2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears, Falcons, 49ers all join QB rat race

For whatever reason, it’s hard for me to believe that the New England Patriots are going to draft a quarterback this offseason. Yes, all signs point to the Cam Newton era in Foxborough only lasting one year. And nothing we’ve seen from Jarrett Stidham makes you believe he’s a long-term option — quite the opposite, in fact. Yet, it feels as if Bill Belichick will come with an option for 2021 (or longer) that doesn’t include the draft.

That’s why we turn to the wide receiver corps with the No. 15 selection in this 2021 NFL mock draft as whoever lines up under center needs substantial help. They’re lucky to see LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase fall into their laps. After opting-out for 2020, our last memory of him in college is a 20-touchdown campaign that culminated in a National Championship. His ability to win in all areas of the field would give the Patriots a go-to weapon they are desperately hungry for right now.

A case could be made that the Arizona Cardinals need to rework parts of their offense as they move forward. Kyler Murray is an electric playmaker but the offense sputtered down the stretch of the regular season. However, improving a defense that was just as inconsistent but also has a lower ceiling would help the team take an even bigger step forward. And getting Chandler Jones more help up front is critical.

Though Joseph Ossai is raw technically, his two defining traits are his explosive athleticism and never-ending motor when coming off the edge. The Texas standout made one play after another for the Longhorns with the ability to get into the backfield and generate pressure but also drop back adequately. With all of that, he would be a great complement to Jones, which would in turn improve the Cardinals defense, especially as he gets NFL coaching to further hone his skills.