2021 NFL first-round mock draft: Quarterback surprises
By Ian Higgins
2021 NFL Draft: 27th-29th picks
Pick Analysis. USC. player. Scouting Report. IOL. Alijah Vera-Tucker. 27. 26
Following a season that saw widespread criticism of their offensive line play after losing All-Pro guard Marshall Yanda to retirement, the Baltimore Ravens reinvigorate the unit with a versatile prospect.
Having played left tackle for the USC Trojans, Vera-Tucker projects as an NFL guard with the athleticism to pull out to the edge on power concepts. As potentially the most versatile offensive line prospect of the 2021 NFL draft, Vera-Tucker is a plug-and-play stalwart who can be placed as needed on a week-to-week basis for an offense that relies so heavily upon their men up front.
15. Scouting Report. CB. 28. player. College Stats. Ohio State. Shaun Wade
Although questions of New Orleans’ involvement in the quarterback market have been raised since the surprise retirement of franchise legend Drew Brees, impressive performances by Taysom Hill under center may dictate a path to victory strengthening other portions of the roster.
Outside of starters, Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, the Saints cornerbacks group will be losing nearly all of their depth this offseason to free agency, encouraging a bid for the future with a day one nickel corner.
Having struggled this past season at boundary corner, Ohio State’s Shaun Wade falls to the back-half of the first round of the 2021 NFL draft and into the lap of an organization that can utilize his talents alongside two talented veteran fixtures within the defense.
49. Scouting Report. WR. player. 29. College Stats. Florida. Kadarius Toney
Currently, within the Green Bay Packers receiving group, the smallest player within the starting group is lead-receiver Davante Adams at six-foot-one. With two complementing receivers who use their lengthy frames and strides to challenge defenses downfield, Green Bay needs to find a more modern receiver with the ability to turn easy completions into explosive plays.
Flying up draft boards in recent weeks, Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney has been considered one of the best post-catch playmakers of the 2021 NFL draft and could revive the slot-receiver role in Green Bay in a similar manner to the former favorite target of Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb.