche is. He won’t put up the huge stats he likely would’ve if paired with Rousseau but Roche can be a dynamic pass-rusher at the NFL level with a nice blend of tools. Atlanta has been starved for something in that department for quite a while and that’s why he’s the pick at No. 13.
Some people would have Miami taking a wide receiver with their first pick in the first round. This draft class is so deep at the position, though, I’m fine with waiting for Rondale Moore. Diminutive in stature, the Purdue product is lightning in a bottle with elite playmaking ability when he gets the ball. Pairing him with DeVante Parker and Preston Williams could give Tua an elite group of weapons.
This is a gift for the Cleveland Browns. The team’s biggest need as they look to the 2021 NFL Draft is clearly at linebacker and there are two top-tier prospects at the position in this class. Dylan Moses is the second of them. The Alabama standout missed all of last year due to an ACL injury but is a defensive quarterback with elite football IQ and the physical tools to make any play he needs to.
What the Bears’ plan at quarterback for the long haul remains to be seen. Whoever is at the position, though, they need some better weapons around them moving forward. DeVonta Smith has been a game-changer for Alabama, even if not as celebrated as some of his teammates. If Chicago keeps Allen Robinson, Smith pairs beautifully with the underrated veteran.
Offensive lineman start flowing off the board in this mock draft
After taking Lawrence at No. 1 overall, the Jaguars need to turn their attention to the offensive line. They aren’t in the worst shape there but they could stand to protect a new asset. Samuel Cosmi needs to get a bit stronger and bigger but he has terrific movement ability and a ton of technical things you like to see thanks to experience.
It feels as if interior offensive line has been an issue for the Vikings over the past few years now, a perpetual issue in Minnesota. Wyatt Davis could possibly end that cycle, though. The Ohio State star is a monster on the interior, playing with power, technique, control and nice movement skills that make him an elite prospect.
Few evaluations are as fascinating as Shaun Wade, especially with Ohio State not playing in 2020 as of now. He played largely in the slot but has the build of a traditional outside cornerback. The Colts need plenty of help in that department, though, and Indy brings him into the mix with their first-rounder to try and bolster the defense’s biggest weakness.
Trading Jurrell Casey remains a head-scratcher for the Titans but they do have young Jeffery Simmons to build around on the D-line. He needs some help up there, however, and Jaylen Twyman could step in right away. He opted out at Pitt for the 2020 season but his film last season showed a player ready to be a disruptor right away at the next level.
More opt-outs sneak into the first round in these four picks
Full disclosure, I’m not as high on Caleb Farley as some people. With his size, speed, quickness and ball skills, I get every reason why he could be great — but he’s not great just yet. Even still, he’s a first-round lock after opting out of the 2020 college season and the Bills need someone to pair with Tre’Davious White. The Hokies standout is the right guy to do that.
There is so much potential with Tyson Campbell that it hurts. At 6-2, 185 pounds with long limbs, he has the build of the cornerback most NFL teams would build in a lab. And his best plays at Georgia show a player able to take advantage — he just needs more reps and consistency. His potential, however, make him a possible building block for the Jets secondary.
Philly could potentially use another cornerback or wide receiver, their two primary concerns in the 2020 offseason. However, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves versatile man-defenders and that’s Hamsah Nasirildeen’s game. The FSU safety has unreal athletic ability for a player with his length and size and can be a chess piece that few teams have consistent answers for.
Yes, the Packers will have other needs. But the fact that they didn’t address wide receiver in the 2020 draft leaves them desperately needing to do so in the 2021 draft. They take Rashod Bateman, who could be a perfect fit. He has the size Green Bay’s front office likes but has juice and agility that many other additions have not. Bateman will pair perfectly with Davante Adams to take advantage of late-30s Aaron Rodgers.
Defense begins to rule at the end of Round 1 in the 2021 NFL Draft
Shaq Barrett isn’t under a long-term deal just yet and Jason Pierre-Paul, though still thriving, is getting older. Carlos Basham Jr. not only has an elite nickname (Boogie) but he’s been a force at Wake Forest. His explosiveness and speed aren’t going to jump off the charts. But he’s technically sound and powerful, allowing him to arrive in the NFL and make an impact.
