2021 NFL Mock Draft Monday: First April Mock Draft
The month of the 2021 NFL Draft has finally arrived. As player evaluations are finalized and pro days come to an end, it is an exciting exercise to consider possible routes teams will try and fill holes in their roster and add young talent. This three-round mock draft should point out expected picks and potential draft-day surprises.
ROUND 1
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The Jaguars are looking to bring in a franchise passer to grow alongside first-time NFL head coach Urban Meyer. Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect to enter the NFL in recent years.
2. New York Jets
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
While the specific player that will be selected with this pick is still unclear, the Jets are expected to bring in a franchise signal-caller to work with new head coach Robert Saleh. Wilson’s undeniable talent outweighs concerns with his decision-making and processing. He can become a top-tier NFL quarterback.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The 49ers are rumored to be set on a quarterback with their recently-acquired third-overall selection. Lance arguably has the highest upside of any passer in this class. Additionally, he is more NFL-ready than the perception.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
The Falcons enjoyed success during the Matt Ryan era. That said, new head coach Arthur Smith will likely bring in a young signal-caller to build around. Although he is the fourth passer off the board, Fields is far from a consolation prize. In fact, he may be the second-best quarterback in this class.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Penei Sewell, T, Oregon
There are various rumors surrounding the Bengals’ fifth selection. Many believe they will add quarterback Joe Burrow’s top college target, Ja’Marr Chase. Instead, Cincinnati chooses to protect its young franchise passer after an injury prematurely ended his rookie season. Sewell is the best offensive lineman in this class. He can contribute right away and will help keep Burrow on his feet for years to come.
6. Miami Dolphins
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The Dolphins’ first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Tua Tagovailoa, had an average rookie season. To help him develop, Miami adds the draft’s top pass-catcher. Pitts is an excellent athlete and receiver. What’s more, he is an underrated blocker.
7. Detroit Lions
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Lions lost several key receivers in free agency. To remedy this, Detroit adds a speed element to its wide receiver room that it currently lacks. Waddle is an immediate three-level threat with top-notch run-after-catch ability.
8. Carolina Panthers
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Although incumbent starter Teddy Bridgewater had a serviceable year for Carolina, the team must add a young passer to build around moving forward. The Panthers coached Jones at the Senior Bowl and are reportedly interested in the Crimson Tide quarterback. The Alabama product has starter potential.
9. Denver Broncos
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Broncos currently lack starting-caliber play at the second level of their defense. What’s more, the team has several expiring contracts at linebacker after the 2021 season. Parsons is a raw player. That said, he is an incredible athlete with the potential to become a defensive centerpiece in the league.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Cowboys’ defensive backfield was arguably its biggest weakness in 2020. To remedy this, the organization adds the draft’s top defensive player. Horn is scheme-versatile and an underrated athlete. He should start immediately in Dallas.
11. New York Giants
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The Giants filled multiple holes in free agency. As a result, they have the leeway to add one of the draft’s most versatile players. Owusu-Koramoah is an athletic linebacker/safety hybrid who will fit in with Patrick Graham, the team’s creative defensive coordinator. He will join various other “position-less” players in New York to form an exciting defense.
12. Philadelphia Eagles
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Eagles reportedly traded back from the sixth pick because they felt their top target would already be taken. In this scenario, though, Chase is still available. Philadelphia brings in a sure-handed, athletic receiver who will only get better with experience and NFL coaching. Chase is also excellent after the catch.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Chargers severely lack high-level cornerback play. Surtain is an NFL-ready defender who will start immediately at the next level. Los Angeles brings in a top-10 player at a position of need.
14. Minnesota Vikings
Christian Darrisaw, T, Virginia Tech
The Vikings currently have holes and expiring contracts across their offensive line. Darrisaw fills multiple roster spots. Although he has starter potential at guard, the Virginia Tech product should be a high-level player at left tackle early in Minnesota.
