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

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2021 nfl draft, nfl mock draft, rashod bateman

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 13: Dane Belton #4 of the Iowa Hawkeyes breaks up a pass intended for 2021 NFL Draft prospect Rashod Bateman #0 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Minnesota. Rashod Bateman. Scouting Report. College Stats. 23. player. 30. WR

After trading out of the second overall selection and opting for defense rather than a new franchise quarterback, the New York Jets look to add a legitimate offensive weapon to Sam Darnold’s arsenal with the 23rd overall selection of this 2021 NFL mock draft. Currently led by slot receiver Jamison Crowder and athletic boundary-threat Denzel Mims, the New York Jets receiving group is in desperate need of a conventional high-volume X-receiver.

Enter Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman, a reliable six-foot-two target with the ability to create short-distance separation and convert on opportunities to move the sticks. Racking up 36 receptions through five games in his final season with the Golden Gophers, Bateman was a consistent in-breaking presence capable of cashing in on quick seven-yard slants time and time again to keep his offense on schedule.

If able to translate those skills to the Jets offense in his rookie campaign, Bateman will be one of the best value selections of this NFL mock draft and hopefully a long-standing staple of the Jets passing attack for the future.

College Stats. 24. Zaven Collins. player. 59. Scouting Report. LB. Tulsa

After trading out of their 18th overall selection in favor of accruing an additional second-round pick via the Steelers in this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Miami Dolphins have missed out on Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah but still desire a new face within their linebacking group.

Following a dominant season with 54 tackles through eight games alongside four sacks and interceptions, Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins has far outplayed his program’s reputation in order to elevate his draft stock to the late first-round. A conventional inside linebacker with the balance to drop in coverage as well as attack the line of scrimmage, Collins showed off both skillsets with a variety of production in the box score.

Placed alongside a Miami Dolphin’s linebacking corp filled with versatile players capable of moving around the defensive front, Collins will translate smoothly into Brian Flores’ amoeba looks and linebacker-heavy personnel.

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