2021 NFL Mock Draft

Last update: Tuesday, April 27, 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: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
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? The 49ers’ personnel staff wants this pick to be Trey Lance, but Kyle Shanahan prefers Mac Jones. So, who will win? The front office or Shanahan?

The answer perhaps lies with what John Lynch said when it comes to deciding who the quarterback is: “I will always defer to [Kyle.]” Shanahan may have the ultimate decision in this matter, and if so, this selection would be Jones. If so, this would be incredibly foolish, as the 49ers didn’t need to surrender two first-round picks for an Andy Dalton with DUIs. If the 49ers really want Jones, they should just trade down.

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

1. Trey Lance, QB – The other quarterback option. Lance makes more sense because he actually has upside.

Pick change; previously Trey Lance, QB

Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota 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 another quarterback 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 a signal-caller and then eventually trade Matt Ryan.

Trey 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. 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 Justin Fields, QB
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. 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.
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: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
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.

The Panthers have one of the weakest cornerback groups in the NFL. They have to deal with some talented receivers in their division – Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin – so upgrading this position is imperative.

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. Jaylen Waddle, WR – The Panthers might be looking at a receiver with D.J. Moore’s contract expiring soon.

2. Trade Down (Rashawn Slater, OT) – Carolina must make sure Sam Darnold is protected well. The Panthers could trade down and obtain Slater.
Denver Broncos: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
The Broncos would love it if one of the top four quarterbacks fell to them, and that’s the case in this mock draft update. The Broncos might even leap the Panthers in order to secure Justin Fields.

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. Micah Parsons, LB – If the Broncos can’t get a quarterback they like, they may finally upgrade their linebacker weakness.

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

Pick change; previously Micah Parsons, LB

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: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
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 someone like Rashawn Slater can start at any spot on the offensive line. Meanwhile, a receiver could still be acquired despite the Kenny Golladay pick. Daniel Jones needs another weapon.

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 – 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.

Pick change; previously Jaylen Waddle, WR
Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Waddle, 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.

Jalen Hurts was asked which of his former Alabama teammates would be the best pro, and he answered Jaylen Waddle.

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

1. Devonta Smith, 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 DeVonta Smith, 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: Rashawn Slater, OT/G/C, Northwestern
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.

Rashawn Slater can play every position on the offensive line. He some great tape against Chase Young. That said, he has some length issues, so some teams view him as a guard or center.

*** 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.

Pick change; previously Christian Darrisaw, OT
New England Patriots: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
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 or linebacking corps in the meantime. The latter area was a huge problem for New England last year.

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. Zaven Collins, DE/OLB – 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.

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

Pick change; previously Zaven Collins, LB

Arizona Cardinals: Zaven Collins, DE/OLB, Tulsa
The Cardinals had major issues defensively. Defeating Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford will be difficult if the Cardinals can’t generate a great pass rush or cover the middle of the field, which Zaven Collins can do.

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

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

2. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT/G – Vera-Tucker seems like a nice interior fit for the Cardinals.

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.