2021 NFL Draft: Offense leads the way in this 2021 NFL mock draft

The dominant tackle of the 2021 NFL Draft class, Penei Sewell will be brought in as the personal bodyguard for Joe Burrow’s blindside in this mock draft. After losing the remainder of his rookie season due to injury, the lack of pass-protection in Cincinnati can no longer be ignored. Sewell is a 330-pound machine of physical dominance that still brings technique to the game, and his violent run-blocking will be a welcome addition for running back Joe Mixon.

If not for the strength of this quarterback class, Sewell has the potential to reflect the value of a number one overall selection. Cincinnati is far from a complete roster, but the addition of a generational tackle is sure to accelerate the progression.

No question about it, the sole issue Dallas needs to focus on this offseason is the defensive unit. Byron Jones left last offseason in free agency, and his absence has been left them with a depleted secondary which can be exposed by even the most meager of passing offenses within the NFC East.

Patrick Surtain II is a physical specimen who fits the prototypical cornerback mold at six-foot-two, 203 pounds, and can keep on the hip of almost any matchup in man coverage. This trend of physical man corners has grown through football in recent years, matching the athleticism of their opposition. With Surtain, Dallas can begin to reform the ideology of their secondary around Surtain’s skillset and add complementing pieces throughout the 2021 NFL Draft.

Quarterback Justin Herbert has been left to fend for himself in the backfield many times and has little to rely upon on the ground. Los Angeles needs a physically dominant presence inside their offensive line to turn the tide and shift the advantage to their side in the trenches. Wyatt Davis is a player of pure, unadulterated interior violence. He is a transcendent physical talent on the interior of the offensive line which can not only revitalize a running game but shore-up pass protection against the increasing number of interior pass-rushers.

When Quenton Nelson was selected by Indianapolis with the sixth overall selection, he immediately changed the narrative of the Indianapolis offensive-front and changed the face of their running game. Davis is a game-changer in the trenches to further help their franchise quarterback.

Far and away the most talented linebacker of the 2021 NFL draft, Micah Parsons looks to inherit the enormous shoes of Luke Kuechly. Matt Rhule took last year’s draft to address their issues on the defensive side of the ball, and this selection continues that growth.

Currently, Shaq Thompson inhabits the center of the defense, but in their 3-4 scheme, Rhule needs a more conventional linebacker. Parsons is a gap-shooter with a special kind of athleticism to make plays around the line of scrimmage. Complementing the speedy Shaq Thompson on the interior, Carolina will now have a duality of speed and power in the heart of their defense.

Although the current future of Matt Ryan may be uncertain, the current issues Atlanta’s faces are not. Currently ranked 19th in sacks per game, Atlanta has done little to improve from last season’s campaign to help big-ticket defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Miami sack-master Gregory Rousseau nearly led the NCAA in sacks last season with 15.5 thanks to his six-foot-seven frame that pairs immense reach with overbearing strength.

With all of this physical talent, Rousseau is still a raw pass-rusher who needs refinement in his hand-usage and leverage when attacking offensive tackles. Alongside Jarrett, Rousseau is a defensive weapon who can slide along the defensive line from snap to snap against both the pass and the run.