I’ve mocked Hamsah Nasirildeen to Dallas more times than I can count. With him off the board, though, the hole at corner must be addressed, assuming Trevon Diggs doesn’t thrive as a rookie. Adebo is not as perfect a prospect as thought after his 2018 season but the Stanford product is a clear NFL starter who could be in that role right away for the secondary-hungry Cowboys.
Jay Tufele is the type of player that the Patriots tend to really get enamored with. He has great size at 6-3, 315 pounds and is an explosive athlete for a player that size. But what New England needs to get out of him is consistent plays from the first quarter through the fourth. They’re more than willing to take that chance in this mock draft at the end of Round 1.
Losing Javon Hargrave in free agency this past offseason can’t be overlooked as he was a force in the middle for Pittsburgh. They look to replace him here with Tyler Shelvin. The LSU standout is a natural fit at the nose tackle spot of the Steelers’ 3-4 base front and he can be a versatile game-wrecker that continues to solidify a high-quality defense.
The first tight end comes off the board at the end of the first round
Finding a bonafide weakness on the Saints roster is not an easy task but the future at tight end is in question. Freiermuth would change that immediately as the best player at the position, capable as a blocker and dynamic pass-catcher. Of course, if the Saints need a quarterback, that could change their entire 2021 NFL Draft strategy entirely.
It’s a shame that we don’t get to see another year of Hamilcar Rashed Jr. after the Pac-12 shut down the fall season after his productive 2019 campaign. However, his speed and bend off the edge make him the exact type of prospect the Ravens would love, though the Beavers product does need to put on some more weight to succeed at the next level.
San Francisco’s defense impressed last year, especially with veteran and unheralded corners. At the same time, that needs to be addressed as a long-term hole. That’s why they take a shot on Eric Stokes. The Bulldogs standout has been a good player who’s earned his spot at Georgia and, with more reps in 2020, could develop into a first-round lock.
The Chiefs need to find some offensive line upgrades moving forward if they want to remain as dominant as they have been on offense. Carman has plenty of experience at Clemson and should have the ability to play at tackle or slot inside at guard early in his career. Either way, he’s a plug-and-play starter for the KC line.
The second round of the 2021 NFL Draft offers a ton of talent to teams in this mock draft.
Why not replace Leonard Fournette with Trevor Lawrence’s college teammate? Etienne is an explosive force out of the backfield, ready to break a big one off at any moment and already well-versed as a pass-catcher.
Washington needs to address the depth and youth and safety and Sterns offers that. A versatile player who can do a lot of different things, the Texas product would be a nice addition to the Football Team.
Faalele is just a monstrous human being who can eat up defensive ends and tackles at will. He moves well too and, in the interest of protecting Joe Burrow, the Bengals would be wise to snatch him up in Round 2.
The only thing holding Smith back is a history with health issues. On the field, he’s a potentially dominant force with positional versatility, something that will greatly help a rebuilding Panthers team for the long haul.
Golden Tate is a good veteran, Sterling Shepard has been fine when healthy and Darius Slayton impressed as a rookie. The Giants wide receivers, however, aren’t inspiring of much confidence. Surratt knows how to get open and make plays down the field, which will help Daniel Jones.
With Reshad Jones gone and after trading Minkah Fitzpatrick last year, the Dolphins need a future at safety. Ford looks like a stud that’s being undervalued as he falls to No. 38. Regardless, he’ll help Miami’s defense.
Needing to supplement a deep passing offense, Williams is another big target for Matthew Stafford who could further open up this passing game and possibly get the Lions back in the hunt.
New York has long needed an edge rusher who can consistently make plays. Oweh is one of the most freakishly athletic players in the 2021 NFL Draft class and, with some more development, could be that player for the Jets.
The Raiders offensive line has quietly been strong over the past couple seasons but they are a bit old on the interior. Myers solves that, arriving as a player who can be a certified people-mover up the gut on a consistent basis.
There are people down on Little after injuries and some lackluster development. However, he’s still a former 5-star recruit with elite physical tools. With NFL coaching, the Chargers could fill a big void at tackle for the long haul.
