2021 NFL Mock Draft: The insatiable hunger of the quarterback market

Unable to organically generate pressure from their four-down defensive front, the Las Vegas Raiders need to find a solution to the woes of Clelin Ferrell and a more consistent compliment to Maxx Crosby. Rather than finding new talents to place on the edge though, the Raiders may find their best option to be building from the inside-out.

Starting Johnathan Hankins and Maliek Collins at defensive tackle throughout the course of this past season, the Raiders collected a grand total of one sack from the pairing, being outperformed by backups Vickers and Hurst (2.5). At number 17 overall though, the Raiders can scoop up the top defensive tackle of the 2021 NFL Draft in this NFL mock draft.

At six-foot-five, 310-pounds, Barmore possesses adequate size with functional strength displayed during his tenure with the Crimson Tide against some of the strongest offensive lines in college football within the SEC. Exhibiting impressive lateral agility for his size, Barmore is an interior pass-rush threat with his ability to outmaneuver blockers in conjunction with his strength.

Placed alongside Ferrell and Crosby, Barmore can hopefully open up opportunities for the two in one-on-one blocking and flush quarterbacks out with his interior penetration.

With rumors swirling around the future of Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers opt to solidify their future at the quarterback position with a prospect sporting a higher ceiling than the current likes of Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins. Targeting the Miami Dolphins’ second first-round selection of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are able to jump multiple quarterback-needy franchises by moving swapping their second-round selection for a third in this NFL mock draft.

Thought to be one of the most day one ready quarterbacks of the 2021 NFL Draft class, Mac Jones finds himself taking a year to sit and learn behind Steeler’s veteran Ben Roethlisberger. Likely budging out either Rudolph or Haskins upon his addition to the roster, the Steelers show their lack of confidence in their current heirs to the position and take a quarterback proven to have a complete understanding of the game.

Showing exceptional control and knowledge of the Alabama offense in the National Championship game, Jones has pushed his draft stock into the thick of the first round. Displaying impressive arm strength and a collected demeanor inside the pocket, Jones is a taste of the old as a conventional pocket-passer.

Most definitely lacking the same athleticism as any of his fellow positional prospects in this year’s draft class, the Steelers will look to carry the same offensive philosophy onto their young signal-caller.