2021 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers bank on Mac Jones, Dolphins land Jaylen Waddle
![Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against Texas A&M during the first half at Kyle Field Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 in College Station, Texas. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Alabama Vs Texas A M](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fe9bd955f1b6a788609036b46337545e028cc9060926b7ddc18a0694f4397ba84.jpg "Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against Texas A&M during the first half at Kyle Field Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 in College Station, Texas. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Alabama Vs Texas A M")
59. . OT. Miami Dolphins. Penei Sewell. 5. player
(Pick via Texans) – Yes, the Dolphins invested in the offensive line in the 2020 draft, taking Austin Jackson in Round 1 and Robert Hunt in the following round. That unit isn’t complete yet, however, which is why Penei Sewell is too good to pass up here. The Oregon offensive tackle is already an elite player in terms of his strength and movement but also has room to grow given his young age. He could be an All-Pro caliber tackle, which would help Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami offense click.
. QB. Washington Commanders. Trey Lance. 6. player. 58
Benching Dwayne Haskins has all but made the future intentions of the Washington Football Team clear. Ron Rivera will want to help pick his quarterback for the franchise and, with Lawrence and Fields off the board already, that leaves them with Trey Lance.
Coming out of North Dakota State, Lance is another terrific athlete with a pro-ready arm. He may take some time with his decision-making and nuances of the position given the level of competition he faced and his age but his upside is mouth-watering if you’re Washington.
player. 45. . CB. Denver Broncos. Patrick Surtain II. 7
You could certainly make the case that the Denver Broncos need offensive line help more than anything else. However, with Patrick Surtain II on the board in this 2021 NFL mock draft when they come on the clock, they can’t pass him up. The Alabama standout checks all the boxes for an NFL corner and Denver has a need as they are a bit thin and/or long in the tooth at the position.
Cincinnati Bengals. Alex Leatherwood. 8. player. 56. . OT
It’s been discussed ad nausea this season but Joe Burrow needs better protection up front if he’s going to survive with the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s why the franchise adds Alex Leatherwood to give Burrow a pair of Alabama offensive tackles to help the cause.
Leatherwood is an experienced leader with a mean streak and positional versatility. While he may not be the most athletic tackle, his mentality and solid nature make him a coveted prospect who should be a day one starter in Cincy.