2021 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Saturday, April 24, 2021. Major changes in all seven rounds.
Next update: Occasionally. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2024 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 Other 2024 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25) /April Fools Mock (3/31)
2025 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2025 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (3/23)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)

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Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The Jaguars were gifted the No. 1 overall pick due to the Jets’ incompetence. This was a franchise-altering turn of events that even had the mayor of Jacksonville thanking the Jets via Twitter. This is an obvious selection. The Gardner Minshew experience was fun, but it’s sadly coming to an end. Minshew is a feisty quarterback, but will be relegated to backup duties because he can’t throw passes longer than 15 yards.

Trevor Lawrence is locked in as the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has it all, and that includes size (6-6, 215), a big arm, accuracy and mobility.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

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New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
The Jets made a very foolish decision to beat the Rams (and the Browns.) Now, they have a dilemma. Do they select the second-best quarterback in the class or stick with Sam Darnold? Considering that Darnold has shown no signs of becoming a franchise quarterback and has admitted to “seeing ghosts,” it would be best to trade him, especially given that New York will have to pay him a large contract to retain him. It would be smart to move him for a second- or third-round pick.

Zach Wilson is a smart quarterback with good arm talent. However, there are some reported off-the-field and injury issues. Go here to read about Teams Having Concerns with Zach Wilson. I’ve moved Wilson up to No. 2, but the Jets could still go with Justin Fields.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. None – The Eagles reportedly tried to trade up for Wilson, but were told he wasn’t going to be available at No. 3. Remember, Jets general manager Joe Douglas used to work for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, so Roseman obviously asked Douglas if he could get Wilson if he moved up to the third pick. Douglas told him that Wilson wouldn’t be an option.
San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The 49ers moved up to No. 3 in a deal with the Dolphins – go here to see my NFL Trade Grades – and they did so for a quarterback. The question is, which one? Justin Fields is vastly superior to Trey Lance, but there’s lots of speculation about Lance being the choice. Lance has been working with quarterbacks coach John Beck, who has strong ties to Kyle Shanahan. And speaking of Shanahan, he stated that he wants a mobile quarterback. Michael Lombardi emphatically stated that this selection won’t be used on Fields, so that leaves Lance as the favorite.

Lance has some nice physical tools, and he had a huge year in 2019. For more on him, check out Charlie Campbell’s entry in the NFL Hot Press.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Justin Fields, QB – The other quarterback option. I’m convinced this is either Fields or Lance. Mac Jones doesn’t make sense to me. Why would the 49ers, after seeing Patrick Mahomes beat them in the Super Bowl, give up two first-round picks for an Andy Dalton clone with a history of DUI arrests? We spoke to some teams later in the draft that need quarterbacks, and they told us they wouldn’t have any interest in selecting Jones. If the 49ers really wanted Jones, they probably could have selected him at No. 12.

Pick change; previously Justin Fields, QB

Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
I mocked Justin Fields to the Falcons earlier during the pre-draft process, but eventually switched to other options like Kyle Pitts. I’m going back to Fields now. I think the Falcons realize that they won’t be able to land a franchise quarterback like Fields again, so they’re going to pull the trigger on him and then eventually trade Matt Ryan.

Fields dominated in his first season at Ohio State. He continued his strong play into the shortened 2020 campaign, aside from sloppy performances against Indiana and Northwestern. He seemed injured in those games, but after a long layoff, he dominated Clemson in the playoff semi-final. Drawing comparisons to Deshaun Watson, Fields should be the second- or fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trey Lance, QB – I believe the Falcons will settle on a quarterback, whether it’s Fields or Lance. Again, I would be surprised if Mac Jones were the pick.

2. Kyle Pitts, TE – If the Falcons have decided to pass on the quarterbacks, they’ll go with Pitts, who will be a dynamic weapon for Matt Ryan.

