As the 2021 NFL Draft shuffles and matches prospects with their new homes, this 2021 NFL mock draft will be taking a look at the potential slide of projected top quarterback prospects as well as the likelihood of a run on offensive tackles within this deep 2021 NFL Draft class.
After having already seen deals involving Carson Wentz, Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, the shakeup of the league’s quarterback power rankings will continue to stay in flux while potential candidates such as Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson become solidified.
Combined with an already tumultuous offseason, a dropping salary cap will be placing many franchises in difficult positions regarding the retainment of key personnel. This puts the microscope squarely upon the 2021 NFL Draft, placing emphasis on inexpensive rookies to step into the shoes of outgoing veterans.
A consensus selection across the entirety of the internet, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Clemson phenom Trevor Lawrence. Highly touted by new head coach Urban Meyer while working in broadcasting, the new quarterback-coaching fit in Jacksonville looks to be a perfect platform for Lawrence to start from with his base of skills and knowledge.
Surrounded by qualified offensive weapons such as D.J. Chark, Lawrence will immediately improve offensive output and hopefully place Chark back on the map with a bounce-back year returning to 1,000+ yard form.
Complemented on the other side of the ball by a young defense highlighted by edge-rush talent, if the Jacksonville Jaguars are to enter a championship window under Lawrence’s rookie contract they will need to support him with a legitimate defensive unit in the mold of Super Bowl champions past.
In this 2021 NFL mock draft, the New York Jets will stay in a holding pattern regarding the future of their quarterback position and give Sam Darnold another run with a more diverse set of offensive tools. Taking potentially the most versatile and productive receiving weapon of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets acquire Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.
After operating as a seam-splitting safety blanket for Kyle Trask during his time in Florida, Pitts is ready to become a focal point within a lacking Jets offense in an effort to give Darnold the offense he deserves. At 6-foot-6, Pitts uses 4.6 speed to create mismatch opportunities against sluggish linebackers and undersized safeties in a manner comparable to dominant tight ends such as Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce.
After being left at the mercy of Gronkowski and the Patriots’ offense throughout the 2010s, the New York Jets find their receiving centerpiece to torment their fallen division rivals.
Opting to retain their third overall selection of the 2021 NFL Draft within this NFL mock draft, the Miami Dolphins capitalize on their prior transaction with the Houston Texans to welcome a true number one receiver to their aerial attack. After playing alongside number one overall selection Joe Burrow at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase will look to recreate similar playmaking with the game-management-centered Tagovailoa.
Offering the ability to outplay corners one-on-one to high-arching deep balls after extending the play, Chase excelled at capitalizing on Burrow’s ability to give his receivers time to work downfield and create separation. Paired with Tagovailoa, Chase will more likely be used as a high-volume intermediate threat with a diverse route tree to keep secondaries off-balance.
Still capable of breaking downfield, Chase offers a blend of speed and physical superiority to compete week-to-week with a team’s top cornerback. Incumbent red-zone threat Devante Parker offers a complementing mismatch with his size and ability to create leverage, drawing coverage away with his jump-ball ability.
Despite the talk of the Atlanta Falcons moving on from their expensive franchise quarterback in Matt Ryan, there is the alternative of sticking with a still competitive offense that was mostly defeated by their own defense. Adding onto a young and developing defensive secondary, this top-selection compliment could be one of the final pieces needed to return to the postseason.
The most athletic of the secondary class in the 2021 NFL Draft with well-paired aggression, Caleb Farley utilizes his solid six-foot-two frame to outplay receivers to the ball. Expected to run in the 4.3’s, Farley is one of few NFL Draft prospects with the size and speed to opponents from Mike Evans to Tyreek Hill.
With such rare athleticism and the mentality to use it to the fullest of his capabilities, Farley can hopefully reinvigorate an uninspiring defensive unit in order to give Matt Ryan a final chance at the postseason with Atlanta before moving on in next year’s draft.
Despite Oregon’s Penei Sewell remaining on the board at the fifth overall selection, the Cincinnati Bengals decide to hold off on selecting a new offensive tackle within the 2021 NFL Draft’s deep tackle class. Instead, Cincinnati finds a replacement for the role previously held by speedster John Ross to run alongside Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins.
Despite teammate Devonta Smith posting a historical college season that saw him become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991, Jaylen Waddle has remained within talks of being the number two receiver of the class thanks to his new-age profile predicated on his ability to manufacture production with the ball in his hands.
