2021 NFL Draft: Justin Fields tops Trevor Lawrence in QB-rich mock draft

2021 NFL Draft: Justin Fields tops Trevor Lawrence in QB-rich mock draft.

The 2021 NFL Draft could be a time to expect the unexpected.

At this point one year ago, the 2020 NFL Draft was all about Tua Tagovailoa and which team was going to tank for him. Then, out of nowhere, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow set college football ablaze with one of the best individual seasons we have ever seen from a college quarterback.

This year, the 2021 NFL Draft is all about Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and which team will tank for him, but what if he gets out-performed this season? Will teams ignore recency bias and take Lawrence based on his entire body of work, or can someone like Justin Fields of Ohio State build on his tremendous sophomore season and take the lead for the top prospect in college football?

Anything is possible.

So much can happen between now and the end of January that it’s really impossible to know what a consensus big board for the 2021 NFL Draft will look like, which is why I decided to use this mock draft as a place to do some projecting.

Some of these picks will be based on the current consensus, while others will be based on projected leaps by other prospects throughout the 2020 season.

Instead of creating my own order as I did in my previous first-round mock draft (with the Patriots getting the top pick) for the 2021 NFL Draft, I used The Draft Network’s simulator order this time around.

Here is how the first round turned out.

1. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

I am not convinced the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to have the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

ESPN says the Jaguars have the worst roster in the NFL right now, but I’m not so sure that’s true. The Jaguars have one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, certainly. They are unproven in many areas, certainly.

They also have a lot of prospects who came into the NFL with substantial injury concerns.

With that said, the Jaguars are talented and if everything works out for them this year, they could be pretty tough.

Gardner Minshew made the Jags a tough out last year as it is.

He played 14 games and started 12, and in those starts, the Jaguars went 6-6. He completed over 60 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions.

By comparison, last year’s top pick Kyler Murray started all 16 games and completed over 64 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading the Cardinals to a 5-10-1 record.

It’s not like the Jaguars had an astronomically better roster than the Cardinals, either.

Having said all of that, if the Jaguars end up with the number one overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they will probably have to take a quarterback.

What if Justin Fields overtakes Trevor Lawrence as the consensus number one player at the position, or even just for a team like the Jaguars in general?

Fields has the arm, the size, the athleticism, and the production to be a top overall pick in the NFL Draft. It could end up being next year when everyone is expecting Lawrence.

2. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

We will have to wait and see how much Ron Rivera as head coach and Chase Young are worth to this young Washington team, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they are closer to 8-8 than the second pick in the NFL Draft again.

Washington is going to have a tough defensive front and they are going to likely play much better as an overall defensive unit with Rivera at the helm.

Offensively, so much depends on what former first-round pick Dwayne Haskins can do to elevate the talent around him.

The Redskins aren’t the league’s leading authority in offensive weaponry, but they have some pieces.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see them near the top of the draft again if the offense doesn’t take a huge step forward this year, however. If they are picking this high, a quarterback will probably be on the docket.

If they can get Trevor Lawrence?

Put it in stone.

Lawrence is pretty much the prototype as a pocket passer and he has added mobility which we saw more fully on display in his sophomore season.

Lawrence can do it all from the QB position. He can make every throw, he raises all boats, he has poise, and he can move around and make throws off schedule.

He’s looked like he could play in the NFL from very early in his Clemson career.

3. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

If the Bengals are picking this high in the 2021 NFL Draft, it’s going to be because Joe Burrow struggled to adapt to his surroundings, and the Bengals will have to do everything possible to get him in position to succeed.

Penei Sewell is a rare offensive tackle talent who would probably be worthy of the top overall pick in the NFL Draft, and some analysts are saying he’s the best tackle prospect they’ve scouted in the past two or three decades.

That’s high praise, but Sewell has earned it.

He’s an All-Pac 12, All-American, all-everything at offensive tackle who gets the job done in the running game but he’s really impressive as a pass protector.

Selecting him here would allow the Bengals to move Jonah Williams either to the right side or to guard.

4. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

This is a really high projection for Trey Lance, but the Panthers might be the ideal fit for him.

The Panthers brought in Matt Rhule to come in and rebuild their program, and this Panthers offense has plenty of weapons for a guy like Lance to get the ball to quickly and get acclimated to the NFL with some read-option plays, quick throws, and designed quarterback runs.

