2021 NFL Draft: Three-round 2021 NFL mock draft with top 10 surprises

2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 22nd Overall

This pick comes to the New York Jets via the Seattle Seahawks

The 2021 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with talent at the wide receiver position and this will likely cause gifted receivers to slide further down the board than they should. DeVonta Smith is the perfect example of that in this mock draft, as the New York Jets are able to scoop him up here at No. 22.

The Jamal Adams trade with the Seattle Seahawks gave the Jets an extra first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and they use it here to get their new quarterback a premier offensive weapon. Smith is the best route-runner in the 2021 NFL Draft class, using smooth athleticism and sharp cuts to consistently create space from the defense.

Smith also has soft hands and ridiculous natural elusiveness in the open field. Once Smith has the ball in his hands, he does a fantastic job of making defenders miss and has the speed needed to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

His route-running skills and ability to create after the catch obviously makes Smith a threat in the short-to-intermediate range. However, do not sleep on his ability to make plays in the deep passing game. Smith has legitimate deep speed and tracks the deep ball in the air incredibly well. He can shake defenders deep make big plays on a consistent basis.

Smith does have a slight frame that will make some wonder whether he will translate well to the next level. That being said, he is simply too good of a wide receiver to ignore in this range. Adding Trevor Lawrence and DeVonta Smith in the first round would be a dream scenario for the New York Jets.