Opening the Cincinnati playbook to offer a new solution behind the line of scrimmage, Waddle not only offers a complimenting skillset to their two incumbent conventional options but can take pressure off of Burrow’s shoulders by enabling him to get the ball out quick behind the line of scrimmage when facing pressure.
After seeing his Alabama teammate come off of the board despite polar-opposite 2020 campaigns, Devonta Smith will be motivated to put any concerns surrounding his weight to bed as the lead receiver within a franchise facing a number of questions. Having been searching for a true number one wide receiver since the dawn of time, the Philadelphia Eagles partner Alabama products Hurts and Smith as cornerstones to their future offense.
At only 174 pounds, Smith is a lean six-foot-one wideout who excels at route-running. Despite a single unfortunate hand injury within the national championship game marring his injury history, many raise questions as to whether Smith can be a sustainable 16-game option for an offense that can hold up to the wear and tear of NFL play.
Most definitely having shown his playmaking ability and well-refined technical capability at the position, Smith is undoubtedly one of the premier talents of the 2021 NFL Draft class with a legitimate argument for being the best receiver of the class.
Sliding out of his projected slot at number two overall to the New York Jets, Zach Wilson finds himself entering the Detroit Lions organization as heir apparent to Jared Goff after seeing a series of franchises without the need for a quarterback address alternative areas of concern. Wilson can provide Detroit with a smooth transition of quarterbacks if Dan Campbell and company can complete a timely rebuild.
With many of the desirable qualities expected within new-age premier NFL prospects, Zach Wilson is an efficient passer with the ability to make throws off-platform and off-schedule with his athleticism. Well-versed in extending plays behind the line of scrimmage, Wilson has an acute sense of when to flush out of the pocket and deliver a strike to time-worn cornerbacks.
In the image of former selections such as Deshaun Watson and Joe Burrow, Wilson is a quintessential cornerstone quarterback if he is able to acclimate to the speed of the NFL.
Joining the domino effect of the New York Jets selecting Kyle Pitts second overall, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields finds himself with the opportunity to develop behind a veteran game-manager and a promising coaching staff headed by Matt Rhule. With a single year left on Teddy Bridgewater’s contract, the Carolina Panthers can afford to select a quarterback with the need for refinement in hopes of acquiring their 2022 starter.
Posting a combination of up and down performances throughout the 2020 season, Justin Fields has been a spotty passer with accuracy inconsistencies. When everything comes together though (such as against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl), Fields is a lights-out dual-threat with the ability to vertically stretch defenses with downfield dimes and cheap scrambles.
When given time to develop his mechanical shortcomings and become a more well-rounded passer, the Carolina Panthers will find themselves with an athletic quarterback touted for his leadership and toughness, potentially reviving the “Keep Pounding” culture which was so strong during the years of Cam Newton.
Narrowly missing out on a top-flight rookie replacement for Drew Lock without having to move from the ninth overall pick, the Denver Broncos opt for the best player available and an additional front-seven asset to pair alongside Bradley Chubb with Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons.
One of the most gifted athletes of the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons is a lean 245-pound inside linebacker with low 4.4 speed which keeps him step-for-step with the most athletic of tight ends. A downhill torpedo attacking rushing lanes with physicality, Parsons is also a crucial run defender who can solely generate tackles for loss with his rapid pace of play.
Capable in man-to-man coverage thanks to his athleticism, Parsons will be challenged in a Denver Broncos defense which places their inside linebackers in challenging coverage situations which place an emphasis on the ability for a linebacker to keep up in space.
After witnessing one of the worst defensive performances over the course of a regular season in recent memory, the Dallas Cowboys will need to take a page out of Matt Rhule’s playbook and commit all of their 2021 NFL Draft assets to reform the unit around a sustainable linebacking core of Jaylon Smtih and Leighton Vander Esch. After losing cornerback Byron Jones through free agency, Dallas will be spending their top selection on a franchise cornerback.
The most technically polished cornerback of the 2021 NFL Draft class, Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II makes it apparent he is the son of a former NFL cornerback with natural technique well incorporated into his play. Not dominantly athletic, Surtain uses his length to remain in position to make plays on the ball in his trail-man technique.
Alongside draft selection Trevon Diggs from the year previous, Dallas would have a young pairing of capable Alabama defensive backs that could offer the team a suitable combination of personnel for the remainder of their inexpensive rookie contracts.