Last season for the Bison, Lance threw for nearly 2,800 yards and rushed for 1,100. He had 28 passing touchdowns and 14 rushing touchdowns with zero interceptions.

He was also only sacked 12 times.

This is a guy who already understands how to take care of the football and maximize the strengths of everyone around him, operating within the offense and making plays but being smart.

We’ll see what kind of improvements he makes this season, but he has tremendous talent from the sudden QB pipeline coming out of North Dakota State.

5. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The New York Jets got off to a good start surrounding Sam Darnold in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Mekhi Becton is a mountain of a man at left tackle who should improve Darnold’s play simply if he just went out there and stood up on every play. It’s not easy to get around a 6-foot-7, 365-pound behemoth.

In the second round of this year’s draft, the Jets took a player who could be their WR1 by default this season — Denzel Mims.

It’s imperative the Jets continue to put weapons around Sam Darnold, and Ja’Marr Chase is exactly that.

Even having caught 84 passes last season, Chase averaged over 21 yards per reception.

This guy is ridiculous and has all of the traits you look for in a WR1 type of prospect.

The 2021 NFL Draft class may not rival the 2020 class in terms of depth, but perhaps it will in terms of top-end talent.

Chase is a superstar caliber type of prospect.

6. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

The Giants struck gold with their last first-round pick out of Penn State — Saquon Barkley.

Why not go to that well again, this time on the defensive side?

The Giants may have more pressing roster needs at this particular point in time, but by the time we get to the 2021 NFL Draft, teams are going to have a really hard time justifying passing on Micah Parsons.

This kid can do it all.

With size, speed, range, instincts, and three-down ability, Parsons is a star prospect at the linebacker if I have ever seen one.

The way he anticipates and attacks is unlike any prospect at the linebacker position I have seen since Luke Kuechly coming out of Boston College.

As a converted defensive end, there’s really no position Parsons can’t play on the defensive front where he can be effective. He’s going to make whatever team drafting him feel like they’ve got 12 defenders.

7. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

The Lions’ leader in sacks in 2019 (co-leader, anyway) was Devon Kennard with 7.0 sacks. He left for Arizona in the 2020 offseason, leaving his co-leader Trey Flowers as the only returning Detroit player heading into 2020 with more than two sacks last season.

This team has a serious problem getting pressure on the quarterback, so pass rusher will be a priority for them in the 2021 NFL Draft after they used their top two selections in the 2020 NFL Draft on cornerback Jeffrey Okudah and running back D’Andre Swift.

Rousseau had 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss last season for the Miami Hurricanes, and that was just as a redshirt freshman.

Rousseau will be entering his third season at Miami this season after his 2018 campaign was cut short after one game due to injury.

If he can even come close to matching his production from this past season, he should be a lock for the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft.

He is one of the best edge players in all of college football.

8. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

I love the idea of pairing college teammates on the same NFL team, and the Miami Dolphins would probably be thrilled to see Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa reunited at the NFL level in 2021.

Waddle is one of very few people who are fast enough to make the four- and five-star athletes in the Georgia secondary look like their running in wet concrete:

Waddle has been overshadowed these last two seasons by Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs as well as DeVonta Smith, but not in 2020.

He’s going to be one of the biggest 2021 NFL Draft risers over the next few months, in my opinion, because of the way that he makes plays in space and the burst he has in the open field.

In addition to his 13 receiving touchdowns as the WR4 with Alabama in the last two seasons (insane…), Waddle also has two punt return touchdowns and a kickoff return touchdown.

Heck, the kid can probably throw it and kick it too. Just an outstanding talent with big-time athletic traits who will be a coveted prospect.

9. Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State

With their second of back-to-back picks in this mock draft scenario, the Dolphins follow up the selection of Jaylen Waddle by taking Florida State defensive lineman Marvin Wilson.

If Wilson had declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, he would likely have been selected in the top 25 picks overall, even with an injury that knocked him out last season.

Wilson would be joining another former ACC star defensive lineman Christian Wilkins on Miami’s defensive line, and together, these two players could provide the Dolphins with some versatile game-wreckers on the defensive interior.

In just nine games last season, Wilson had 44 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble.

Wilson is a beast who can win with length, strength, quickness, power — he’s got it all. He would be a tremendous fit with Wilkins and head coach Brian Flores.

10. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State

The Denver Broncos have a couple of clear areas of need heading into the 2020 season despite one of the most impressive roster overhauls this year.

The Broncos still have uncertainty long-term at the cornerback position as well as offensive tackle, and there’s no tackle on the board here worthy of passing up on Shaun Wade for.

Wade was being picked to the Broncos in some 2020 mock drafts before he decided to return to Ohio State, where he should be the latest in a long line of top 10-15 prospects.

Wade has the versatility to play inside as a nickel or outside, and this season at Ohio State he’s likely going to get the chance to prove himself as an outside corner on a more full-time basis.

He’s physical, scrappy in man coverage, and in his first two seasons as a Buckeye, he has four interceptions and 14 pass breakups.

He would join a Broncos cornerback group that includes 2020 third-round pick Michael Ojemudia, another top Big Ten cornerback.

11. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

After bringing in Todd Gurley in the 2020 offseason, drafting a running back in the first round may not be at the forefront of every Falcons fan’s mind, but Travis Etienne is the rare type of back you make the first-round exception for.

Etienne has been one of the biggest playmakers in college football over the past three seasons.

He’s averaging 7.8 yards per carry in three seasons at Clemson with 56 rushing touchdowns and another six receiving touchdowns.

Etienne has even shown he can return kickoffs in his time with Clemson. He averages over eight yards per offensive play and has a touchdown rate (per touch) of 12 percent.

No team in the NFL got better value in the 2020 offseason than the Arizona Cardinals trading a second-round pick and running back David Johnson for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth-round pick.

The Cardinals’ bold move to go after Hopkins has completely shifted their outlook for the 2020 season, but the work is not yet done.

Arizona doesn’t yet have a tight end to really be confident in going forward, and Kyle Pitts would drastically change that.

One of the most athletic playmakers in the SEC, Pitts is an early favorite for the TE1 status in the 2021 NFL Draft with his ability to play in line, split out, and make plays after the catch and in the red zone.

He moves around out on the field more like a receiver than a tight end, and although he’s undersized, the Kliff Kingsbury offense would help maximize his skills as a big slot.

13. Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

The Chicago Bears could be at the forefront of the quarterback derby in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they have other needs across their roster as well.

Wide receiver would be an option here, as well as the defensive backfield.

The offensive line could also be upgraded significantly, and if the Bears are picking 13th overall in next year’s draft, it could mean wholesale changes across the board.

One of the most versatile linemen in this year’s draft class is Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood, who has been a starter for the Crimson Tide at both right guard and left tackle.

He’s been tested significantly all throughout his time in Alabama, having to step in for an injured Jonah Williams at left tackle in the National Championship game as a freshman, then switching positions over the next couple of seasons.

He was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but decided to return to Alabama and play out his four years there. His stock could go from top 32 to top 15 and he could be a starter for the Bears at either tackle or guard.

14. Jamie Newman, QB, Georgia

Could this finally be the year Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock put their heads together to draft a new quarterback for the Raiders?

We will see.

I have personally felt the writing was on the wall now for a couple of years for Derek Carr, but apparently the Raiders are comfortable enough with him to continue building around him.

Carr has been a fine player for the Raiders, but has yet to reach the potential he showed early on in his career.

Jamie Newman is a really fun prospect to study as a 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback who had 26 touchdown passes and six rushing touchdowns last season at Wake Forest, where he really helped put the Demon Deacons back on the map as a legitimate football school.

He helped raise all boats and got noticed by one of the premier programs in college football, transferring to Georgia for the 2020 season.

He can throw accurately to every level of the field and while his consistency needs to improve, it stands to reason that Newman is going to make enough progress in his final collegiate season at Georgia to solidify a first-round draft status and he will undoubtedly impress teams with his work ethic.

15. Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Even though the Browns already have Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry at the wide receiver position, this is a roster that could afford a pick like this.

The Browns went out in the 2020 offseason and did just about everything in their power to improve the offensive line, signing big-money free agent Jack Conklin to play right tackle and using their top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills.

The Browns later added a potential future starter at center in Washington’s Nick Harris.

The Browns have no shortage of star players on their roster on both sides of the ball, but DeVonta Smith could be a tremendous pickup for this group.

Smith has big-time downfield speed, good hands, runs good routes, and could be moved around the formation with both Beckham and Landry also able to play versatile roles.

Smith can take advantage of all the one-on-one opportunities he would receive with the other playmakers in this offense drawing attention.

16. Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

Every year, players come from out of the shadows and emerge as top NFL prospects.

