2021 NFL Draft: Five quarterbacks go in first round of new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
Pick 21 – San Francisco 49ers (Trade with Jacksonville Jaguars)
Shaun Wade. 21. player. CB. Ohio State. 42. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
The San Francisco 49ers had an injury-riddled season that derailed their game plan from the start. They lost player after player to injury, especially on defense, and will be picking much higher than anyone expected. However, after a trade to acquire more draft assets, the 49ers find themselves in this version of the 2021 NFL Draft much closer to their assumed spot before the season.
One area that was lacking no matter how healthy was the secondary. They have a few free-agent band-aid fixes, but with Richard Sherman getting older this unit could be completely flipped in just a few short years. That transformation starts here.
Shaun Wade didn’t have the 2020 season he was hoping for to break out like players before him. Then when he was given a shot against Clemson he looked below average. Luckily, Nick Bosa might be able to vouge for Wade in San Francisco, pushing them enough to take him here.
Pick 22 – Indianapolis Colts
WR. Rashod Bateman. 46. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Minnesota. 22. player
The Indianapolis Colts just squeaked into the playoffs this season and they did so without many reliable wide receivers on the roster. T.Y. Hilton has been regressing since Andrew Luck retired while Michael Pittman Jr. and Zach Pascal showed flashes. Despite the flashes, neither Pittman or Pascal looked like they are true No. 1 wide receivers.
With that, the Colts invest in another wide receiver, taking Rashod Bateman out of Minnesota. Like Wade, Bateman didn’t have the 2020 season many were expecting. However, he at least has a strong 2019 campaign to look back on. During that season, Bateman hauled in 11 touchdowns and totaled 1,219 receiving yards.
At 6-foot-2, Bateman is another big target in Indianapolis, similar to what they have in Pittman. However, their size could open up the field for speedsters like Nyheim Hines out of the backfield.