Sliding outside of the top ten thanks to the alternative strategy employed by the Cincinnati Bengals, the top offensive tackle of the 2021 NFL Draft falls into the hands of a general manager who has always had a keen eye for athletic offensive tackle prospects. Following talk of David Gettleman making a run at Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton in last year’s draft, the New York Giants find their blindside protection for Daniel Jones.
Having started a pair of former New England Patriots offensive tackles on bloated salaries, the Giants will be more than welcome to acquire a replacement with a significantly smaller impact on their cap space. Still locked into a deal seeing Nate Solder making nearly $10 million annually until 2023, New York can release the veteran at the end of 2021 saving nearly $6 million in cap space, and open the slot opposite Sewell for the 2022 season.
Physically dominant and mobile in space, Sewell will not only become an essential piece to the protection of Jones but also become a focal point in the New York Giants rushing attack which could become a Sewell-led zone scheme for Saquon Barkley.
The final of the three quarterbacks within the 2021 NFL Draft seeing a mighty slide, North Dakota State product Trey Lance finds himself in a situation similar to fellow prospect Justin Fields. Positioned behind a game-managing veteran and with an excellent coaching staff, Lance will be given the opportunity to develop further during his rookie season in order to become a polished starter for the 2022 season.
Posting one of the most statistically impressive collegiate seasons in 2019, FCS product Trey Lance is a clear-cut definition of a dual-threat quarterback with downfield arm strength and a responsible predisposition in the pocket. Despite the strength of schedule faced in his single season, a zero-interception season is not to be ignored regardless of outside factors.
One of the most interesting developments within Lance’s progression, if selected by San Francisco in the 2021 NFL Draft, will be how Kyle Shanahan folds Lance’s explosive ground production (1,100 yards rushing in 2019) into his meticulously-designed rushing attack either as a counter-punch or primary ballcarrier.
Rising to the spot of consensus number two offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft based upon his versatility and impressive 2019 tape against a selection of 2020 NFL Draft pass-rushers, Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater uses solid technique and quick feet to make up for his six-foot-three frame.
Having started a lackluster pairing of Sam Tevi and Forrest Lamp on the left side of the offensive line in protection of rookie-breakout Justin Herbert’s blindside, the Los Angeles Chargers are in desperate need of a new left tackle.
Although alternative options such as Christian Darrisaw and Samuel Cosmi remain on the board as superior clear-cut pass-protecting left tackles, Los Angeles also brings into consideration other potential tackle selections within this year and next year’s drafts in order to fully rebuild their offensive line for their franchise quarterback.
Struggling along the defensive line since losing their previous dominant combination of pass-rushers in Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, the Minnesota Vikings look to rekindle what they once possessed by selecting the first of their dominant conventional 4-3 defensive ends.
Producing more via his athleticism than technique, Michigan’s Kwity Paye is a rare combination of size, strength, burst, and bendiness which will challenge NFL offensive tackles regardless of their savvy and technical polish. At six-foot-four, 271-pounds, Paye has excellent size packed into sufficient length providing a stocky, muscular frame that out-leverages much of his opposition with a lower center of gravity.
Having been measured at Michigan posting at 4.57 40-yard dash and 4.15 shuttle, Paye has become a generational athletic talent who could hone in his athletic ability with technical refinement over the course of his rookie contract to become a potential NFL sack-leader.
A full-season after losing franchise legend Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New England Patriots bring in a 2021 NFL Draft prospect who has drawn numerous comparisons to the greatest of all time with his mental capacity and control over the game pre-snap.
Demonstrating his innate ability to manage the Alabama offense throughout the course of the national championship game, quarterback Mac Jones has shot up 2021 NFL Draft boards with his intellect and conventional arm strength. A taste of the old, Jones is a quarterback prospect more reminiscent of early-2000’s legends such as Peyton and Roethlisberger than a new-age athlete.
Winning their first super bowl with Brady in 2004 on the shoulders of an all-time defense, Belichick and company could be preparing for a similar run with a young signal-caller under center seeing the depth of talent spread throughout the New England Patriots’ defensive personnel.
After making the biggest splash thus far of the NFL offseason with their signing of All-pro defensive end J.J. Watt, the Arizona Cardinals have partially addressed their impending shortage of pass-rushers and can turn their focus to complementing star safety Budda Baker in the secondary.