For the 2021 NFL Draft, a lot of people are banking on Penn State edge rusher Jayson Oweh to be that guy.

If those numbers are for real, Oweh might be one of the most freakish athletes to come into the NFL since another former Penn State player Saquon Barkley came in.

Pound for pound, to run a 4.33 at 257 pounds is objectively ridiculous.

The speed shows up when you watch Oweh play and if the Titans could get their hands on a pass rusher with that kind of get-off, they can try and work with every other part of his. game.

Oweh had five sacks and five tackles for loss last season for Penn State as a redshirt sophomore, but the sky is the limit with his athletic and physical profile. He has ridiculous traits and could wind up being one of the top breakout players in the country in 2020.

17. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

One of my most egregious omissions from my previous mock draft was Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley, who could contend for the top CB spot in the entire 2021 NFL Draft class.

Farley picked off four passes in 10 games last season and added another 12 pass breakups.

Some people think Farley might even be the best overall defensive player in college football this coming season.

That’s high praise for the junior out of Hickory, NC.

Farley is 6-foot-2 and with his overall size and length combined with natural ball skills and instincts in coverage, he is an absolute clamp at the cornerback position on the opposing team’s top receivers.

With the Jaguars, Farley would make up one half of a tremendous-looking duo of young cornerbacks. The Jaguars used their top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Florida cornerback CJ Henderson, one of the top cover corners coming into the league this year.

Together, Farley and Henderson could help the Jaguars make life tough for opposing offenses.

18. Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest

If there is one clear area of weakness on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster right now, it’s the defensive end position.

The Vikings moved on from Everson Griffen this offseason and they still have Danielle Hunter, one of the most underrated rushers in the league, but they need more.

Carlos Basham is a player who would fit the Vikings’ scheme perfectly as a base defensive end with upside as a power and effort rusher.

After a solid sophomore season with 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, Basham was a serious threat for the Wake Forest defense in 2019 with 18 tackles for loss and 10 total sacks.

Basham would give the Vikings a talented, physical presence at the defensive end position opposite Danielle Hunter, who is incredibly not even 26 years old yet and already has 54.5 career sacks.

19. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

The Los Angeles Chargers began rebuilding their offense in the 2020 offseason, starting on the offensive line.

They brought in veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga and traded left tackle Russell Okung to get right guard Trai Turner, one of the best at his position in the NFL.

I thought the Chargers would use one of their top two picks in the 2020 NFL Draft on the left tackle position given how deep of a class it was at the top, but they never did.

In fact, after using their top selection on quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers went defense after trading back into round one, selecting Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray.

If the Chargers are going to watch their new quarterback have success, they need to make sure he’s well protected at all times and adding Samuel Cosmi out of Texas accomplishes that.

Cosmi is developing into one of the best tackles in the country after coming to Texas with some very high expectations. He’s not a finished product and needs to add some strength to his base, but Cosmi has the look of a future stud at left tackle in the NFL with great feet, length, and hand punch.

20. Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama

It was a bit surprising to see the Pittsburgh Steelers pass on the defensive line early in the 2020 NFL Draft, especially after they lost Javon Hargrave in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pittsburgh’s defensive front is currently made up of veteran Cameron Hayward, 2014 second-round pick Stephon Tuitt, and trade acquisition Chris Wormley.

The Steelers did take a seventh-round flyer on Nebraska’s Carlos Davis, who could become something, but Christian Barmore would be a really fun pickup for this squad.

Barmore is another top-flight prospect coming from the Alabama program who seemingly stepped onto campus with an NFL body and NFL tools, which were put on display in his first on-field action in 2019.

He finished his redshirt freshman season with 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks, but the sky is the limit for this 6-foot-5, 310-pound beast on the interior defensive line.

21. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Depending on who you ask you might get a different answer from everyone — who is the best cornerback in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Some people believe it’s Caleb Farley. Some believe it’s Shaun Wade.

Others believe it’s Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II, an NFL legacy who has been tremendous in the early stages of his career with the Crimson Tide.

Surtain has 15 pass breakups, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles through his first two seasons with Alabama, and has been given a huge level of responsibility as a true freshman starter two seasons ago.

Entering year three, the pressure is now on Surtain to take the next step in his development. At 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Surtain has the perfect size to defend against all types and sizes of receivers, and can play inside as a slot or outside in either press or zone.

