2021 NFL Draft: Jets and Giants kick off this first-round mock draft

After one full year in charge in Washington, Ron Rivera decides to move on from 2019 first-round choice Dwayne Haskins and bring in a quarterback of his own (not named Kyle Allen). After benching Haskins last week, it is apparent Rivera does not have a franchise quarterback on the team. Between Kyle Allen and Alex Smith, Washington will look to make a change in the offseason.

North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance becomes the third quarterback off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance will be one of the most interesting prospects leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. After starting just one year with the Bison, Lance put up an impressive 28 touchdown to 0 interception ratio and is a dynamic runner. Considered as one of the top quarterbacks entering the season, Lance’s draft position may fall with limited tape and an underwhelming one-game 2020 display but could be Rivera’s Cam Newton in D.C.

After selecting Justin Herbert sixth overall last spring, the Chargers planned on phasing their future franchise quarterback behind Tyrod Taylor. Unfortunately, a punctured lung from their team doctor resulted in Los Angeles rushing Herbert in as the starter in Week 2. Herbert has impressed, throwing over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns through five starts.

After passing on an opportunity to draft a top-end offensive tackle last year, the Chargers must look to free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft to protect Herbert. Michigan offensive tackle, Jalen Mayfield debuted as a redshirt freshman at left tackle before moving to the right side last season. Mayfield possesses the size and strength to protect Herbert on either side and is off to an impressive start after dominating Minnesota in Michigan’s 2020 debut.

Currently in the 11th slot, New England is on track to make their first pick in the top half of the draft since the Patriots selected Jarod Mayo tenth overall in 2008. After a beating to the hands of former quarterback, Jimmy Garraoppolo, Belichick brought Jarrett Stidham in relief for Cam Newton. The starting job looks to be week to week and unless Stidham can earn the role, the Patriots could be in the market for a new quarterback.

Prescott, Trubisky, and Winston lead the possible 2021 free agency quarterback class, indicating that if the Patriots were to move for a veteran passer, it would likely be via trade. Instead of trying to slot a quarterback to the Pats, Alabama’s Christian Barmore gives Belichick a physically dominant interior lineman and becomes the first defensive tackle off the board.

After investing in former second-round pick Drew Lock with back to back wide receiver selections in the 2020 Draft, it appeared Denver looked set at quarterback. After early-season injuries to Lock and leading receiver Courtland Sutton, things haven’t quite shacked out as expected. As Drew Lock rebounds during the remainder of the season, Denver will look to add to the offensive line and rebuild their defense.

Denver’s defense needs an overhaul at linebacker, safety and pass rusher, all appearing as areas of need after the season-ending injury to Von Miller. The Broncos are currently without a game-changing middle linebacker and after failed attempts to draft one in prior drafts, Denver takes the second-best linebacker in the class. Dylan Moses is the sideline to sideline linebacker the Broncos have been missing and provides solid coverage skills.