Potentially losing Patrick Peterson this offseason, the Arizona Cardinals need to make long-term preparations for the inevitable with the final first-round cornerback of the 2021 NFL Draft. At six-foot-one, South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn is another trail-man-centric cornerback with the ability to shadow a matchup throughout the course of a game. A bit handsy along the route, Horn is a physical corner who makes the most of his length by making well-timed plays on the ball.
Hopefully paired alongside Peterson in a final bid for the postseason, Horn will become the future of the Cardinals secondary alongside Baker and provide a skill set comparable to their outgoing franchise legend.
After spending over $50 million on linebackers Corey Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski this past offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a sticky situation regarding the falling salary cap. After witnessing Littleton struggle to cover in space against mismatch targets, a less expensive option in the 2021 NFL Draft could solve the key issue to their defensive shortcomings.
Operating as a central cog in the operation of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense this past season, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the definition of a modern-era linebacker with excellent range and the ability to make tackles in the open field. Most importantly, Owusu-Koramoah gave Notre Dame’s defense the freedom to operate out of base personnel on nearly half of their snaps because of his incredible abilities in coverage against even slot receivers.
A mismatch-neutralizer who can even cover shifty slot receivers who would typically leave linebackers in a blender, Owusu-Koramoah can file into the Raiders linebacking group and use his athletic individualism to assert himself as the number one weakside linebacker, enabling Gruden to cut Littleton loose before 2022 and save $5 million in cap space.
After selecting USC tackle Austin Jackson in the first round of last year’s draft, it would seem redundant to spend yet another first-round selection on a position that has been addressed. Following an unimpressive rookie campaign though, Miami could look to replace him at left tackle with a superior pass-protector for Tua Tagovailoa.
To form a potent offensive trench that can provide Tagovailoa with the protection to fully utilize his offensive weapons, the Miami Dolphins will shuffle their unit after welcoming Darrisaw to the organization.
This will include Jackson swapping to the right side of the line, and having former right tackle Robert Hunt slide inside to replace Ereck Flowers at guard. If this change works, Miami will be saving nearly $9 million in cap room at season’s end by cutting Flowers loose.
With the recent news of veteran Alex Smith being cut from the roster, the Washington Football Team has seemingly committed themselves to a more youthful quarterback option whether that be Trevor Heinicke or a product of the 2021 NFL Draft. With all first-round quarterbacks off of the board though, Washington looks to solve one of their biggest potential free agency losses.
With star guard Brandon Scherff hitting the open waters of free agency, the Washington Football Team takes another offensive line prospect with seemingly infinite versatility.
Playing both left guard and tackle on the Trojan’s offensive line, Alijah Vera-Tucker has become the leading interior offensive line prospect of the 2021 NFL Draft and can not only replace Scherff but address future needs and move back to his post on the left side in due time.
Despite being paired with Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman since receiving news of Allen Robinson’s intention to find a new home during free agency, the Chicago Bears replace their outgoing top wide receiver with a prospect who will bring new-age playmaking to the depth chart.
An explosive ball-in-hands producer who showcased stunning route-running ability during one-on-one reps at the Senior Bowl, Florida’s Kadarius Toney has flown up 2021 NFL Draft boards drawing comparisons to fellow undersized receivers with exceptional quickness.
After seeing a successful rookie season let down by quarterback play from Tulane wide receiver Darnell Mooney, Toney would offer a vaguely similar athletic skillset that could provide problems for opposing secondaries despite the lack of size and experience.
After (hopefully) quelling their quarterback-need with a trade for Carson Wentz, the Indianapolis Colts can now look to get back to the postseason with their strong rushing attack and stout defense. After bolstering their defensive line with a trade for San Francisco defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis found success pairing the interior presence with veteran ends Denico Autry and Justin Houston, combing for 15.5 sacks in the final year of their contracts.
Despite possessing one of the highest cap space totals in the league, Indianapolis would be bold to spend upwards of $15 million on two pass-rushers when a prospect as talented as Gregory Rousseau is available at the back-half of the first round.
Comparably measured to the likely outgoing Autry, Rousseau uses a ‘tweener’ blend of six-foot-seven reach and a lean 265-pound frame to offer a unique physical form at the position. Still unrefined in his technique (played wide receiver in high school), Rousseau is a developmental pass-rusher who can utilize his physical gifts as an effective run defender during his rookie campaign.