15. New England Patriots
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Patriots’ biggest weakness in 2020 was their lack of pass-catchers. Bateman is one of the draft’s top receivers. Although many are concerned after his lighter-than-expected Pro-Day weigh-in, the Minnesota product’s 33-inch arms will help him in contested catch situations. What’s more, Bateman’s game is predicated on his excellent route-running. He also answered questions about his speed by running a 4.39 40-yard dash.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
The Cardinals are sorely lacking cornerback talent. Newsome is a high-level athlete with excellent feet, burst, fluidity, physicality and length. While he is completely scheme-versatile, he will thrive immediately in off-man and zone coverage.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Rashawn Slater, T, Northwestern
The Raiders need help at multiple positions on the offensive line. Slater has the potential to be a starter at either tackle or guard spot and center. His ability to fill multiple positions at a high level is intrinsically valuable in the team-building process.
18. Miami Dolphins
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
The Dolphins were rumored to be interested in several running backs in free agency. Instead of adding a pricey veteran, Miami brings in the draft’s top back. Harris has a rare combination of size, quick feet, power and pass-catching ability. He will be an impact player early in his career.
19. Washington Football Team
Samuel Cosmi, T, Texas
Washington must address the tackle position to succeed in 2021. Cosmi fits both need and value with this pick. He is an impressive athlete who should only improve with experience and NFL coaching. He could be a long-term starter in Washington.
20. Chicago Bears
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
While the Bears have a massive hole at quarterback, none currently meet the value attributed to the 20th pick. Instead, Chicago brings in a hyper-athletic cornerback. Farley can develop into a star in the NFL. While the injury concerns surrounding him are valid, he is worth the risk.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Gregory Rousseau, 4-3 DE, Miami
The Colts desperately need to address the tackle position this offseason. That said, there are several starting-caliber tackles still available in free agency. In this scenario, Indianapolis chooses to bring in a pass protector and add a high-ceiling defensive end. Gregory Rousseau’s length and athleticism can make him a difference-maker in the NFL.
22. Tennessee Titans
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
In this scenario, the Titans are the beneficiaries of draft math that has seen very few receivers taken to this point. Smith is an NFL-ready pass-catcher whose athleticism, refined skillset and hands can make him an impact player early in his career. Concerns about his size are valid. That said, his success in the SEC indicates that he may be an outlier among past small NFL receivers.
23. New York Jets
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
The tight-end position is an underrated hole on the Jets’ depth chart. While he is not often mocked in the first round, Freiermuth is worth this selection thanks to his ability both as a blocker and as a receiver. New head coach Robert Saleh was previously with the 49ers, where he saw George Kittle take the league by storm. Freiermuth is not Kittle; that said, there is a dropoff in tight-end talent after the Penn State product. New York chooses to fill a need with its second pick in the first round.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
In 2020, the Steelers proved they are contenders in the AFC. In fact, they were arguably the team to beat across the entire league through the first half of the season. To build on a strong 2020, the organization adds an NFL-ready center to immediately bolster its offensive line. Humphrey complemented his excellent career at Oklahoma with strong showings at the Senior Bowl and his Pro Day. He should start early and provide stability to a position group that does not have any players rostered beyond 2021.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
The Jaguars are in the middle of an overhaul. Barmore is one of the best players available in this scenario. A high-upside defensive tackle, the Alabama product can develop into a star in the NFL.
26. Cleveland Browns
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
The Browns have a strong roster. That said, Collins will serve as a much-needed influx of talent at the defense’s second level. The Tulsa product has a rare combination of size and movement skills. He is one of the draft’s best coverage linebackers and should contribute immediately.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Azeez Ojulari, 3-4 OLB, Georgia
Although the Ravens need a wide receiver, the team bets on the possibility that starting-caliber pass-catchers will be available later in the draft. After all, it is a deep class at wide receiver and the draft math to this point indicates that strong prospects should be available in Rounds 2 and 3. Instead, Baltimore fills a need with 3-4 outside linebacker Ojulari. The bendy pass rusher is an underrated run defender. He should contribute immediately.
28. New Orleans Saints
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
In recent years, the Saints have funneled a disproportionately high number of targets to one receiver. While Michael Thomas is a talented pass-catcher, Moore complements his skillset well and could be a scary fit in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. Although New Orleans recently lost long-time quarterback and face of the franchise Drew Brees, Moore can thrive with either of the team’s two most likely replacements: Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. He is an underrated route-runner who thrives with the ball in his hands. He also has the speed to function as a deep threat.
