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

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 12th overall

While giving up one of the best young quarterbacks in the entire league is far less than ideal, this 2021 NFL mock draft scenario would work out well for the Texans if they were to trade Watson. Picking up so much draft capital and a worthy quarterback starter in the initial trade, then trading down for more draft capital and finally selecting Jaylen Waddle at No. 12 feels like a pretty strong plan of attack.

Waddle is the most explosive player in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He is an incredibly quick and elusive playmaker who absolutely explodes in the open field with elite natural speed. He accelerates in an instant, showing tremendous big-play ability in the deep passing game and as a run-after-catch weapon.

Waddle has tremendous speed and quickness, but there is more to his game than that. He is also a smart and precise route runner and is surprisingly effective in contested-catch situations. Simply put, Waddle is a dynamic offensive playmaker who has absolutely massive upside at the next level. It is impossible to predict what a Texans’ offense without Watson will look like, but putting Waddle on the field will certainly help.

2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 13th overall

Nothing is more important for the Los Angeles Chargers going forward than help Justin Herbert reach his ceiling at the quarterback position. Herbert was absolutely fantastic last season but the Chargers must protect him better if they want him to continue to grow.

Alijah Vera-Tucker played both guard and tackle in college and played each position at an extremely high level. He is a fantastic athlete up front who works extremely well in space. He is a strong second-level run blocker and a great natural pass protector. Whether he plays inside or outside at the next level, Vera-Tucker has exciting upside and would be a strong and stable presence up front for the Chargers.