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

Although the Denver defensive front still contains the dual-threat of Bradley Chubb and Von Miller, Denver has proven throughout the years that continuing to collect pass-rush talent is never out of the question. Kwity Paye is a stout 4-3 defensive end at six-foot-four, 271 pounds who does a great job of combining his strength with consistent hand-usage to create mismatches in leverage.

Paye was also a critical cog in the Michigan run defense as a penetrating edge presence who could lift an offensive tackle from their anchor. Von Miller will be a free agent in the 2022 offseason, meaning Paye would be able to work alongside the All-Pro and develop through his rookie campaign.

As the Minnesota Vikings offense continues to become the Dalvin Cook show, continuing to invest in first-round offensive linemen is crucial to the overall development of the unit. Christian Darrisaw is an athletic left tackle out of Virginia Tech who still has some work to be done. Although his six-foot-five frame, excellent reach, and fluid mobility give him all of the tools of a dominant run-blocker, these same tools need to be seen within his pass-protection as well.

Darrisaw has the agility to wash out speed-rushers behind the quarterback but often takes long strides in his backstep which slows him down and opens the door for a counter-move to the B-gap. From day one, Darrisaw will be an NFL-level zone-run blocker but will need the right coaching and mentorship to become a complete franchise tackle.

Chicago has finally accepted their fate. The Trubisky project has reached its destination and the Bears organization needs a new horse to back. Zach Wilson has been one of the most efficient passers in college football this season, showing stellar growth since his freshman season as a passer.

At six-foot-three and with impressive athleticism, Wilson brings comparisons to many recent top quarterback selections such as Deshaun Watson and Joe Burrow based upon his physical tools. Chicago’s receiving group has been let down by their quarterbacks through the 2020 season, and a new face with proven consistency could be the answer to such offensive woes.

The void left by tight end Rob Gronkowski has been impossible to ignore since his departure, primarily because of New England’s lack of stature among their receiving threats. Current lead tight end Ryan Izzo is a low-ceiling short-term solution and the duo of rookies brought in during day two of the 2020 NFL draft (Devin Asiasi & Dalton Keene) have made little to no impact on Sunday’s. Kyle Pitts is the lead tight end of the 2021 NFL draft and figures to fill the dual-threat tight end mold with his significant improvement in run-blocking.

New England has always implemented a dose of the conventional power-running game to their offensive scheme, but this season has seen more than ever before thanks to the play of their offensive line. Similar to Gronkowski years ago, Kyle Pitts has an opportunity to operate as a dominant force in both run-blocking and receiving throughout the course of a ballgame.

Heading into the 2021 offseason, Las Vegas will need to reassess their linebacking unit and consider their cap-friendly solutions. Last offseason, Las Vegas gave out a combined six years and $56.25 million to the Ram’s Corey Littleton and Bear’s Nick Kwiatkoski. These cap-questionable decisions have a likelihood of leaving Las Vegas in the hole, so bringing in complementing talent on a rookie contract would be the responsible decision.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the most unique prospect of the 2021 NFL draft and played the “rover” at Notre Dame. With a nose for the ball and high-motor pursuit, Koramoah is designed to make plays in the backfield and in underneath coverage.