29. Green Bay Packers
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
The Packers have famously failed to give Aaron Rodgers a first-round receiver to this point. That trend ends here, as the team adds Toney. The Florida product is incredibly flexible and twitchy. His rare athleticism makes him a dangerous route-runner and ball-carrier.
30. Buffalo Bills
Jaelan Phillips, 4-3 DE, Miami
The Bills need to add a starter at cornerback across from Tre’Davious White. However, Buffalo bets that a corner will be available in Rounds 2 and 3 in a deep class at the position. Instead, the team adds an NFL-ready pass rusher. Phillips is a borderline elite athlete with first-round talent. Although he has serious injury concerns, Buffalo is a Super Bowl contender in 2021 and needs production as soon as possible. The Bills take the risk on a gifted and skilled player.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Teven Jenkins, T, Oklahoma State
Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs released both starting tackles (Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz) from the 2020 campaign. To fill the resulting hole, Kansas City would be wise to take the best tackle available with this pick. Jenkins is an athletic and physical offensive lineman who can start for the Chiefs immediately.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC
The Buccaneers have expiring contracts at multiple offensive line positions after the 2021 season. Vera-Tucker has guard-tackle versatility and can fill several roster spots. Although his best fit is at guard, the USC product’s best film in college was at tackle. Regardless, he should serve as a valuable step towards maintaining success in Tampa Bay.
ROUND TWO
33. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
34. New York Jets
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
35. Atlanta Falcons
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
36. Miami Dolphins
Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
37. Philadelphia Eagles
Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
38. Cincinnati Bengals
Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
39. Carolina Panthers
Ar’Darius Washington, FS, TCU
40. Denver Broncos
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
41. Detroit Lions
Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
42. New York Giants
Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
43. San Francisco 49ers
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
44. Dallas Cowboys
Andre Cisco, FS, Syracuse
45. Jacksonville Jaguars
Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama
46. New England Patriots
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
47. Los Angeles Chargers
Quincy Roche, 3-4 OLB, Miami
48. Las Vegas Raiders
Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
49. Arizona Cardinals
Jackson Carman, G, Clemson
50. Miami Dolphins
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
51. Washington Football Team
Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
52. Chicago Bears
Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State
53. Tennessee Titans
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
54. Indianapolis Colts
Jalen Mayfield, T, Michigan
55. Pittsburgh Steelers
Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
56. Seattle Seahawks
Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
57. Los Angeles Rams
Spencer Brown, T, Northern Iowa
58. Baltimore Ravens
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
59. Cleveland Browns
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
60. New Orleans Saints
Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa
61. Buffalo Bills
Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State
62. Green Bay Packers
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
63. Kansas City Chiefs
Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jayson Oweh, 4-3 DE, Penn State
ROUND THREE
65. Jacksonville Jaguars
Richie Grant, S, UCF
66. New York Jets
Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
67. Houston Texans
Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
68. Atlanta Falcons
Shaka Toney, 4-3 DE, Penn State
69. Cincinnati Bengals
Jay Tufele, DL, USC
70. Philadelphia Eagles
Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
71. Denver Broncos
Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
72. Detroit Lions
Alim McNeil, DL, North Carolina State
73. Carolina Panthers
Quinn Meinerz, G, Wisconsin-Whitewater
74. Washington Football Team
Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
