2021 NFL Mock Draft, pre-free agency: Bears trade for Russell Wilson, Bengals move up for Penei Sewell
WR. Detroit Lions. DeVonta Smith. 7. player. 50.
Things are looking quite bleak for the Detroit Lions offense at this point. Though they gained two future first-round picks to do so, they downgraded at quarterback from Matthew Stafford to Jared Goff. Moreover, they now have a scarily depleted wide receiver corps where newly signed Tyrell Williams is their top option. Whether Goff is the future quarterback or not, that can’t stand.
Thus, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith, is heading to the Motor City. Smith’s big knock is that he’s undersized and you do have to wonder how his slight frame will hold up to the rigors of the NFL. But his blend of plus athleticism with unparalleled route-running make him a target monster in a passing offense who could have immediate success, provided that he has a quarterback who can get him the ball.
8. player. 10. . QB. Houston Texans. Trey Lance
TRADE: Texans send Deshaun Watson to Panthers for No. 8 and 67 + 2022 and 2023 first-round picks
Where Deshaun Watson will end up is one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. However, my money has long been on a return to the Carolinas with a Panthers trade. There have been numerous reports that Carolina would be aggressive in trying to land Watson and that’s not going away. So in this 2021 NFL mock draft, that’s what happens as the Panthers give up a haul to the Texans.
With Watson gone and now sitting at No. 8, the Texans take Trey Lance to fill the void at quarterback. Should that happen, Houston will need a veteran to start in 2021 because the North Dakota State product isn’t ready to start right now. That said, his upside is enormous given his arm, athleticism and overall set of tools. If the Texans can start by properly developing him, they may not have Watson but they have a strong foundation with which to rebuild.