2021 NFL Draft: Five quarterbacks go in first round of new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
Pick 19 – Carolina Panthers (Trade with Washington Football Team)
Pick Analysis. Notre Dame. 19. player. 87. Scouting Report. LB. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
The Carolina Panthers made strides during the 2020 season that few anticipated after many had them pegged to be the ones holding the first pick. After impressing during the season, the Panthers moved down in this version of the 2021 NFL Draft, trading with the Washington Football Team. Now on the clock in this mock draft, they address a position of need.
A year ago the Panthers went all defense in the 2020 NFL Draft, but one position that still needs work on that side of the ball is linebacker. The loss of Luke Kuechly is still being felt, but the addition of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah can nearly erase that feeling.
Playing just two seasons at Notre Dame, Owusu-Koramoah has been impressive in limited time. He’s done a little bit of everything over his 25 games with the Fighting Irish. Over those games he has 142 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, five fumbles forced, four fumbles recovered, one interception and seven passes defended.
Pick 20 – Chicago Bears
Alabama. Jaylen Waddle. 20. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. player. 57
Beyond Allen Robinson, the Chicago Bears have been searching for reliable receiving options. Jimmy Graham had moments this past season as did Darnell Mooney, but they don’t have a clear No. 2 option to run on the other side of the field. On top of that, Robinson is set to become a free agent this coming offseason, so there could be even more of a need at the position by the time the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around.
Entering the season, Jaylen Waddle was in the conversation for the best receiver in college football, but an injury opened the door for his teammate in DeVonta Smith to take that claim. Now, Waddle joins him in the first round as a duo of Alabama wide receivers going in the first round for the second consecutive season.
Waddle can do a little bit of everything, including having registered three returns for touchdowns at Alabama. For Chicago, this will be the closest to Devin Hester they’ve had since his prime as a wide receiver.