1. Jacksonville Jaguars
My Pick; Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Actual Pick; Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The expected becomes reality. Trevor Lawrence has been a lock to go first overall in the 2021 NFL Draft since he and Clemson beat Alabama in the National Championship game back in 2019. Glad to see they didn't over think this. Jacksonville finally got a quarterback.
Grade: A+
2. New York Jets
My Pick; Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Actual Pick; Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Much like Trevor Lawrence going to Jacksonville, this pick was pretty much a lock ever since his Pro Day back in March. Zach Wilson's got the skill set to be a very good quarterback in this league and, unlike the past 20 (or so) quarterbacks, seems to have a GM and head coach that want to help him become the best he can be.
I do understand the concerns surrounding Zach Wilson though. BYU didn't play the toughest schedule and Wilson's season last year was miles better than the season prior. Again, dudes got the skills, hopefully they'll be refined and unleashed in New Jersey.
Grade: B (I would've taken Fields, but I can see why they took Wilson)
3. San Francisco 49ers (via Dolphins)
My Pick; Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Actual Pick; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
I was so happy when Roger Goodell read out Trey Lance's name here. In my mock draft, I went with the Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, even though my head said Trey Lance.
Trey Lance played in a similar style of offense to the 49ers while at North Dakota State and is perfect for what they want to do moving forward.
If the 49ers are smart, they will ease him into the starting role and let him develop. If he develops properly, he may become the best quarterback in the class, much like Josh Allen in 2018. I'm so happy this was the pick, even if it means my prediction was wrong.
Grade: B+ (he's very raw, but has the potential to be great)
4. Atlanta Falcons
My Pick; Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Actual Pick; Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
If the reports were to be belived, GM Terry Fontenot wanted Trey Lance whereas head coach Arthur Smith wanted Kyle Pitts. With Trey Lance off the board, that made the Falcons call fairly easy. Kyle Pitts will be an absolute beast in this offense.
The second best player in the draft, Pitts gives the Falcons another insane weapon for Matt Ryan to throw to. Adding Kyle Pitts to a core that already has Julio Jones (for now), Calvin Ridley, and Hayden Hurst will be fun to watch. The only defense that could really stop this offense is sadly their own.
Grade: A
5. Cincinnati Bengals
My Pick; Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Actual Pick; Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Bengals wer apparently 50-50 with this pick. Either take LSU's Ja'Marr Chase or Oregon's Penei Sewell. To me, though the Bengals do need to improve their offensive line, they couldn't pass up the chance to get Burrow his favorite target.
Though I think Sewell will be a great player, you can't replace the connection Chase and Burrow have with just anybody. Sure you can draft a wide receiver later but this was a legendary connection at LSU that can't be filled by some random wide receiver.
I like this pick. The Bengals real problems on the o-line are inside, which is something they can go after in rounds two or three. To me, Chase was just too good to pass up and will give the Bengals a legit target on the outside.
Grade: A-
6. Miami Dolphins (via Eagles)
My Pick; Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Actual Pick; Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Dolphins get Tua a familiar target in Jaylen Waddle. Like I said in my last mock draft, if you were to look up the term "weapon" in the dictionary, Jaylen Waddle would pop up. He's so much more than a standard wide receiver, he's a game changer.
Grade: B+
7. Detroit Lions
My Pick; Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon (Chargers)
Actual Pick; Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon (Lions)
The Lions war room was estatic when Penei Sewell fell to their laps here at seven. This was one of the first times I've seen a war room react like that. Everyone was so excited for this pick, and rightfully so.
If Dan Campbell truly wants the Lions to "bite of knee caps," he's going to need some players like Penei Sewell who are relentless players from the point of attack.
Though I really thought the Chargers would try and trade up to get Sewell, reuniting him with Herbert, I'm not surprised at all the Lions took him. With Taylor Decker on one side and Sewell on the other, the Lions have the makings of a very nice tackle pairing.
Grade: A
8. Carolina Panthers
My Pick; Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State (Patriots)
Actual Pick; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina (Panthers)
Ever since about March, reports were that the Patriots were going to try and trade up for Justin Fields. I though a trade would be a win-win for both teams, the Patriots getting Fields and the Panthers getting Stephon Gilmore as well as a starting left tackle.
Now, I'm not surprised at all that they took Jaycee Horn. As we got closer to the draft, more and more rumors started coming out that they really liked him. He fills a big need for the Panthers who will be going up against some of the most loaded offenses in the NFL with the NFC South.
With Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, Michael Thomas, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and Gronk in your division, you've got to get some people that can cover. Horn's skillset mixed with his mindset make him a perfect choice as the first corner off the board.
Grade: B+
9. Denver Broncos
My Pick; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Actual Pick; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
To be honest, I was kind of surprised when the Broncos passed on Justin Fields. I'm just not as confident as the Broncos are in Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. That being said, I'm not too surprised that they went after a defender here.
Over the past two drafts, the Broncos have invested heavily in their offense. Two years ago they drafted Noah Fant, Drew Lock, and Dalton Risner. Last year they drafted Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Lock's college tight end Albert Okwuegbunam. I'm sure Vic Fangio wanted the Broncos to look towards the defense this year.
When the Broncos won Super Bowl 50, they were spear headed by their defense. The most famous unit on this defense was the "No Fly Zone." Adding Surtain to a defensive back field that has Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby, and Bryce Callahan, the "No Fly Zone" could be coming back to Denver sooner rather than later.
Grade: B+
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cowboys)
My Pick; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina (Cowboys)
Actual Pick; DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama (Eagles)
This was a very smart move by the Eagles, almost too smart. They Eagles traded up with a division rival to keep another division rival from getting a top wide receiver. This was a position of need for the Eagles, I just though that they would screw it up somehow. To my surprise, they didn't.
Like I mentioned above, this move is even sweeter because of the fact the Eagles took Smith right before the Giants, who would've taken him if he was there at 11.
This gives Jalen Hurts a familiar target and gives the Eagles a legit number one option for the offense. For a team that has struggled drafting receivers recently, they absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one.
Grade: A-
11. Chicago Bears (via Giants)
My Pick; DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama (Giants)
Actual Pick; Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State (Bears)
The Bears actually did it. Not only did they trade up for a quarterback, they traded up for the best one available.
When I saw that the Bears traded up, I was fully expecting them to take Mac Jones, readying myself for the eventual riot in the streets of Chicago. Thankfully, for Bears fans and the city of Chicago, they took Justin Fields.
I didn't think the Bears had this in them, trading up for an absolute beast at the quarterback position. Justin Fields has all the skills be a baller in Chicago and he's got good people learn from in Andy Dalton and Nick Foles (for now). This was a suprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
Grade: A+
12. Dallas Cowboys (via Eagles)
My Pick; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama (Eagles)
Actual Pick; Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State (Cowboys)
This pick was written in the stars a few years ago when Penn State played in the Cotton Bowl down in Dallas, and Parsons stated that last night too, he wanted to start where he finished.
Cowboys legend Sean Lee just retired, so the Cowboys take another Penn State linebacker to replace him. There's no doubt they wouldn't have rather had Surtain or Horn, but I think they'll be just alright with Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys ultimately got a player they would've taken at 10 and kept a top wide reciever away from the hated New York Giants. This is an absolute win for the Cowboys.
Grade: B+
13. Los Angeles Chargers
My Pick; Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State (Lions)
Actual Pick; Rashawn Slater, iOL/OT, Northwestern (Chargers)
Goal this offseason, get Justin Herbert some protection. Three free agent signs and a draft pick later, I think it's safe to say the Bolts did exactly that.
Now, I really wanted them to trade up and select Penei Sewell. The Lions only have six picks and I thought they had somemore needs on their team than just tackle, so had them trading back. Doesn't matter what I think though.
Ultimately both teams got franchise anchoring left tackles that will help keep their quarterbacks upright. Slater is an incredibly smart and versitile lineman that will definetly keep Justin Herbert safe for the forseeable future.
Grade: A-
14. New York Jets (via Vikings)
My Pick; Rashawn Slater, iOL/OT, Northwestern (Vikings)
Actual Pick; Alijah Vera-Tucker, iOL/OT, USC (Jets)
The report before the Draft was that the Jets would trade up if a player they wanted started to slide. As we found out, that player was USC's Alijah Vera-Tucker.
All in all, this worked out for both parties involved. The Vikings do what they love to do and traded back and got a player they could've taken at 14 and the Jets get a versitile lineman to help protect Zach Wilson.
Whether he's playing at guard or tackle, Vera-Tucker is a huge get for the New York Jets. They drafted Mekhi Becton last year, now they got another first round tackle. The brass in charge of the Jets right now are very smart and will do anything to make sure Wilson stays upright.
