2021 NFL Draft: Five quarterbacks go in first round of new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
Pick 23 – Cleveland Browns
LB. Nick Bolton. 23. Missouri. player. 53. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
The Cleveland Browns were able to clinch their first playoff berth since 2002 and their first 11-win season since 1994, but the work is far from over in Cleveland. Kevin Stefanski has completely altered the franchise on the field and now he has the opportunity to create depth and improve the starters.
One area that has shown as a weakness in Cleveland is the linebackers. Overall the unit has played well, but the depth especially has shown to be a concern. On top of that, the anchor of the defense in B.J. Goodson could enter free agency this offseason. To fill that void, the Browns add a clone of Goodson here with Nick Bolton.
When I wrote about the first-round targets for the Cleveland Browns in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bolton was at the top of the list. Here, he falls to Cleveland and they should jump at the opportunity to have him and his 100 tackles a year, give or take.
Pick 24 – Tennessee Titans
DT. Jay Tufele. 24. 35. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. USC. player
The offense of the Tennessee Titans has been flat out dominant this season. Derrick Henry became the league’s eighth running back ever to hit 2,000 rushing yards, Ryan Tannehill threw for 40 touchdowns and both A.J. Brown and Corey Davis were impressive throughout the season. Unfortunately, they don’t have much of a defense. Once that changes, they could, and should, be a favorite in the AFC.
That defense building continues here with Jay Tufele to shore up the defensive line, joining 2019 NFL Draft first-round pick Jeffrey Simmons. Tufele and Simmons would be a nightmare in the middle of the line, especially in a division that runs frequently with Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis and James Robinson in Jacksonville.