3-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos, Bears trade up for quarterbacks
By Randy Gurzi
96. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots): Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
New Orleans has the first compensatory pick in the 2021 NFL Draft takes place here at No. 96 (we are off by one pick since the Patriots had one forfeited earlier in the third). Their choice is Israel Mukuamu from South Carolina. He doesn’t have the same pedigree as Jaycee Horn but he can end up being a starter as well as he offers a great mix of intelligence and physicality.
97. Los Angeles Chargers: Marlon Tuipulotu, IDL, USC
Marlon Tuipulotu is one of two defensive tackles from USC that should be taken during the second day of the draft. The Chargers pick him up as they bolster their front line.
98. New Orleans Saints: Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
In need of more linebacker depth, the Saints take Cameron McGrone from Michigan. He was better in 2019 than 2020 but there’s no reason to think he won’t make it at the next level.
99. Dallas Cowboys: Jay Tufele, IDL, USC
Dallas now adds a defensive tackle in Jay Tufele (the other USC defensive tackle worthy of being a Day 2 pick). He should push Trysten Hill to reach his potential while replacing Tyrone Crawford.
100. Tennessee Titans: Tommy Togiai, IDL, Ohio State
Tennessee knows they need to get better on defense after declining some in 2020. Tommy Togiai helps in that endeavor.
101. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Marvin Wilson, Jr., DT, Florida State
Again, Detroit picks up a defender as they use the 101st pick on Marvin Wilson from Florida State.
102. San Francisco 49ers: Keith Taylor, Jr., CB, Washington
Washington has turned out some solid cornerbacks in recent years and the 49ers are hopeful Keith Taylor can be a success story for them.
103. Los Angeles Rams: Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
The Rams want to get the most out of Matt Stafford, so they grab Seth Williams from Auburn which gives him a 6-foot-2, 224-pound wideout who can win the contested ball.
104. Baltimore Ravens: Ar’Darius Washington, S, TCU
Another TCU safety makes it to the pros as the Ravens take Ar’Darius Washington here. He’s not the biggest defensive back but the redshirt sophomore makes up for that with toughness and a great understanding of what the receivers are trying to do.
105. New Orleans Saints: Shaun Wade, S, Ohio State
With the final pick in the third round, the Saints take Shaun Wade from Ohio State — a school they love to look to. Wade once seemed destined to be taken in the first round but had a rough 2020 season when he moved to the boundary.
He’s still a solid player but should be used either in the slot or as a safety — which is where he’s projected to play here.