With questions swirling around the status of defensive tackle DaQuan Jones in Tennessee, finding a cap-friendly alternative in the 2021 NFL Draft could be the course of action to enable the expenditure of valuable free-agency funds elsewhere. Making $7 million annually on his most recent contract, Jones would command the remainder of Tennessee’s cap space (if not more) for a return.
One of the few defensive tackles within the 2021 NFL Draft class with clear first-round potential, Alabama’s Christian Barmore is a powerful 300-pounder with subtle agility enabling him to effectively penetrate interior pass-protection.
Typically aligned as a three-technique in his college days, Barmore has the physical capability to operate as a focal-point nose tackle but would likely see immense return aligned as a 3-4 defensive end alongside an even more imposing physical interior presence concentrated on the run.
With the arrival of new head coach Robert Saleh, the New York Jets defensive personnel will see a massive shuffle in their conversion from a 3-4 to 4-3 defensive front. Led by Quinnen Williams, the Jets pass rush lacks in talent and youth, requiring a fresh-faced addition to inherit one of the two crucial slots on the end of the defensive line as a three-down pass-rusher.
At number 23 overall though, the Jets find themselves in the thick of the 2021 NFL Draft’s second-tier of pass-rushers including Georgia Bulldog’s playmaker Azeez Ojulari. Athletic with a nose for making plays on the football, Ojulari is a developmental prospect who has made the most of his athletic ability in his collegiate career.
Slightly undersized for a conventional 4-3 defensive end at six-foot-three, 240-pounds, Ojulari would offer complimenting speed to the power of the current interior defensive line. With room for growth and time to be afforded for development in the rebuild of the Jets defense, Ojulari could take the time to become a three-down player while contributing as a rotational pass-rusher.
After a two-sided season that saw the rapid rise and fall of Pittsburgh’s postseason aspirations, the inevitable has come to fruition as the Steeler’s organization prepares for a post-Roethlisberger offense. Having been successful when scouting wide receivers in past drafts, Pittsburgh goes back to the well to replace free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The wide receiver of the 2021 NFL Draft with enough talent to break into the first round but unable to crack into the consensus top-tier of wide receivers, Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman has the conventional build of an X-receiver with a track record of high-volume performances such as his nine receptions against Michigan.
Able to convert for first-downs on isolated crossing routes, Bateman is a prime RPO receiver who fits modern NFL schematics. If able to improve his downfield breaks, Bateman could also add a vertical element to his portfolio with already present ball skills.
After selecting their franchise quarterback, the Jacksonville Jaguars return to the defensive side of the ball in an attempt to replace their most recent success with the likes of Jalen Ramsey and company. Already possessing two first-round pass-rushers from previous drafts, Jacksonville looks to support them in the front seven with a partner to linebacker Myles Jack.
A small-school prospect who has broken through the glass ceiling with a phenomenal award-winning senior season, Tulsa’s Zaven Collins is a conventional 4-3 inside linebacker with back-to-front versatility. 54 tackles through eight games as well as four interceptions and sacks apiece, Collins is the perfect central linebacker with his impact on the game in all three defensive phases.
With a young pass-rush seeking their breakout season and a capable secondary led C.J. Henderson, Collins could signal the return to competitiveness for the Jaguars defense.
After leaving defensive end Myles Garrett to fend for himself in their pass-rush, the Cleveland Browns must return to developing the defense after seeing a turn to the postseason under the direction of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Similarly to the Jets’ previous selection, the Browns get their choice of a deep second-tier of pass-rushers in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Filling in for opt-out Gregory Rousseau at Miami this past season, Jaelan Phillips returned to the forefront of college football with a team-leading eight sacks and an additional 15.5 tackles for loss. With a prototypical six-foot-five, 266-pound frame, Phillips compliments his athleticism with energetic hand-usage at the point of attack to keep tackles out of his chest.
Still needing to refine his pass-rush approach, Phillips is a high-ceiling prospect who could hopefully provide a threatening compliment to Garrett by the end of his rookie campaign. Also an impressive presence in run-defense, Phillips could earn himself plenty of additional early-down snaps.
After seeing a complete turnaround in offense line performance following the loss of All-Pro Marshall Yanda, the Baltimore Ravens need to return to their identity of physical dominance with the selection of potentially the most physical player in the 2021 NFL Draft.
