2021 NFL first-round mock draft: Quarterback surprises
By Ian Higgins
2021 NFL Draft: 24th-26th picks
55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. Samuel Cosmi. Texas. 24. player
Entering potentially the final year of his career, Ben Roethlisberger will be looking for a brighter ending to the campaign than the crumbling performance exhibited by the Steelers offense at the tail-end of 2020.
With left tackle Alejandro Villanueva set to hit the open market this offseason, the Steelers need to find an answer to potential pass-protection woes in the 2021 NFL draft. Samuel Cosmi is widely considered the premier pass-blocker of the tackle class in this years draft, using his six-foot-seven height to outreach speedier pass-rushers attempting to turn the corner
Alabama. Alex Leatherwood. Pick Analysis. OT. 25. player. 52. Scouting Report
After bringing in their quarterback of the future with the top overall selection of the 2021 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars turn their focus to rebuilding an unimpressive offensive line to protect their most valuable asset. In an offensive tackle class that runs deep through the end of the first round, the Jaguars find Alabama product Alex Leatherwood to fill in at left tackle.
In an effort to build a dominant run-game behind Lawrence, Leatherwood is an aggressive run-blocker with NFL-ready size and strength but will need to work on loosening his lower-half in pass-protection against bendy pass-rushers.
Tulsa. 26. Scouting Report. College Stats. LB. Zaven Collins. player. 53
Despite the imminent need for an additional pass-rusher to support Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns look to bolster an otherwise unimpressive linebacking group in the heart of the defense. Out of Tulsa, Zaven Collins put together a 54 tackle season which earned him the Nagurski Trophy for the best defensive player in the country despite the small-school reputation.
Hyper-versatile with the capability to impact the game in all three facets (pass-rush, run defense, and coverage), Collins is one of the purest defenders in the 2021 NFL draft. With such a capability to impact the game in so many ways, Collins is the perfect place to start for a struggling Cleveland linebacking group.