2021 NFL Draft: Post-Wildcard round first-round NFL mock draft

After another disappointing season for the Los Angeles Chargers despite an outstanding rookie year from Justin Herbert and numerous names on the offensive side of the ball, problems need to be solved fast as to not waste their prodigies inexpensive years. Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram will be hitting free agency this offseason at 31 years of age, pointing to the addition of pass-rushing youth in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Michigan’s Kwity Paye is the most conventional edge-defender of the first-round prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, possessing superior athleticism in his hip-bend and explosiveness to be a dominant pass-rusher. Slotting across from Joey Bosa, Los Angeles can retain a dynamic duo of defenders to get to Patrick Maholmes, Derek Carr, and (insert John Elway quarterback prospect here).

The Minnesota Vikings’ secondary has been primarily comprised of the Pro Bowl safety pairing of Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris, complemented by some combination of young cornerbacks since the dismissal of Xavier Rhodes. Jeff Gladney was brought to the group in last year’s draft, but with Anthony Harris hitting the open market Minnesota will need to supplement their need for coverage in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jaycee Horn made the 2020 college football season his coming out party with the Gamecocks, most notably posting two interceptions and four pass defenses against Auburn. Although only standing at six-foot-one, Horn impresses with his long frame and massive wingspan which seemingly always stays connected to the hip of the receiver in trail-man coverage.

The 2021 NFL Draft and free agency period will act as a critical period determining whether this is just a one-year blip in the Patriots’ competitiveness or a full-stop rebuild. Between lack of depth in linebacking, threatening pass-rushers, and the bolded question mark hanging over the quarterback depth chart, the only issue which surpasses those listed is the lack of a genuine receiving threat that can challenge an opposing secondary any given Sunday.

Kyle Pitts has been widely considered the perfect match for the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, offering one of the best mismatches among all prospects this year (a favorite of Bill Belichick in his offensive scheming). Pitts has also taken this past season to work vigorously on his run blocking and it showed with consistent technique and effort.

The Arizona Cardinals are seemingly a single crucial piece away from completing their offensive unit and gaining the week-to-week consistency which plagued them during the 2020 campaign. One evident need will be a complementing tackle to D.J. Humphries, taking the place of free agent Kelvin Beachum. With the addition of an offensive tackle from this deep class of wildly varying skillsets within the 2021 NFL Draft, Arizona can find their franchise tackle to stick with Murray for the long-term.

Christina Darrisaw has flown up draft boards throughout the collegiate season, displaying all of the technical habits of a promising NFL draft selection as well as a conventional six-foot-five, 313-pound frame. Darrisaw will not only supplement the need for youth along the Cardinals offensive line but also come in at a similar cap-figure to the outgoing Beachum.