Well, here it is, my first mock draft of the 2021 draft season. Now, this isn’t an official Logan Blackman mock draft, this is just something I put together because the first 18 teams for the upcoming draft know where they will be drafting (for now). So, without further adieu, here is my top 18 mock draft!
1. Jacksonville Jaguars; Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Not a lot of analysis required for this pick. Everyone expected the Jags to get Lawrence before the season started, and now, we are only a few more months away from that becoming a reality. Trevor Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck and has been talked about being the first overall pick since he won the Naty as a freshman. Might as well make the pick now, we all know this will happen. (unless something absolutely insane happens, this will be the pick)
Other picks; Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
2. New York Jets; Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
This will come down to two things. A) do the Jets brass still believe in Sam Darnold? B) if they do, will they trade back or select Penei Sewell? As a Bills fan, I’ve seen a decent amount of Sam Darnold, and ever since that first win against Detroit his rookie year, to say he has been below average is an understatement. I know he was hyped coming in, but there is really nothing I see him do that makes me think he’s the long term answer in New Jersey. Yes, he’s got all the measurables, he’s got size, arm strength, athletic ability, but does he have the mental fortitude to continue on with the Jets? Would Sam Darnold have played a game with (possibly) broken ribs and go on to throw six touchdowns? I’m not sure. One thing to remember with this draft is the fact that Jets GM, Joe Douglas, did not draft Sam, he has no prior loyalties to him and (obviously) has been coy on Darnold’s future. The job of a general manager is based heavily on the fact on the QB they drafted, with Mike Maccagnon gone, does Joe Douglas really have the loyalty to Sam to keep him around? If he does feel Sam has some stuff left in the tank, draft Sewell, if you don’t feel he does, draft Fields. Again, as a person who’s watched a lot of Sam Darnold, as he is a rival to Josh Allen and the Bills, I would probably move on as I sit here today.
Other picks; Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon; Zach Wilson, QB, BYU; Trade back(?)
3. Miami Dolphins; DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Who was Tua’s favorite target at Alabama? That would be recent Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. When Bama and Tua won the Naty, the winning touchdown was to DeVonta Smith. Last year, when Bama had two first round wide receivers, who led them in receiving? DeVonta Smith. If I’m Miami, I am taking the first wideout to win the Heisman since ‘91. What Smith does before the pass, as he catches the ball, and what he does once he has it plus his connection with Tua makes him hard to pass on for Miami.
Other picks; Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon; Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU; Trade back
4. Atlanta Falcons; Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Falcons defense has been a mess for the past few seasons, unless they trade Matt Ryan this offseason, I feel Atlanta has to go after a defender this offseason. Kwity Paye, to me, is the best edge rusher in this draft class, but, do I think he deserves to be the fourth player taken? Maybe not. I feel Atlanta could trade back from here and still get him, but, I’m not doing trade here. The Falcons pass defense was the worst in the league and one of the reasons for that is because of their lack of a real pass rush. The Falcons could also go with Micah Parsons or Patrick Surtain here, but for now, I’m going to give them Kwity Paye. He’s very athletic, which has caused him to jump up some draft boards, and will be a great addition to a pretty lackluster pass rush.
Other picks; Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
5. Cincinnati Bengals; Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
If Sewell falls to number five, we may have the quickest draft pick of all time. The Bengals need to protect Joe Burrow, Penei Sewell will help with that. I would be shocked if the Bengals passed on him if he is available at five. Some consider Sewell as the best tackle prospect since Hall of Famer Orlando Pace. The offseason goal is simple, protect Burrow.
Other picks; Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU; Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
6. Philadelphia Eagles; Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Eagles are kind of a mess as of late, and over the past few years, they have kind of struggled drafting wide receivers, i.e. drafting Jalen Reagor one pick before Justin Jefferson and drafting JJ Arcega-Whiteside seven picks before DK Metcalf, neither one of those guys played the whole season, playing a combined 19 games. The Eagles can’t go into the season with Travis Fulgam as their number one guy, and even though Ja’Marr Chase opted out this past season, people don’t forget about what he did last season, a season where he led the nation in receiving and winning the Biletnikoff Award for the nations best receiver. If Chase is available, the Eagles have to draft him. But, knowing them, they’ll probably draft Rondale Moore here. (nothing against Moore, but six may be a little high)
Other picks; Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State; Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama; Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
7. Detroit Lions; Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The Lions defense stinks. Pretty simple. Micah Parsons, another opt out from last season, is by far, the best linebacker in this draft. Last season, the Lions gave up 419.8 total yards per game (6,716 total yards), last in the NFL. The Lions were also the only team in the NFL to allow over 500 points in the season, allowing 519 points, giving up 32.4 points per game. If the Lions move on from Staffrod, expect them to draft a quarterback, but, maybe even if they do that they still address a need on their team, the entire defense. With some comparing him to Luke Kuechly, Parsons can play every linebacker spot, which will surely help a terrible Lions defense.
