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

After an impressive 5-2 start, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in playoff contention. While the Browns have failed to defeat either AFC North-leading Pittsburgh or Baltimore, the Browns have put together an impressive start to the season and are hitting form under new coach Kevin Stefanski. This would mark the latest first-round pick the Browns have had since 2011.

Offensively, the Browns are set for the future. Cleveland invested in its offensive line through the signing of Jack Conklin and using their 2020 first-round pick on Jedrick Wills Jr. The Browns have tremendous depth at the skill positions. Cleveland currently could use a long-term pass rusher opposite Garrett and help at all linebacker spots. Surratt gives the Browns a needed sideline to sideline linebacker.

If there is one thing the Buccaneers have made clear in recent months after signing Tom Brady, it is that they are built to win now. Tampa got off to a 5-2 start and is currently leading the NFC South. After adding Rob Gronkowski to Brady’s arsenal, Tampa made the controversial move of bringing in fallen star receiver, Antonio Brown.

If Tampa wants to remain as one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, they will look to upgrade their offensive line in the 2021 NFL Draft. After using a first-round pick on right tackle Tristan Wirfs, Tampa selects their long-term replacement to Donovan Smith and can create the cap space needed by shaking off his $14.5 million hit.

After using the third overall pick on Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, the Jaguars look to add weapons around the new face of the franchise. Jacksonville has solid receiving options but could use playmakers around the rookie quarterback. Florida tight end Kyle Pitts gives the Jaguars extra protection on the line and a dominant mismatch sure to be favored by a rookie quarterback.

Pitts features great size and speed and is dominant as a standalone receiver. Through three games in the 2019 season, Pitts leads Florida with 17 receptions for 274 yards and a mouth-watering 7 touchdowns. Kyle Pitts gives the Jaguars a reliable option away from Tyler Eifert and could be the primary receiving option for the new-look offense.

Between the decline in New England, the rebuild in Miami, and the Jets being the Jets, at 5-2 the Buffalo Bills are the class of the AFC East. Despite great starts by Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Tennessee, Buffalo remains in contention for the first overall seed in the AFC led by early MVP candidate Josh Allen.

Buffalo has a strong team on each side of the ball and despite some aging and expensive starters on defense, the Bills can afford to make a luxury first-round pick. After trading a first-rounder last year for Stefon Diggs, the Bills get Josh Allen another high-caliber weapon in Pat Freiermuth. Labeled “Baby Gronk” Freiermuth gives the Bills offense a game-changing threat in the red zone.