2021 NFL Mock Draft, pre-free agency: Bears trade for Russell Wilson, Bengals move up for Penei Sewell
. WR. New York Giants. Jaylen Waddle. 11. player. 31
Even before the Giants released Golden Tate, they needed wide receiver help. Over the past few years, there have undoubtedly been good moments from the likes of Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard but neither player has been consistent and the latter has had issues staying on the field. For Daniel Jones to have a viable chance of proving he’s a franchise quarterback, he needs pass-catchers to rely on.
Jaylen Waddle missed the majority of the 2020 season at Alabama with a broken ankle but what he showed previously and early in the year is enough to make him an easy first-round pick. Waddle is extremely explosive with lightning speed down the field and a great ability to track the ball. He’s developing as a full route-runner but the potential for him to be a big-play monster with room to grow further is something the Giants can’t look past.
12. player. 42. . CB. San Francisco 49ers. Jaycee Horn
Much of what we’ve seen about the 49ers this offseason has revolved around the quarterback position and whether or not they’ll move on from Jimmy Garoppolo. The more things progress, though, the more it seems less likely the Niners will make a change under center. That should then turn the attention to the cornerback room because that’s currently a dire need.
San Francisco is losing a ton from their secondary this offseason, which means they need reinforcements. While it’s somewhat of a reach in my mind, they grab Jaycee Horn at No. 12 out of South Carolina. He’s not the greatest athlete but he’s long, big and strong. The 49ers have enjoyed success with big, physical cornerbacks recently so bringing in Horn to fit that mold would make a ton of sense.