Pick change; previously Kyle Pitts, TE
Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
How lucky are the Bengals? They won some meaningless games at the end of the year to seemingly move themselves out of the Penei Sewell sweepstakes. However, there’s now a decent chance he’ll be available at No. 5, which is a dream come true for a team that needs to protect Joe Burrow.

The Bengals signed Riley Reiff, but that won’t preclude them from selecting Sewell. Besides, Reiff played guard in Iowa and even told the Vikings he’d be willing to move to that position if needed.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kyle Pitts, TE – The Bengals haven’t had a talented tight end since the pre-injury Tyler Eifert days.

2. Ja’Marr Chase, WR – Joe Burrow has pushed for Chase, but keep in mind that Kyler Murray made a similar plea for CeeDee Lamb last year.

Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Why did the Dolphins trade up to No. 6? They need to give Tua Tagovailoa some help, but with Penei Sewell likely unavailable, they’ll have to either draft a wide receiver or Kyle Pitts. The problem with the former position is that the Dolphins added Will Fuller to go along with DeVante Parker. However, Fuller signed for just one year, while Parker is owed lots of money over the next three years. Besides, giving Tagovailoa as many weapons as possible is not a bad idea. That said, Pitts almost has to be the pick if he makes it to No. 6.

Pitts is a matchup nightmare, as he’s too fast for linebackers and too big for safeties. Some teams view him as a receiver.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Devonta Smith, WR – It sounds like the Dolphins want to add a play-maker with this selection.

2. Jaylen Waddle, WR – A report came out about the Dolphins downgrading prospects who sat out in 2020, so perhaps they’d want either Alabama receiver over Ja’Marr Chase, especially considering that Tua Tagovailoa had success with both of them.

Pick change; previously DeVonta Smith, WR
Detroit Lions: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams, but I don’t think the Lions are going after a quarterback with this pick because they’re likely to give Jared Goff a try for one year. If so, Detroit will focus on its other big issues, including their receivers. Both Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones have signed elsewhere, so two new receivers are needed.

Ja’Marr Chase caught 17 passes in his freshman year, then took a huge step forward in 2019, displaying the ability of a top-10 prospect.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Penei Sewell, OT – I imagine that this is Sewell’s floor.

2. Jaylen Waddle, WR – The Lions really need to address their huge need at receiver. Waddle is the other option.

Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
I’ve been projecting a quarterback to this spot for quite some time, but that will obviously no longer be the case in the wake of the Sam Darnold trade. Go here for the Sam Darnold Trade Grades. Instead, the Panthers can focus on further upgrading the rest of the roster.

Carolina used all of its picks last year on defense, so it’s time to address the other side of the ball. The team lost Curtis Samuel this offseason, and D.J. Moore’s contract will be up soon. The Panthers could be interested in giving Darnold another downfield threat.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jaycee Horn/Patrick Surtain, CBs – The Panthers have a huge hole at cornerback, so either of the top players at the position would make sense.

2. Trade Down (Rashawn Slater, OT) – Carolina must make sure Sam Darnold is protected well. The Panthers could trade down and obtain Slater.

Pick change; previously Jaycee Horn, CB
Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Broncos would love it if one of the top four quarterbacks fell to them, but that’s not the case in this mock draft update. If all four are off the board, Denver could opt to address its defense. Linebacker has been a problem for a while.

Looking like the next great linebacker to come out of Penn State, Micah Parsons was very productive. That was not a surprise, as Parsons was a highly athletic five-star recruit. Parsons has some off-the-field problems, but all it takes is one team to fall in love with him.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Patrick Surtain/Jaycee Horn, CB – The Broncos will likely target a cornerback early in the draft.

2. Trade Up (Justin Fields/Trey Lance, QBs) – I don’t think the top four quarterbacks will fall out of the top four, but if one does, Denver could trade up for one of them.

Pick change; previously Trey Lance, QB

Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys will be tempted to upgrade their offensive line, but I suspect that they’ll target a potential shutdown cornerback instead to fix their woeful pass defense.