He’s a very smart, refined prospect and could ascend to top 10 status over the course of the next few months.

22. Tanner Morgan, QB, Minnesota

It’s an annual tradition to try and predict how the Patriots are going to replace Tom Brady.

When Brady actually left the team in 2020, I thought the Patriots would certainly draft or sign someone who could effectively replace him.

They have not.

The Pats are banking on Jarrett Stidham to keep their ship afloat in 2020, and people are apparently really confident in that, projecting them to be picking 22nd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

I’m not so sure about that.

While there may be some balance between the two extremes of the Patriots being good enough to make the playoffs without Brady and picking first overall in next year’s draft, there’s a chance this team could be looking for a long-term option at the quarterback position in 2021.

Tanner Morgan could be a perfect fit.

Morgan ascended last season for Minnesota, completing 66 percent of his passes with 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

He has the makeup of a future NFL starter, but how high he will go in the draft will depend on how he follows up his tremendous sophomore season.

He’s a very natural mover in the pocket with a good arm, a strong feel for the game, and accuracy to all levels of the field.

23. Wyatt Davis, OL, Ohio State

There are not many weaknesses on the Buffalo Bills’ roster right now.

Of course, so much of this team’s success will depend on how well Josh Allen plays, and how well Josh Allen plays will be largely dependant on how well his offensive line plays.

If you have a young quarterback and want to establish a solid running game, you can never have too many good offensive linemen, and Wyatt Davis is one of the best interior linemen in this class.

Starting right guard Quinton Spain is slated for free agency after the season, so this is a cost-effective replacement move for the Bills who could keep their offense humming and keep Josh Allen protected.

Davis was a first-team All-American last season and first-team All-Big Ten pick as well. In just his first full season as a starter, Davis was dominant and the ceiling here is extremely high.

24. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

The Minnesota program was on the rise big time in the 2019 college football season, thanks largely to the production of their two stud wide receivers.

Tyler Johnson was taken by the Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and will catch passes from Tom Brady to open his NFL career. What will be Rashod Bateman’s fate?

Could it be that the Packers will correct their tremendous mistake and use a top pick on the receiver position in the 2021 NFL Draft?

They should.

Bateman was absolutely outstanding for the Gophers last season, earning Big Ten receiver of the year honors after catching 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Bateman has insane body control at the receiver position and has a great combination of finesse, speed, and strength to his game.

He’s well built at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, and he is quick in and out of his breaks.

This guy has a chance to light it up at the college level in 2020.

25. Creed Humphrey, C/IOL, Oklahoma

The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line depth is going to be tested in 2020 with the loss of guard Brandon Brooks to an Achilles injury already.

The Eagles moved on from Jason Peters, who is still a free agent at this point, in favor of first-round pick Andre Dillard (2019). With Brooks out for the season, the Eagles are either going to find that they have the depth they need already or they are going to discover they need to find someone else to come in and provide the necessary depth on their offensive line.

This team has been so good in terms of offensive line play over the past few years, and they have one of the best interior lines in the NFL when healthy.

The losses of Peters, Brooks, and even top reserve Halapoulivaati Vaitai make offensive line a potential priority again in the 2021 NFL Draft for the Eagles.

If Creed Humphrey is there, the value might be perfect as well.

Humphrey has pretty strictly played center, but he could learn the other interior positions and he’s one of the nastiest linemen in this class.

An experienced starter who came into Oklahoma prepared and ready to go, Humphrey could be a perfect fit for the physical Eagles offensive line.

26. Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

In most of my other mock draft scenarios thus far for the 2021 NFL Draft, I have had Purdue’s Rondale Moore going much higher than this.

We just saw Henry Ruggs III take the WR1 spot in the 2020 NFL Draft after he put his exceptional speed and athletic traits on display, and Moore is capable of doing the same.

It’s tough to say Moore will be the 2021 WR1 prospect, but he’s certainly capable of going much higher than this. If he is sitting there for the Seahawks in the first round, however, it would be a really fun fit.

Everyone knows that Russell Wilson likes to push the ball downfield, and Moore has the vertical speed to be a consistent threat in that phase of the game, but he’s equally dangerous after the catch and in space.

If the Seahawks could put him in a wide receiver group with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, the Seahawks would be borderline impossible to defend at any level of the field.

27. Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan

Although not a traditional “EDGE” player, Hutchinson is a versatile player who could really help a defensive front like Tampa Bay’s.