A focal point within the dominant Ohio State rushing attack, guard Wyatt Davis is a six-foot-four, 315-pound steamroller a guard who fits the exact mold of former NFL maulers who have spearheaded some of the most imposing rushing attacks in NFL history. With the mobility to block in space and the aggression to pin-down and clear defensive linemen, Davis can transform rushing attacks with his physical dominance at the point of attack.
Still needing to reign in this same aggression in pass-protection, Davis is the exact talent Baltimore needs to return to their days of ground-based dominance on the legs of Lamar Jackson, generating 4+ yard gains before contact can be made on the ballcarrier.
After seeing an impressive campaign from a combination of Cameron Jordan and Trey Hendrickson, the New Orleans Saints will lose out on their surprise sensation of 2020 due to one of the stickiest cap situations in the NFL. Still sitting approximately $60 million over the 2021 cap, certain departure Trey Hendrickson will need to be replaced by a 2021 NFL Draft prospect.
Offering unique versatility thanks to raw athleticism and inexperience at the position, Longhorn pass-rusher Joseph Ossai has found his niche as a stand-up pass-rusher in the Texas defense using his athleticism to beats tackles to the edge and aggressively bend the corner.
Having spent time as a stand-up linebacker as well in the Texas defense while become more accustomed to the game, Ossai could become a defensive multi-tool for the Saints defense not only supplementing the loss of Hendrickson but also relieving inside linebacker Alex Anzalone of duties as a rangier presence on the interior.
Falling just short of a super bowl berth under the MVP-performance of Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers make a selection with long-term value and short-term impact on a still competitive Packers offense. Opting not to spend a first-round selection on a young pass-catcher for their franchise legend, the Packers ensure his security with an elite pass-protector.
At six-foot-seven, Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi is a physically-gifted tackle with excellent reach and mobility for the position. Able to compensate against speedy pass-rushers with his wingspan, Cosmi is a versatile pass-protector who can compete against the modern NFL’s athletic edges.
Within an offense that has become so focused on their rushing attack, Cosmi needs to work to improve his functional strength in the run game, applying his physical frame more intentionally against smaller defenders. Other tackles of similar size impose their will in the run against linebackers and edges, signaling this is a mental and not physical barrier for Cosmi to work on.
A physically dominant run-blocker with the potential to slide inside to guard in the NFL, Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins is a six-foot-six, 320-pound punisher who effectively applies his size and strength to defenders once locked into their shoulder pads. Short-strided in pass-protection, Jenkins relies on strong punches off of the snap to put a pass-rusher off of their initial trajectory in an effort to slow them enough to reign them into his reach.
One of the lead contributors in Chuba Hubbard’s rushing efforts, Jenkins could offer a transition in the intentions of Buffalo’s offense, taking weight off of the shoulder of quarterback Josh Allen in exchange for further focus on the two-headed rushing tandem of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.
Also showing the ability to operate as a conventional mauling guard, Jenkins is a low-risk selection with clear value that could be expanded upon if he is able to develop as a well-rounded tackle prospect during his rookie campaign.
The third offensive tackle to be selected at the back-end of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs address the elephant in the room following their exposing at the hands of the Bowles-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. With tackle Mitchell Schwartz an unknown for the future of the organization Eric Fisher only under contract for one more year, Kansas City needs to protect the center of their franchise.
Having faced a plethora of college pass-rushers to be selected in previous draft classes, Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield is a capable run-blocker who showed his best work in pass-protection. Able to compete with the speed of bendy 3-4 edges, Mayfield doesn’t overextend himself with misguided punches and stabs but waits for the defender to engage him.
With a Chiefs offense whose ground attack focuses on offering a counter-attack to their dynamic aerial attack, Mayfield can successfully pin-down edge defenders and show his best work as a pass-protector in space against the threats of the AFC West.
With the final selection of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find a versatile running mate to running back Ronald Jones. After pairing Jones with Fournette this past season, Tampa Bay looks to find a prospect who can offer a more ‘James White’-like presence to the offense in conjunction with quarterback Tom Brady.
Having been a successful scat-back for the top quarterback of the 2021 NFL Draft, Clemson’s Travis Etienne saw a steady increase in receiving production throughout his collegiate career, capping his senior season with four catches per contest and 588 yards. Also averaging 5.4 yards per carry mostly out of shotgun-zone handoffs, Etienne could be the perfect third-down complement to the Buccaneers group of backs.