3-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos, Bears trade up for quarterbacks

2021 NFL Mock Draft, 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
2021 NFL Mock Draft, 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
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2021 NFL Mock Draft
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – DECEMBER 12: Christian Barmore #58 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after sacking KJ Jefferson #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on December 12, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 52-3. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

Finishing out the first round, we have Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who is a player that not everyone is sold on. In fact. Paul Schwartz of the New York Post called Barmore a “boom or bust mystery” saying he is “hovering” around the first round of the draft.

"“The downside to Barmore is he is something of an enigma. He is a late-bloomer — he turns 22 in late July — and does not have much of a body of work to show for his Alabama career. He had eight sacks and three forced fumbles in 2020, yet has only six college starts.” — Schwartz, NY Post"

The fact that Barmore was a late-bloomer is one of the reasons teams aren’t sold on him but the truth is this — Alabama defensive tackles generally perform in the NFL. Sure, not every one of them that have ever played in Tuscaloosa has gone on to become a star in the NFL, but there are very few first-round busts from the Tide.

And Barmore is the next in a long line of talented players. However, the fact that he doesn’t have as many reps is something that should be taken into consideration, which is why he slides to No. 32.

But the good news is, this is a great spot for him. Not only does he join the defending NFL champions, but he also becomes a part of a defense that’s returning all their starters. This means he can take his time getting acclimated with the NFL, rather than being forced to start from day one.