2021 NFL Mock Draft: Patriots get Trevor Lawrence in all-trades, chaos edition

(Pick via Chargers) – As mentioned earlier, trading down was always a sensible move for the Falcons because their biggest need is to address a pass rush that has, frankly, been quite bad for several years. Getting into the middle of the first round while adding more draft capital, they are able to get the best edge player in the class who, to me, is Miami’s Jaelan Phillips.

The start to Phillips’ career at UCLA was less than stellar with injuries and some off-field struggles derailing him. But he put the pieces together after transferring to Miami and his talent and athleticism are abundant. He can be a dominant force in any alignment as a pass-rusher, especially once he garners more experience and NFL coaching. The Falcons need a player with both his instant impact and potential on the defensive front.

Trade: Dolphins send No. 18 and 2022 fourth-round pick to Vikings for No. 14 overall – With the Lions and Jets on the board at No. 15 and 17 ahead of their 18th pick and both teams needing a wide receiver after trading down, the Dolphins can’t risk not getting Tua another weapon in the passing game. So they move up for a modest cost of next year’s fourth-rounder and get the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith.

Smith checks almost every box. He’s plenty athletic and long, is a pristine route-runner and has proven to be dangerous with the ball in his hands. The big knock on him is his size as there simply isn’t a long track record of 170-pound receivers succeeding in the NFL. Most players of that size aren’t as gifted as Smith, though, and pairing him with his former Alabama quarterback could create magic in South Beach.