2021 NFL Draft: Capping off 2020 with a first-round NFL mock draft

The Tennessee Titans have struggled to defend the pass all season long and their lack of a pass rush has been a major reason why. Joseph Ossai has grown into an exciting edge prospect in the last year, showing impressive quickness off of the ball and tremendous bend around the edge. Ossai always plays with a high motor and has plenty of value against the run and in coverage. He is an extremely versatile 2021 NFL Draft prospect who the Titans should have their eyes on.

Left tackle stands out as a major position of need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Donovan Smith is simply not getting the job done consistently. Alijah Vera-Tucker is likely best suited as an offensive guard at the next level but does have some tackle versatility if needed. Regardless, the Bucs have extreme versatility across their offensive line, allowing them to fill their left tackle need in a variety of ways if needed.

The New York Jets found their franchise quarterback earlier in this mock draft but attack a major need on the defensive side of the ball with this pick. Eric Stokes is a long and athletic cornerback prospect who displays impressive man coverage ability. He is smooth in space, quick to the ball and mirrors opposing receivers extremely well. Stokes undoubtedly has No. 1 cornerback upside at the next level and is worth the investment in this range.

Liam Eichenberg is flying under the radar a bit in this impressive offensive tackle class. He is not the biggest or most athletic offensive tackle around but he is an extremely smart and strong player at the position who provides stability in pass protection and the run game. The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves a rock-solid prospect at an important position of need in this 2021 NFL Draft scenario.

Azeez Ojulari is an exciting speed rusher who creates consistent pressure on the quarterback around the edge. He explodes off of the ball in an instant, shows tremendous bend around the edge and closes on the quarterback quickly. Ojulari also shows impressive natural hand usage, is a high motor defender and sets the edge well. The New Orleans Saints add another impact defender to their already impressive defensive unit with this pick.

The Buffalo Bills need to figure out their second cornerback spot opposite of Tre’Davious White. Derion Kendrick is not a bit of a raw 2021 NFL Draft prospect but his combination of speed, length and athleticism give him a high ceiling at the next level. Pairing Kendrick with White would give the Bills an exciting cornerback duo that could take their defense to the next level.

Daviyon Nixon came from seemingly out of nowhere to dominate in the Big Ten this season. His combination of quickness and power up front allows him to be a consistent impact player on the inside, making plays in the backfield against the run and as a pass rusher. Nixon is extremely quick off of the ball and powerful at the point of attack and would undoubtedly make an immediate impact for the Green Bay Packers.

With Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson hitting free agency this offseason, wide receiver could quickly become a major position of need for the Kansas City Chiefs. Luckily for them, the 2021 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with talented wide receivers, allowing them to solve this potential need if they wish.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is a quick and explosive player who separates from man coverage with ease. He is an exciting playmaker who can make an impact in the passing game at all three levels of the defense. Nobody loves speedy playmakers more than Andy Reid and the Chiefs and they find another one with the final pick of this mock draft.