75. Dallas Cowboys
Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia
76. New York Giants
Joseph Ossai, 4-3 DE, Texas
77. Los Angeles Chargers
D’Ante Smith, T, East Carolina
78. Minnesota Vikings
Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
79. Las Vegas Raiders
Darius Stills, DL, West Virginia
80. Las Vegas Raiders
Dillon Radunz, T, North Dakota State
81. Miami Dolphins
Dyami Brown, WR, UNC
82. Washington Football Team
Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
83. Chicago Bears
James Hudson II, T, Cincinnati
84. Philadelphia Eagles
Tyree Gillespie, SS, Missouri
85. Tennessee Titans
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
86. New York Jets
Osa Odighizuwa, DL, UCLA
87. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
88. Los Angeles Rams
Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU
89. Cleveland Browns
Carlos Basham Jr., 4-3 DE, Wake Forest
90. Minnesota Vikings
Payton Turner, 4-3 DE, Houston
91. Cleveland Browns
Tommy Togiai, DL, Ohio State
92. Green Bay Packers
Tony Fields II, LB, West Virginia
93. Buffalo Bills
Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
94. Kansas City Chiefs
Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
95. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
96. New England Patriots
Joshuah Bledsoe, FS, Missouri
97. Los Angeles Chargers
Dax Milne, WR, BYU
98. New Orleans Saints
Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF
99. Dallas Cowboys
Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh
100. Tennessee Titans
Liam Eichenberg, T, Notre Dame
101. Detroit Lions
Jevon Holland, FS, Oregon
102. San Francisco 49ers
Bryan Mills, CB, NC Central
103. Los Angeles Rams
Keith Taylor, CB, Washington
104. Baltimore Ravens
Kary Vincent Jr., CB, LSU
105. New Orleans Saints
Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
PICKS BY TEAM
New York Giants: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Trey Smith, Joseph Ossai
Dallas Cowboys: Jaycee Horn, Andre Cisco, Tre’ McKitty, Jaylen Twyman
Washington Football Team: Samuel Cosmi, Elijah Molden, Chazz Surratt, Brevin Jordan
Philadelphia Eagles: Ja’Marr Chase, Cameron McGrone, Shaun Wade, Tyree Gillespie
New England Patriots: Rashod Bateman, Davis Mills, Joshuah Bledsoe
New York Jets: Zach Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Kwity Paye, Benjamin St-Juste, Osa Odighizuwa
Buffalo Bills: Jaelan Phillips, Pete Werner, Kelvin Joseph
Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, Najee Harris, Josh Myers, Jamin Davis, Dyami Brown
Chicago Bears: Caleb Farley, Hamsah Nasirildeen, James Hudson II
Minnesota Vikings: Christian Darrisaw, Elijah Moore, Payton Turner
Green Bay Packers: Kadarius Toney, Tyson Campbell, Tony Fields II
Detroit Lions: Jaylen Waddle, Nick Bolton, Alim McNeil, Jevon Holland
Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, Anthony Schwartz, Jay Tufele
Cleveland Browns: Zaven Collins, Eric Stokes, Carlos Basham Jr., Tommy Togiai
Pittsburgh Steelers: Creed Humphrey, Javonte Williams, Jabril Cox
Baltimore Ravens: Azeez Ojulari, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kary Vincent Jr.
New Orleans Saints: Rondale Moore, Daviyon Nixon, Aaron Robinson, Kellen Mond
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jayson Oweh, Kenneth Gainwell
Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, Wyatt Davis, Shaka Toney
Carolina Panthers: Mac Jones, Ar’Darius Washington, Quinn Meinerz
Houston Texans: Seth Williams
Tennessee Titans: DeVonta Smith, Asante Samuel Jr., Dylan Moses, Liam Eichenberg
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Christian Barmore, Travis Etienne, Alex Leatherwood, Richie Grant
Indianapolis Colts: Gregory Rousseau, Jalen Mayfield
Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Brown, Tyler Shelvin, Keith Taylor
Seattle Seahawks: Landon Dickerson
Arizona Cardinals: Greg Newsome II, Jackson Carman
San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, Trevon Moehrig, Bryan Mills
Los Angeles Chargers: Patrick Surtain II, Quincy Roche, D’Ante Smith, Dax Milne
Las Vegas Raiders: Rashawn Slater, Baron Browning, Darius Stills, Dillon Radunz
Kansas City Chiefs: Teven Jenkins, Terrace Marshall Jr., Paulson Adebo
Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Levi Onwuzurike
QB | RB | FB | WR | iWR | TE | LT | RT | OG | OC | DT | NG | 3-4 DE | 4-3 DE | 3-4 OLB | 4-3 OLB | ILB | CB | iCB | FS | SS
View The NFL Draft Bible database, with over 15,000 NFL Draft prospects.
*Use the official Mock Draft tool of the NFL Draft Bible on NFLMockDraftDatabase.com