Son of former Dolphins star cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr., Surtain II was tested early by teams, yet was able to punish opponents for doing so. The 6-foot-2 cornerback projects as a top-15 pick in the future.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jaycee Horn, CB – The other corner option to improve Dallas’ dismal secondary.

2. Rashawn Slater, OL – Dallas must address its offensive line, so Slater could be the pick.
New York Giants: Rashawn Slater, OT/G/C, Northwestern
The Giants have added plenty of talent to their roster, so they’re in a position where they can draft the best player available as long as it’s not a quarterback or a running back. An offensive lineman makes sense even though the Giants spent a first-round pick on Andrew Thomas last year. Teams are often reluctant to spend back-to-back opening-round choices on the same position due to financial implications in the future, but Rashawn Slater can start at any spot on the offensive line.

Rashawn Slater can play every position on the offensive line. He some great tape against Chase Young.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jaylen Waddle/Devonta Smith, WRs – The Giants signed Kenny Golladay, but they’re still likely to add a receiver early in the draft.

2. Patrick Surtain/Jaycee Horn, CBs – New York could look at one of the top two corners.
Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Eagles won’t get a blue-chip player unless one of the receivers falls to them. However, with five quarterbacks possibly being drafted in the top 11, there’s a chance that will happen. In this case, Philadelphia is somehow lucky enough to land one of the most dynamic threats in the 2021 NFL Draft class.

DeVonta Smith is an excellent route runner with great hands and tremendous run-after-catch ability. He rightfully won the Heisman and then embarrassed Ohio State in the national championship.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jaylen Waddle, WR – There’s a good chance one of the Alabama receivers will be the pick.

2. Patrick Surtain/Jaycee Horn, CB – The Eagles have had issues at cornerback for quite some time.

Pick change; previously Jaylen Waddle, WR
Los Angeles Chargers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC
The Chargers need to protect Justin Herbert as well as possible. They have a huge hole at left tackle that must be addressed.

Alijah Vera-Tucker made a great decision to opt back in to the season. He has played extremely well at left tackle for the Trojans.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Jaycee Horn, CB – The Chargers lost Casey Hayward, so they could be looking for his replacement.

2. Rashawn Slater, OL – The other tackle option makes sense if the Chargers view him as a tackle.
Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Vikings cut Riley Reiff, which means their offensive line is a greater liability right now. They could use this pick on a new blind-side protector for Kirk Cousins.

Christian Darrisaw had an amazing 2020 season, propelling himself into first-round consideration.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Rashawn Slater/Alija Vera-Tucker, OLs – The Vikings are expected to obtain a tackle in the opening round.

2. Jaelan Phillips, DE – Phillips has major injury issues, but if the Vikings clear him, they could take him at No. 14.
New England Patriots: Zaven Collins, DE/OLB, Tulsa
With the top five quarterbacks off the board, the Patriots should wait until Day 2 to find a new signal-caller and obtain help on their defensive line in the meantime.

Zaven Collins seems built for the Patriots. He’s extremely versatile – he can rush on the edge or play linebacker in the middle of the field – and could be viewed as a better version of Kyle Van Noy.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Kwity Paye, DE/DT – The Patriots may want to go after a versatile defensive lineman.

2. Trade Up (Justin Fields/Trey Lance, QBs) – I don’t think the top four quarterbacks will fall out of the top four, but if one does, Denver could trade up for one of them.

Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Cardinals had major issues stopping the pass. They need someone to replace Patrick Peterson, who signed with the Vikings this offseason.

Jaycee Horn is a fast, fluid athlete. Team sources have told Charlie Campbell that Horn is a better prospect than his teammate, Israel Mukuamu.

*** OTHER 2021 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Caleb Farley, CB – Here’s another cornerback option. The Cardinals play in a division packed with s many talented receivers.

2. Zaven Collins, LB – There’s some speculation that the Cardinals are interested in the versatile linebacker.

Pick change; previously Caleb Farley, CB

Go to 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I’ve received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.