Other picks; Zach Wilson, QB, BYU; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
8. Carolina Panthers; Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Everybody knows Teddy Bridgewater is not the long term answer in Carolina. Steve Smith, prior to the season, called him a “right now” quarterback. Though Zach Wilson reportedly has “character issues,” the Panthers can’t pass on his play making ability. Wilson is extremely athletic, accurate, and has a very strong arm. Though he’s listed a 6’0”, his play making ability will make him hard to pass on. Imagine a back field with Zach Wilson and Christian McCaffey, a picture that’ll make Panthers fans drool with excitement.
Other picks; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech; Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
9. Denver Broncos; Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The past few years, with Vic Fangio as head coach, the Broncos have focused a lot of their attention on the offensive side of the ball. In 2019, they drafted Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, and Drew Lock in the first two rounds, and in 2020, they drafted Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler in the first two rounds. For those who don’t know, Vic Fangio is a defensive head coach. At some point, he;s going to want to use a “prime pick” on a defender. The Broncos could go a couple of directions with this pick, some may say they’ll go “best available,” which here, I think is Patrick Surtain II. Son of former NFL corner Patrick Surtain, the second has legit NFL size, 6’2” and 202 lbs., is a good tackler, and a shutdown corner. Unsurprisingly, Surtain was a unanimous All-American, the SEC defender of the year, and the Rose Bowl defensive MVP, he would be a great pick for Denver here at nine.
Other picks; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State; Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern; Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
10. Dallas Cowboys; Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Cowboys, like their division rivals in Philly, are a mess, on both sides of the ball. Though they didn’t give up a lot of yards through the air, they were near the bottom of the league in passing touchdowns allowed, with 34. Last offseason, the Cowboys lost Byron Jones to Miami and drafted Trevon Diggs in the second round. Though Diggs played very well last season, the other corners did not cover themselves in glory. Trevon Diggs, who played only 12 games, led the Cowboys in interceptions with three. They should get him a partner, and the next best option after Surtain II in Caleb Farley. Though he opted out of the season, Farley has the size, 6’2” 207 lbs., and speed to be a legit lock down corner in the NFL. His speed makes up for whenever he gets beat which will make him very enticing for NFL teams. Farley and Surtain II will be the first corners taken in this draft.
Other picks; Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern; Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
11. New York Giants; Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Joe Judge, the head coach of the New York Giants, prior to taking the job, was the wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator for the New England Patriots. When he looks at Jaylen Waddle, his jaw must drop. I know this is pretty well documented, but Jaylen Waddle has BURNERS. With Waddle’s ability as a burner at receiver and return, it’d make him hard to pass on for the G-Men. If you want to see a perfect Jaylen Waddle play, watch his punt return against LSU from 2019. If that play doesn’t amaze you I don’t know what will. Waddle would provide the Giants with a top tier wide receiver for QB Daniel Jones and a legit return to strike fear into their division. This pick makes a lot of sense to me.
Other picks; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
12. San Francisco 49ers; Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
With the 49ers coy about the future of Jimmy G with the franchise, I would think it’s time, unless they trade for someone like Matthew Stafford or Deshaun Watson, to draft a quarterback. Statistically, the Niners are a way better team with Jimmy G as their starter, the problem is he has missed a lot of football since coming to the Bay area. There’s an old adage that says “the best ability is availability,” if he can’t stay healthy, why not draft someone? Also, Trey Lance would fit the Kyle Shanahan offense way more than a guy like Jimmy. Where Jimmy could be seen as nothing more than a game manager, Trey Lance has the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. As a redshirt freshman, Lance threw for over 2,800 yards and ran for over 1,000 without turning the ball over once while also taking home the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice award for the best player in FCS. At 6’4” and 226 lbs., and with his athletic ability, it’ll be hard for a lot of teams to pass on him. (he only played one game this year, which could cause him to slide a tiny bit)
Other picks; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina; Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State; Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
13. Los Angeles Chargers; Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
The Chargers have weapons on both sides of the ball, they just need to stay healthy. Now, the health concerns of some could force the Bolts to draft a position for depth, like corner or edge rusher. That being said, I feel something the Chargers have struggled with over the past decade has been building an o-line. You have a franchise QB, now, like Cincinnati, protect him. Sam Tevi has been the Chargers left tackle for the past two seasons and though he hasn’t been atrocious, he has been far from great. Slater, to me, is the next best tackle after Sewell in the draft. The thing is with him, if the Chargers want to move him inside, he could easily do that. Looking at him, he kind of reminds me of Bills OT Dion Dawkins. Though he’s “undersized,” his skills will allow him to be a very good tackle in the NFL, even though he could also play the other o-line positions. He’s played both right and left tackle, but for the Chargers, he should slot right in to the left tackle spot for the Chargers.
