2021 NFL Draft: Five quarterbacks go in first round of new mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
Pick 29 – New Orleans Saints
Pick Analysis. LB. Zaven Collins. 29. player. Scouting Report. Tulsa. 15
The New Orleans Saints are another team that will be in the mix for a late-first quarterback, but they strike me more as a team that will go the Indianapolis Colts route of adding free agents or maybe even a blockbuster trade for Carson Wentz or Sam Darnold. Anyway, they instead use this pick to continue building the defense.
While they took Zack Baun last year in the third round, he’s more of a true tackler for the linebacker position. Here, they add the perfect compliment with the turnover machine known as Zaven Collins.
Just this past season Collins was able to tally four interceptions in just eight games, taking two to the end zone. On top of that, he was able to add two forced fumbles while recovering one of those. With those stats, he would instantly provide a difference-maker on the Saints defense and a threat to create turnovers, which they’ve lacked at times.
Pick 30 – Buffalo Bills
Scouting Report. OT. 30. 16. Pick Analysis. Michigan. Jalen Mayfield. player
The Buffalo Bills don’t necessarily need a tackle, but another offensive lineman could be an upgrade for a team that has made impressive strides in 2020. Both through the air and on the ground, Josh Allen has looked incredible. Now, they need to make sure he stays upright.
Cody Ford missed time this season, so him returning next year will help, but another player could really set this line. Jalen Mayfield was a tackle at Michigan but could move inside or push one of the other tackles inside to guard, whether it be Dion Dawkins or Daryl Williams. As I said, this isn’t a huge need, but more of an upgrade which is a luxury of having a roster like the Bills’.