2021 NFL mock draft: 49ers and Patriots trade up for quarterbacks
By John Blair
2021 NFL mock draft Round 1, 23rd overall
OLB. Azeez Ojulari. 23. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 30. Georgia. player
The New York Jets could go in multiple directions with this pick. The team needs to add some protection for Zach Wilson so he is not beat up like Sam Darnold was and actually has a chance of being successful in New York. The team could also add some playmakers at wide receiver. However, the team’s best value and a player who fills a need is Georgia outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari.
Last season, New York finished 26th in scoring defense giving up 28.6 yards per game and a lot of the reason for this lack of success was a lack of pressure on the quarterback. The team really lacked production from their outside linebackers as Tarell Basham led this unit with only 3.5 sacks. In Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari the team gets a dynamic pass rusher who has recorded 11 sacks over the previous two seasons.
2021 NFL mock draft Round 1, 24th overall
Pick Analysis. 55. Najee Harris. 24. player. Scouting Report. RB. Alabama
While a lot of mock drafts have the Steelers taking an offensive tackle in the first round, with four offensive tackles already off the board the team might not get great value at that position. This could allow the Steelers to try and upgrade the running game by taking the top running back in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In Alabama running back Najee Harris, the team gets an extremely productive running back who can be a complete back for the team. Harris is also the type of running back Pittsburgh has preferred over the years in that he is a big physical runner. He would be a good replacement for James Conner and a significant upgrade over Benny Snell.