Asked to move from his natural position due to injury, Bolton shined for Mizzou last year. Now he can come into Denver and address the middle of a defense that has always been strong but needs some injections of youth.
By the end of the year, Barmore at No. 44 could be a steal. He flashed last season but doesn’t have a full season of reps to showcase just yet. With his talent and ceiling, though, he could put up a monster 2020 campaign and be a first-round lock when it’s said and done.
Coming out of high school, Harris was billed as a superstar in the making. We finally saw that at the end of 2019. He should give the Falcons a viable long-term option at running back.
The second Surratt to go in the top 50, Chazz is a high-upside players that could be a game-changer for Miami. He shined in his first year ever playing linebacker last season and his athleticism should only further shine with more time at the position.
Hutchinson seems like a natural player to pair with Myles Garrett and possibly Olivier Vernon as well. He’s not a fantastic athlete but he’s a smart, powerful edge rusher who should only keep getting better with time and reps.
Newman could be due for a monster season at Georgia under offensive coordinator Todd Monken. If he does put forth that type of year, the dual-threat passer could be the successor to the unfortunate Trubisky/Trubisky-Foles era.
It’s no wonder North Dakota State has been so dominant with the talent they have. Though the Rams could use defensive help, they must address the O-line. Radunz has questions about level of competition but he’s been a dominant edge-setter at the FCS level.
Acquired in the Yannick Ngakoue trade, the Jaguars have yet another top-50 pick at their disposal. There are several options for them and work in the secondary is still needed. That’s why the starkly ascending Richard Lecounte is the pick for them here.
Focus on the secondary continues for the Colts as they take a safety to hopefully replace Malik Hooker, whose fifth-year option the team declined. Holland isn’t a perfect prospect and has to be used wisely but he can help in Indy.
Pitts falling to the Titans here is a gift from the heavens. While the Florida product isn’t an inline player, he’s an unreal pass-catcher that can open up the offense further, especially paired with Jonnu Smith.
A transfer from North Dakota State, Cox looked like he was playing in a different game when in the FCS. We have to see if that holds true in the SEC but he could pair devastatingly with Tremaine Edmunds in Buffalo.
After not getting a first-round pick, the Seahawks come on the clock and address the offensive line. They need a ton of help there and an experienced big fella like Brown should slot in immediately in the trenches.
When the Eagles addressed wide receiver this offseason with speed. That shouldn’t end there though and Terry is a big-bodied monster in the passing game that can be the new-wave version of Alshon Jeffery with a bit more dynamic ability.
Perhaps it’s time to move on from Kevin King after the 2020 season, so let’s replace him with another big-bodied, physical cornerback and see if Mukuamu can step into that role.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have the top spots on lock but the Bucs need to further the wide receiver corps. St. Brown diversifies the skill-sets in the group and gives them yet another guy who can make plays.
Washington, at 5-8, 179 pounds, isn’t a player who fits the traditional safety mold. But turn on the film and tell me this guy can’t help the Cowboys. He may not be the Honey Badger in full but he’s a version of that mold of versatile playmaker.
Whether Cam Newton is viable long-term or not, the Patriots need more weapons. Olave may not be the most versatile player but his speed makes him a potentially devastating deep threat in the NFL.
With Alejandro Villanueva’s contract up after the 2021 season and with a need to upgrade on the right side, Mayfield makes sense for the Steelers here as a tackle with experience and still upside ahead.
Jared Cook has been solid for the Saints but he’s a little long in the tooth. Jordan is a different player who shouldn’t be playing in line right now. However, his RAC ability and pass-catching make him a nice add late in Round 2.
The forgotten man of the LSU wide receiver corps last season, Marshall is set to be the No. 2 to Ja’Marr Chase’ No. 1 in the Tigers offense. A former 5-star recruit, the 6-3 pass-catcher could be a stud playing with Lamar Jackson
Some people have Cisco higher than this and it’s not hard to see why. For me, he’s a bit lower on my board but still has more than enough tools to provide the 49ers with a needed boost on the back end.
Tryon has been used in a variety of ways at Washington but perhaps too much so. Even still, the young edge shows some juice as a pass-rusher and could give the Chiefs defense a young spark.