2021 NFL Draft: Three-round mock draft featuring early quarterback run

2021 NFL Draft Round 1, Pick 31

The New Orleans Saints make it all the way to the Super Bowl but fall short of their ultimate goal in this scenario. This is an incredibly talented team that can certainly make this kind of run and it is honestly pretty tough to find legitimate holes on this roster. However, if you squint hard enough, a linebacker need can be found. With the 31st overall pick of this mock draft, the Saints address this position of need with the selection of Nick Bolton out of Missouri.

Bolton is not a freak athlete at the linebacker positions, but he does show some solid range in pass coverage and can close on the ball carrier quickly. He is an incredibly physical linebacker prospect who plays with great instincts and can be an enforcer in the middle of the field. Bolton is an impressive linebacker prospect and linebacker is one of the few needs on this roster. This feels like a good fit.

2021 NFL Draft Round 1, Pick 32

After winning their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy, the Kansas City Chiefs hold the final first-round pick of this 2021 NFL Draft scenario. It is always tempting to give Patrick Mahomes another dynamic weapon, but this defense could certainly use some help. Edge rusher Carlos Basham Jr. stands out as a prospect who makes a lot of sense here.

Basham is not the most explosive player on the edge, but he does get off of the ball quickly, knows where to be at all times and is always playing hard. Basham is an extremely smart and instinctual player who holds plenty of value against the passing game and the run game.

The Chiefs obviously have an extremely talented team, but they would love to find more defenders who they can consistently count on. Adding Basham to the mix gives Kansas City a dependable player who can legitimately impact the game on all three downs.