NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 19th overall
Pick Analysis. WR. Minnesota. 19. player. Scouting Report. Rashod Bateman. 58
The Washington Football Team would undoubtedly love to find their new franchise quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, but they will likely need to get aggressive in order to do so. In this NFL mock draft, Washington does not move up the board for a quarterback, instead opting to sit back and take one of the most interesting offensive playmakers in the class.
Rashod Bateman is an extremely well-rounded wide receiver who creates separation well as a route-runner, consistently displays soft hands and is an impact player after the catch. Bateman also shines in contested-catch situations, does an incredible job of controlling his body in the air and has a knack for getting his feet down along the sidelines.
In Terry McLaurin, Washington already has a young and talented wide receiver on the roster. However, this team lacks quality depth behind McLaurin at the position. Adding Bateman to the mix would give Washington an exciting young wide receiver duo to build their offense around. If this team can ever find a quarterback, they are going to be dangerous.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 20th overall
Alabama. 20. 45. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB. Najee Harris. player
After trading down earlier in this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Denver Broncos make a relatively surprising pick here at No. 20. Najee Harris is the best running back in this draft class and should undoubtedly be considered a possible target for many teams in this range. Running back is always a tough position to value, but Harris is a special player whose combination of power, burst and ability as a receiver will make him a weapon at the next level.
The Broncos have other needs to address but taking Harris here would help take pressure off of quarterback Drew Lock. Harris is a true bell-cow back who can be the centerpiece of this offense as a runner and also provide value as a receiver out of the backfield.
No fan likes the idea of their team taking a running back in the first round but Harris will likely be a first-round pick in April. Some team is going to take that plunge and Denver makes sense if they trade down like they did in this NFL mock draft.