The 2021 NFL Draft is on April 25th through the 27th. From Trevor Lawrence to Kyle Pitts, this year’s draft is loaded with talent. There’s also intrigue as four other quarterback prospects in Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Matt Jones and Tray Lance are all aspected to go in the first round. Fans as well as NFL draft experts will be watching to see where these talented young athletes will be drafted. For this issue, Industry Rules decide to deliver its own mock draft for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
(1): Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB – Clemson
Analysis: Trevor Lawrence has been highly touted since high school. He has lived up to the hype with a championship as a freshman. He’s the main reason why Urban Meyer, one of college football’s most successful coach, chose to come out of retirement and enter the NFL.
(2): Jets – Zach Wilson, QB – BYU
Analysis: The Jets hire a new coach in Robert Saleh. Typically, new head coaches want their guy. Thus, this would be end of the Sam Darnold experiment.
(3): 49ers – Justin Fields, QB – Ohio State
Analysis: The 49ers shocked the world when they gave hefty ransom to move up for the number 3 overall draft pick. This typically means that the organization has their eyes on a quarterback. Justin Fields makes sense here. His arm and mobility makes him a coveted prospect.
(4): Falcons – Kyle Pitts, TE – Florida
Kyle Pitts is arguably the best football player in the draft. Matt Ryan is still serviceable and has at least two more years left. Giving him a bonafide stud tight-end would bring more dynamic to the Falcon’s offense.
(5): Bengals – Penei Sewell, OL – Oregon
Protecting Joe Burrow is key. Sewell fills that void by adding more stability to an offensive line that needs improvement.
(6): Dolphins – Ja’Marr Chase, WR – LSU
Analysis: Giving Tua an explosive playmaker in Chase will go a long way in his development.
(7): Lions – Jaylen Waddle, WR – Alabama
Analysis: Giving Goff an explosive payment in Waddle will go a long way in his development.
(8): Panthers – Matt Jones, QB – Alabama
Analysis: The Panthers wants to move on from Teddy Bridgewater. Matt Jones would be perfect fit for Carolina
(9): Broncos – Micah Parson, LB – Penn State
Analysis: The Broncos shored up its secondary when they signed Kyle Fuller who was cut by the Bears. Parson would add speed to its ILB corps.
(10): Cowboys – Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Analysis: The Cowboys needs serious help in their secondary. Adding Surtain II will put them on the right track in improving that.
(11): Giants – Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
Analysis: The Giants brought in a boat load of offensive free agency to help Daniel Jones. Though, the draft the G-men will continue to protect Jones.
(12): Eagles – Devonta Smith, WR – Alabama
Analysis: The Eagles need to find out if Jalen Hurst is a franchise quarterback. Giving him more talent to throw to will better help their assessment.
(13): Chargers – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL – USC
Analysis: The Chargers found their franchise quarterback in Justin Heirbert. The ball club now turns their attention to protecting him.
(14): Vikings – Kwity Paye, DL – Michigan
Analysis: Coach Zimmer gets another player to develop for his defensive front four.
(15): Patriots – Trey Lance, QB – North Dakota State
Analysis: Coach Belichick has found his quarterback for the future who has similar traits to his current quarterback in Cam Newton.
(16): Cardinals – Jaycee Horn, CB – South Carolina
Analysis: The red birds let Patrick Peterson go in free agency. They find his replacement quickly in Jaycee Horn.
(17) Raiders – Christian Darrisaw, OL – Virigina Tech
Analysis: The Raiders let most of its offensive line go at the start of the legue’s new year. They retool the line through the draft.
(18): Dolphins – Jayson Oweh, EDGE – Penn State
Analysis: The Dolphins let Kyle Van Noy walk one year later after sighing him to a big deal. Oweh would be piece the Fins can add to replenish that position.
(19) WFT – Teven Jenkins, OL – Oklahoma State
Analysis: Although WFT signed Fitz “Magic” in the off season, the team still needs a franchise quarterback for the future. There’s no QB rated high enough to draft at their current spot. Since that’s the case, the team looks to build its offensive line so when they eventually find their future QB, the o-line will be solid.
(20): Bears – Greg Newsome II, DB – Northwestern
Analysis: Cutting Kyle Fuller in free agency hurt as he is a budding shutdown corner. The Bears find his immediate replacement in Newsome II.
(21) Colts – Samuel Cosmi, OL – Texas
Analysis: The Colts traded for Carson Wentz, hoping to revitalize his career. They add protection for him in the draft.
(22) Titans – Asante Samuel Jr., CB – Florida State
Analysis: The Titans lost most of its secondary during free agency. Asanta Samuel Jr. will be the first piece to revamping the team’s secondary.
(23): Jets – Caleb Farley, CB – Virginia Tech
Analysis: The Jets use this pick to upgrade its secondary.
(24): Steelers – Azeez Ojulari, LB – Georgia
Analysis: The Steelers add another playmaker for its stout defense.
(25): Jaguars – Trevon Moehrig, S – TCU
Analysis: The Jaguars pass defense was atrocious last season. They made signficant upgrades with the signing of Shaquille Griffin and Rayshawn Jenkins. Now the Jags can add a ball hawk safety to its secondary.
(26): Browns – Jalen Phillips, DL – Miami
Analysis: The Browns continues its pursuit of giving Myles Garrett a tandem component in Phillips.
(27): Ravens – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE – Miami
Analysis: The Raves lost both Judon and Ngakoue in free agency. Now, they are adding a solid replacement in Rousseau.
(28) Saints – Zaven Collins, LB – Tulsa
Analysis: Collins is cross linebacker who can also play DE. His versatility will help keep the Saints strong.
(29): Packers – Kadariu Toney, WR – Florida
Analysis: Finally, the Packers are giving future HOF Aaron Rogers a wide receiver in the first round. It’s been a while since they drafted high at the position.
(30): Bills – Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE – Wake Forest
Analysis: The Bills will be adding more depth to its defensive line.
(31): Chiefs – Jalen Mayfield, OL – Michigan
Analysis: The Chiefs need to rebuild its o-line. That unit literally cost the team a Super Bowl championship. Mayfield will be one of the pieces that the team adds through the draft.
(32) Buccaneers – Christian Barmore, DL – Alabama
Analysis: The Bucs find Suh’s heir replacement in Barmore.
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