Other picks; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina; Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
14. Minnesota Vikings; Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
I know the Vikings need o-linemen, in a bad way. But, it’s hard to imagine that if Rousseau is available, that Mike Zimmer wouldn’t take him. After the game against the Saints, Mike Zimmer said that this was the worst defense he ever had. Now, injuries and youth were a downfall for the Vikings, and though I’m excited for their future, I want to see them take Rousseau. Dude is 6’7” and 265 lbs., and though he opted out, he finished second in the nation in sacks last year with 15.5, one behind Chase Young. Now, imagine the Vikings with Rousseau and Hunter on the outside. That being said, that was his only year with production. He redshirted his first year then opted out this past season, which could cause him to drop a little bit. Speed, power, and size, it’ll be hard to pass on if available.
Other picks; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech; Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
15. New England Patriots; Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The Patriots have no weapons outside. None whatsoever. Kyle Pitts is an insane player to look at from the tight end spot. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 240 lbs., Pitts is an athletic freak who would be a match-up nightmare for most defenses. For reference, watch Pitts in Florida’s opening game against Ole Miss. I was amazed watching that performance from him as well as Kyle Trask. Pitts, who was clearly the best tight end in college, he would give the Pats a legit option to throw to, and after having basically zero production from the tight end spot, this could be a dream pick for New England.
Other picks; Mac Jones, QB, Alabama; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State; Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina; Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota; Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
16. Arizona Cardinals; Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Patrick Peterson is one of, if not the, best cornerback of his generation. But, Peterson has reached the age of 30 and is an impending free agent. Will Arizona bring him back? The other corner, Dre Kirkpatrick, is also on the wrong side of 30, so I feel they should get some youth back there, and Horn would be a good option here. Much like the other corners mentioned, Horn has legit size, standing at 6’1” and weighing 205 lbs., he’s a great athlete and a physical lockdown corner, I feel he’d be a nice addition to further help the Cardinals defense.
Other picks; Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State; Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota; Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
17. Las Vegas Raiders; Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
In the 2019 draft, the Raiders drafted a very talented pass rusher. Now, wouldn’t you expect that to be number four overall pick Clelin Ferrell, but in fact it’s fourth rounder Maxx Crosby. Throughout his career, Ferrell has 6.5 sacks. Crosby, on the other hand, seven sacks this past season. The lack of production from Ferrell could cause Vegas to take another talented edge rusher, in this case it’s Azeez Ojulari from Georgia. Last season, Ojulari finished with 8.5 sacks while also forcing four fumbles, which was the most out of the players who had eight or more sacks in the nation. He’s a great pass rusher, with great speed and burst to get to the quarterback, while also being a good run defender as well. The Raiders could go a couple directions here, but I’m going to give them Ojulari, who has been rising up some draft boards recently.
Other picks; Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State; Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech, Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas; Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
18. Miami Dolphins; Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
The Dolphins gave Tua tackles last year, a wide receiver at three, and now an interior o-lineman at 18. A lot of people want to write Tua off because he doesn’t do anything amazing, but I feel the Dolphins brass will want to build a fortress around him to succeed. Davis is the best guard in this draft and would give the Dolphins youth on the o-line as well as protecting their franchise quarterback. A unanimous All American, Davis, who played mostly right guard at Ohio State, would help protect Tua’s blind side with his physicality and versatility to be a very good guard for the Dolphins.
Other picks; Jeremiah Owosu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame; Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas; Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa; Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson; Najee Harris, RB, Alabama; Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma
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