The Bucs have Ndamukong Suh back for this season along with 2018 first-round pick Vita Vea, and while William Gholston has been serviceable, upgrades could be explored.

Hutchinson is a rising prospect already heading into the 2020 college season after a sophomore campaign where he racked up 69 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six passes batted down, and three forced fumbles.

The low sack numbers shouldn’t scare anyone off — this guy is a high-impact player on the defensive line, and at 6-foot-6, nearly 280 pounds, he’s a big, long lineman who can move all over the front and make an impact.

28. Quincy Roche, EDGE, Temple (projected trade with Cowboys)

In this mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys sent their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to the New York Jets for their first round pick (at least).

The Jets are under no real obligation to trade Adams. They have him under contract this season, they have his fifth-year option, and they have the franchise tag after that. You don’t trade a superstar player with three years of team control for nothing.

The Cowboys can pony up the picks for Adams if need be, and need be.

For the Jets, Ashtyn Davis and Marcus Maye should be able to handle the safety duties, and the Jets could use this selection to upgrade their pass rush department with Temple to Miami transfer Quincy Roche, who is expected to have a huge season playing along with fellow first-round predicted pick Gregory Rousseau.

Roche averaged nearly nine sacks per season at Temple and had 39.5 tackles for loss in three seasons.

29. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Somewhat quietly, Chris Olave was the Ohio State leader last year with 12 touchdown receptions, which is also the most among returning Big Ten receivers and tight ends in 2020.

For the New Orleans Saints, Olave would represent the heir apparent to recently signed Emmanuel Sanders, who even into his 30s doesn’t appear to be slowing down just yet.

With that said, this is a New Orleans team whose roster is so talented, a luxury pick like wide receiver early in next year’s draft might be something they can afford.

Olave is a very good route runner which is becoming more habit than anything from the kids at Ohio State, and he’s got soft hands and a tremendous ability to create separation deep downfield.

He’s had one really good season, so he will need to step up in Ohio State’s passing game as the leader this year to warrant a high selection like this, but he’s got the well-rounded game to do it.

30. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

The San Francisco 49ers are not a team with many immediate and pressing needs.

With that said, they are a team that could be facing many needs come time for the 2021 offseason considering their list of prominent 2021 free agents.

49ers 2021 top free agents

• TE George Kittle
• LT Trent Williams
• RB Tevin Coleman
• S Jaquiski Tartt
• FB Kyle Juszczyk
• DL Solomon. Thomas

In addition to all of those players, essentially the entirety of the 49ers’ defensive backfield will be slated for free agency in 2021.

They could go a number of different directions early in the 2021 NFL Draft but one pick I presently love for this team is Alabama running back Najee Harris.

Harris is perfect for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and is one of the best dual-threat running backs in either the 2020 class or 2021 class as a runner and receiver.

He really came into his own in 2019 and has star qualities at the running back position.

31. Hamilcar Rashed, EDGE, Oregon State

What do you give the team with the best roster in the NFL in 2020?

You can never have too many pass rushers.

I think the NFL Draft community might be sleeping a little bit on Hamilcar Rashed, who was an All-American in 2019 after racking up 14 sacks and 22 tackles for loss.

Despite being slightly undersized at 6-foot-4, 236 pounds (listed), Rashed has huge pass-rush potential at the next level and could be a nice fit for the Ravens who have Matthew Judon on a franchise tag this season and no one else with more than five sacks behind him on the roster.

He has all of the tools in the toolbox to be a big-time playmaker off the edge in the NFL, and it feels like he’s merely scratched the surface of what he can become.

32. Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

Even with one of the most complete rosters in the NFL and almost every starter from a Super Bowl-winning team returning for another shot at it in 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs have one of the worst groups of cornerbacks in the NFL.

They have the offense to compensate for it, and some of this group overachieved down the stretch to actually help the team significantly in the postseason, but the Chiefs need to add some players who can make a difference on the back end.

Luckily for them, the 2021 NFL Draft could wind up being really good at the cornerback position with a bunch of really talented guys poised for breakout seasons.

Eric Stokes has played 22 games the past two seasons for Georgia, breaking up 18 passes. He has yet to pick off a pass, but he’s showed off his coverage skills and has managed to make second-team All-SEC last year as a sophomore despite not having an interception.

He has ball skills and instincts at the cornerback position that will help him translate well to the pro level.