2021 NFL Mock Draft: Who is willing to pay the Atlanta Falcons?

With their second selection in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins look local and look to develop defensive end Gregory Rousseau into a versatile pass-rusher who can slide across the line. At six-foot-seven, Rousseau pairs 83-inch arms with adequate strength (21 bench reps) and startling explosiveness (4.74 forty) to create athletic mismatches against offensive linemen. Still relatively new to the position, Rousseau played wide receiver and defensive back in high school and has a way to go before becoming a complete pass-rusher in regards to his technique and repertoire.

With his incredible athletic profile comes added versatility as well. During his time at Miami, Rousseau also contributed in coverage in the flats, using his length and strength to latch onto and stall checkdown options before they could advance the ball. With the tools to contribute in a variety of ways as well as room to grow, Rousseau could become a centerpiece to the Miami Dolphins defense as a 5 through 1-technique asset.

Although questions have flurried around the long-term future of the quarterback position in Washington, a four-deep quarterback room and variety of options signal a training camp competition for the starting job. Playing above their weight in a lacking NFC East, the Washington Football Team managed to grab a home playoff game before being dismissed by future super bowl champion Tampa Bay.

With one of the most potent defensive lines in football complemented by an adequate array of second-level talent, Washington can shift their focus to the offensive side of a ball with a selection indicating long-sighted forethought.

Technically refined and versatile enough to slide inside and out, USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker is a polished interior line prospect who utilizes intentional hand-placement to stall opposing pass-rushers. Despite not being physically overwhelming, Tucker digs in a holds ground well against the bull-rush and displays the strength required to play on the interior in the NFL.

Having brought in a pair of veteran quarterbacks who will almost certainly be unable to elevate a struggling offense, the Chicago Bears need to capitalize on the opportunity to land a potential long-term quarterback solution in the back half of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The most traditional quarterback prospect of the 2021 NFL Draft, Alabama’s Mac Jones could be the dose of consistency this offense needs.

Displaying complete control of the offense during the national championship game, Jones impressed many with his overall football IQ and potential to understand and lead a full-fledged NFL offense in his rookie campaign. Surrounded by some of the best weapons in college football, Jones made the most of his opportunities with rhythmic completions to Devonta Smith and well-timed checkdowns to Najee Harris.

With the chance to play alongside the likes of Allen Robinson, Cole Kmet, and Darnell Mooney, Jones could be the final piece to the puzzle to help the Chicago Bears climb atop the NFC North.