NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of work to do all across their defensive unit and find an opportunity to trade up the board for a potential defensive impact player here. The Kansas City Chiefs obviously have a lot of work to do to their offensive line but the ideal prospect simply is not available to them here at No. 31. The Chiefs find a solid trade down option and will look for offensive line help later.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 31st overall
Pick Analysis. Alabama. 31. player. Scouting Report. IDL. Christian Barmore. 123
Christian Barmore had an inconsistent college career but he is the best interior defensive lineman in this draft class. Barmore is quick off of the ball and explosive through the line of scrimmage. He has long arm, strong hands and a powerful lower half that helps him get penetration through the middle and also sink in and fill holes when needed.
Simply put, Barmore has an exciting speed/power combination that could be deadly at the next level. The Cowboys need impact defenders across many positions and Barmore certainly fits the bill.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 32nd overall
Texas. Joseph Ossai. 32. 48. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. EDGE. player
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done a nice job of retaining their own players this offseason and if they can bring back star edge rusher Shaquil Barrett in free agency, this team is going to be in great shape. However, Barrett’s return is far from guaranteed and the Bucs may aggressively be looking for edge rusher help when the 2021 NFL Draft comes around.
With the final first-round selection of this NFL mock draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai. Ossai only spent one season as a full-time edge rusher for the Longhorns, but his massive upside at the spot is incredibly obvious.
Ossai is an athletic freak up front who shows tremendous upfield burst, hand fights well, bends around the edge with ease and closes on the quarterback in an instant. He is a bit of an undisciplined player who needs some work as a run defender and his snap timing leaves plenty to be desired at this point of his career. That being said, Ossai is an exciting edge rusher who undoubtedly has a bright future.
If Barrett leaves via free agency, Ossai is an obvious target for this team. However, even if Barrett returns, the Bucs would be wise to keep an eye on him as a developmental prospect.