2021 NFL mock draft: What each team should do in the first round
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 12th overall
12. player. 54. . OL. Philadelphia Eagles. Alijah Vera-Tucker
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith is staring the Philadelphia Eagles right in the face at No. 12 in this 2021 NFL mock draft. Taking Smith here would not be a bad pick but their offensive line could also use some work and Alijah Vera-Tucker would also be a nice value selection.
Vera-Tucker is a smooth and athletic offensive line prospect who attacks the second level in the run game extremely well and shows great discipline in pass protection. Vera-Tucker played both tackle and guard in college and could be a strong contributor at either position at the next level. Whether the Eagles would play Vera-Tucker on the inside or outside, he would be a valuable addition to their offensive line mix both in the short-term and for the long haul.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 13th overall
. WR. Los Angeles Chargers. DeVonta Smith. 13. player. 13
If Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater or Alijah Vera-Tucker were available at No. 13, the Los Angeles Chargers would be addressing their offensive line with this pick. However, picking from the next group of offensive linemen would be a reach at No. 13, while DeVonta Smith stands tall as the best player available.
Wide receiver is not a major need for the Chargers, but they are not exactly loaded at the position behind Keenan Allen. Mike Williams is a good jump-ball target on the outside, but he will be a free agent after the 2021 season. Addressing the offensive line here would be ideal but giving Justin Herbert another dynamic weapon in the passing attack would not be a bad backup plan.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 14th overall
Azeez Ojulari. 14. player. 60. . EDGE. Minnesota Vikings
Azeez Ojulari is an incredibly talented EDGE prospect who should be getting more hype. Ojulari displays an explosive first step, impressive upfield burst as a pass rusher and tremendous bend around the edge. He is an exciting speed rusher on the outside, but he also shows fantastic toughness up front.
Ojulari uses his hands extremely well at all times and shows great instincts as a run defender. Simply put, he is a well-rounded defensive line prospect who also displays tremendous long-term upside. The Minnesota Vikings would be wise to consider him at No. 14.