Grad: B+
15. New England Patriots
My Pick; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech (Panthers)
Actual Pick; Mac Jones, QB, Alabama (Patriots)
The most Patriots player in the entire Draft. I think it was inevitable that Mac Jones would become a New England Patriots, even if I didn't predict it in my last mock draft.
If you read Mac Jones' draft profile, it sounds like you're talking about Tom Brady. Now, I'm not saying Mac will become the G.O.A.T. but he does posses similar traits to Brady.
He may not be the most athletic but he's really smart, very accurate, and doesn't turn the football over, litteraly everything the Patriots look for in a quarterback.
Again, this pick seemed to be written in the stars, even though people said Jones was going to San Fran and that the Pats liked Justin Fields. Jones is a perfect fit for the Patriots and I can honestly say every team that drafted a quarterback should be very happy with their selection.
Grade: A-
16. Arizona Cardinals
My Pick; Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Actual Pick; Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
I really like this pick by the Cardinals. Collins is a do everything defender that will drastically improve the Cardinals defense. My favorite saying about Collins is that he's a linebacker in a defensive ends body with the skills of a saftey. He's every sense of the phrase "do everything."
Regardless if he's playing as an outside linebacker, inside linebacker, or even as a 3-4 defensive end, he'll make plays for the Cardinals. Even though Cardinals reall wanted one of the top corners or top wide receivers, Collins is not a bad alternative.
Grade: B
17. Las Vegas Raiders
My Pick; Alijah Vera-Tucker, iOL/OT, USC
Actual Pick; Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Our first real shocker of the night. Leave it to the Raiders to over draft a big time college player from a big time college program that wasn't expected to go in the first round. Now, offensive line is a need for the Raiders, I just don't know if this was the right place to pick Leatherwood.
Obviosuly, Leatherwood has a very nice Alabama career. Dude was a two time national champion, was a Unanimous All American (2020), two time First Team All-SEC, one time second team All-SEC, and the Outland Trophy winner from 2020, but this is still a reach. Just because you were amazing in college, doesn't mean that'll translate to the next level.
After leaving Bama, Leatherwood struggled during Senior Bowl week and people were trying to really figure out if he was a guard or a tackle.
I'm not saying Leatherwood is a bad player, but if we're talking value, this is a bad pick. No one (other than the Raiders) thought Leatherwood was a first rounder, and if they did, they thought the earliest he would go was 31st to Baltimore, and even that was a stretch.
This is just what the Raiders do now, over draft big time college players from big time college programs. First it was Clelin Ferrell, then it was Damon Arnette, now it's Alex Leatherwood.
Grade: C+
18. Miami Dolphins
My Pick; Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Actual Pick; Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
When I was wrting my last mock draft, I flipped back and forth between Phillips and Paye, with the other going to Indianapolis. Ultimately, I went with Paye, mostly due to Phillips injury concerns. If he didn't have any red flags, there's no doubt Phillips would've gone earlier.
The Dolphins need some help on the edge and Phillips will provide that. He's very long and very athletic and will be able to get to the quarterback with ease for Miami. In a divion with three young quarterbacks and Cam Newton, the Dolphins are to need some production off the edge if they want to challenge Buffalo for the AFC East crown.
Grade: B
19. Washington Football Team
My Pick; Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Actual Pick; Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
As I was writing this draft, I toyed with the idea of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah going here, but after hearing Davis would go in the teens, I switched it up. Though I like JOK a lot, this is still a very nice pick by the Washington Football Team.
What separated Jamin Davis from JOK was the fact that he's a natural inside linebacker, whereas JOK is a linebacker/safety mix. Davis' size and athleticism also made him a very intriguing target for linebacker needy teams. I really like this fit for Washington who added to their already strong defense.
Grade: B+
20. New York Giants (via Bears)
My Pick; Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern (Bears)
Actual Pick; Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida (Giants)
Kadarius Toney is one of my favorite players in the draft. There were so many times at Florida where you'd think a play was done, and then Toney either gets a massive gain or scores a touchdown.
Now, I know this is not who the Giants orginally wanted, but it's not a bad consolation prize. Toney is very versitile and very athletic, being able to make plays all over the field. If the Giants want to know if Daniel Jones is their guy, they've got to get him somemore weapons, and Toney is exactly that.
Grade: B
21. Indianapolis Colts
My Pick; Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Actual Pick; Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
I think it was pretty obvious the Colts were going to go edge rusher with their first pick in the draft, it was just really a matter of who.
