2021 NFL mock draft: Dolphins get Deshaun Watson, other bold QB trades

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 8th overall

I’ll admit, the New York Jets trading down and still taking a quarterback prospect feels odd. However, Trey Lance still being on the board is somewhat unexpected and they could certainly still use an upgrade at the position. In this NFL mock draft scenario, the Jets get the extra draft capital from the trade down and also take a shot on the exciting upside of Lance.

Lance is an extremely gifted quarterback prospect who has a big arm and fantastic natural arm talent. He is also a tremendous playmaker with the ball in his hands, but he only started for one full season in college and that was at the FCS level. It is fair to be concerned about Lance’s ability to take such a big step to the NFL.

This works well because the Jets can still give Sam Darnold the 2021 season to prove himself. If he plays well, a decision would have to be made after the season, but assuming the Jets pick-up his fifth-year option, they would still be able to trade him next offseason. Lance is unlikely to be ready to be a starter right away, so using Darnold as the bridge starter right away would make sense.

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 9th overall

Caleb Farley is not the most experienced player at the cornerback position, but he is a big and athletic playmaker who undoubtedly has massive upside at the position. Farley moves incredibly well for a big and long cornerback, changing directions quickly and displaying the speed needed to keep up against big-play receivers.

Simply put, players the size of Farley rarely move as well as he does. He is a bit of a project player who is unlikely to reach his ceiling early in his career, but with a patient approach, he could grow into a shutdown cornerback on the outside. With their obvious need at the cornerback position, Farley stands out as a great fit for the Denver Broncos.