Like I said with the Jaelan Phillips pick in Miami, I flipped back and fourth between Paye and Phillips for both Miami and Indianapolis. Again, I went with Paye to Miami and Phillips to Indy. Obviously, it went the other way.
Paye is arguably the fastest coming off the edge in this class. Though he lacked some production last year, the physical tools are all their for him to become an absolute force at the next level. I'm excited to see what he does in Indy.
Grade: B
22. Tennessee Titans
My Pick; Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Actual Pick; Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
I'm not too surprised the Titans went after Farley here. As they've shown in previous drafts they don't really care about what's going on off the field, whether it be injuries or something bigger.
Two years ago they drafted Jeffrey Simmons from Mississippi State and last year they drafted Isaiah Wilson from Georgia. The pair both had some issues off the field but ultimately the Titans ignored them and took the pair anyways.
Now, Farley's situation is different than the pair I mentioned. With two back surgerys, people were concerned about Farley's health moving forward, as a back injury is not an easy thing to bounce back from.
Much like Jaelan Phillips, there's no denying Farley's talent, it's just a matter if he can stay healthy. If he can, the Titans just got themselves (arguably) the best corner in the draft.
Grade: B- (health concerns)
23. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets)
My Pick; Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State (Jets)
Actual Pick; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech (Vikings)
Much like last year, the Vikings scored another great value pick. Darrisaw is definetly someone they could've taken at 14, but instead they capitalized on the opportunity provided to them and took him all the way back at 23.
Darrisaw is a fantastic all around blocker. For the Vikings, who would like some better protection for Kirk and some more running lanes for Cook, this is perfect.
At Virginia Tech, Darrisaw gave up only seven sacks on 1,103 pass blocking snaps. That should make Vikings fans very optimistic. I really like this move by the Minnesota Vikings.
Grade: A-
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
My Pick; Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Actual Pick; Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Well this was another obvious one. For the past few weeks we have been told that the Steelers were going to draft Najee Harris in the first round. Now that has actually happened.
I know the Steelers need offensive lineman, but Mike Tomlin wants an elite running back who can make plays running the ball while also being a threat in the passing game. Najee Harris is perfect for them.
Much like Le'Veon Bell, Harris is a bigger back who just makes plays. If he can become anything close to Bell (other than the locker room stuff) the Steelers organization and their fans should be very excited.
Grade: B- (I get the Steelers need offensive linemen)
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Rams)
My Pick; Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Actual Pick; Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
This was a surprise to most people watching the draft, but this was reported a few days prior to the draft by ESPN's Todd McShay. Urban Meyer wants to field a very fast team, and Etienne would provide that for them.
To me, Etienne is the best all around back in the entire draft. He's a very versitile back that can make plays in the back field as well as spliting out wide. He's the best pass catching back in the draft and I really wanted the Bills to get him, sadly he goes to Jacksonville.
I know people don't like it because of how good James Robinson was, but if you look around the NFL, a lot of the best teams have great running back tandems. Teams like New Orleans, Cleveland, Indianaplois, Seattle, Green Bay, among others all use multiple back sets, and all of them reap the rewards.
Grade: B
26. Cleveland Browns
My Pick; Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Actual Pick; Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
This isn't what I thought the Browns would do, but it does make sense. Towards the back half of the season, the Browns secondary was struggling mightily. Injuries took their tool and their depth was really found out by opposing offenses. Newsome helps solidfy the unit.
Now, I thought they'd look towards a linebacker, as that units been weird ever since Collins, Kirksey, and Schobert all left. But, again, I do like the Newsome pick here. Partering Denzel Ward with Greg Newsome will be very fun to see in Cleveland.
Grade: B
27. Baltimore Ravens
My Pick; Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Actual Pick; Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Rashod Bateman is the perfect wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. Though his individual numbers weren't jaw dropping last season, he improved in almost every other aspect, most notably blocking. For the Ravens, that's big.
By picking Bateman, they're giving Lamar a number one guy to throw to. I like Hollywood Brown and Sammy Watkins, but their injury history scares me a little bit. Bateman would provide something different out wide for the Ravens and will improve their receiving core as a whole.
Grade: B+
28. New Orleans Saints
My Pick; Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Actual Pick; Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
To be 100% honest, I didn't see this one coming at all. I thought they would go after someone on defense, but I thought it'd be someone like JOK or Jayson Oweh or one of the corners, but no, they chose Payton Turner.
Now, Turner could develop into a nice NFL player, but as far as value is concered, it's a little bit of a reach, which is nothing new for New Orleans. Remember 2018? The Saints traded up to 14 to take Macrus Davenport, whose been an alright player at best since that draft.
Turner is a natural defensive end who has great sized coupled with a very good Senior Bowl week. I didn't see him going this high at all. Again, I had some others placed before him. Hoepfully he does turn out for New Orleans.
Grade: C+
29. Green Bay Packers
My Pick; Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Actual Pick; Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
This is the pick that will probably divide opinions around fan circles. On one hand, the Packers desperately need help at the corner back position after Kevin Kings struggles against Tampa. On the other hand, how can you not draft a weapon for Aaron Rodgers?
Right before the draft, reports were Aaron Rodgers wants to be done in Green Bay. If you want to ease the tention, why not give him some to throw to? With someone like Elijah Moore available, I was surprised.
Not to say this is a bad pick because I think Eric Stokes is a talented corner with absolute burners, but again, why would not want to mend your relationship with Rodgers? This pick tells us something, much like last year, the Packers don't give a damn what Aaron Rodgers thinks.
Grade: B (I like Stokes and he fills a need)
BUT
Grade 2.0: F (why not give Rodgers some more help?)
30. Buffalo Bills
My Pick; Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Actual Pick; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
For this pick, I thought the Bills would chose between Travis Etienne and an edge rusher. In my mock draft, I said if not Etienne, it'd be Washington's Joe Tryon, who I read the Bills really liked. Though it wasn't Tryon or Etienne, I really like this pick.
The only real issue with Rousseau is that he hasn't player in two years. After registerring 15.5 sacks in 2019, Rousseau decided to opt out of the 2020 due to COVID-19. With that, along with his subpar Pro Day, his draft projection went from a possible top 10 pick all the way into the 30s.
I like Rousseau a lot, and he definetly fills a need for the Bills. With Jerry Hughes turning 33 in August and Mario Addison turning 34 in September, the Bills needed to address the edge rusher position.
If he lives up to his potential he could be an absolute beast for the Bills. He's very long and has great instincts for getting after the quarterback. I'm excited to see what he can do for the Bills in the coming seasons.
Grade: B
31. Baltimore Ravens (via Chiefs)
My Pick; Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Actual Pick; Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
I might as well be a Ravens beat reporter cause I got both their picks exactly right. Getting Bateman was very nice, now you can address the defensive side of the ball by getting Penn State's Jayson Oweh. Much like Kwity Paye, Oweh is an insane athlete coming off the edge. The only real issue is his lack of production from last season.
In a shortend season, Oweh recorded zero sacks for the Nittany Lions, and for an edge rusher whose job is to sacks the quarterback, that's not ideal. I should say though, we shouldn't right him off because of that. After running a 4.36 at 6'5" 257 lbs., Oweh has the size and speed to develop into a nice edge rusher.
One thing the Ravens have always done a good job at is nuturing young talent and turning them into great players. Like I said, Oweh has all the physical gifts to become a beast for the Ravens, now he's just got put those gifts to use and he'll be a force to be recond with.
Grade: B
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
My Pick; Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU (Cowboys)
Actual Pick; Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington (Buccaneers)
I really thought Jerry Jones would trade up to draft Trevon Moehrig. Now, obviously that didn't happen and the Bucs took as edge rusher to eventually replace the 32 year old Jason Pierre-Paul.
Much like a few players in this draft, Tryon opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19. I think the Bucs are a great team for an opt out to go to because they don't need to play right away. They can learn from their 22 starters they brought back and can be eased into game time rather than being thrusted right into it.
Learning from JPP will be very beneficial for Joe Tryon, who is built like a greek god. Tryon will provide an excellent option for the Bucs on defense and could become a great edge rusher once he inevitably takes over for JPP in 2022.
Grade: B
How many did I get exactly right?
11
How many did the "experts" get?
Matt Miller: 11
Peter King: 9.5
Todd McShay: 8.5
Mel Kiper: 5
Daniel Jeremiah: 4.5
How many would I have gotten right if I went with my gut?
17 (Swap Paye & Phillips, Trey Lance to San Fran, Mac Jones to New England, keep Detroit at 7 and Los Angeles at 13)
Favorite Picks
Jacksonville; Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Falcons; Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Eagles; DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Bears; Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Chargers; Rashawn Slater, iOL/OT, Northwestern
Patriots; Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Vikings; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Ravens; Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota/Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Head Scratchers
Raiders; Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Saints; Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
Packers; Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
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