2021 NFL mock draft: What each team should do in the first round
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 18th overall
LB. Miami Dolphins. Micah Parsons. 18. player. 59.
No matter how you look at it, Micah Parsons is an incredibly talented football player who undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level. His combination of size, athleticism and instincts at the linebacker position is incredibly impressive and leads to Parsons making plays all over the field.
In Parsons, the Miami Dolphins would be adding an impact defensive playmaker who would shine in a linebacker/edge hybrid role for the team. Make no mistake about it, he would be a nice value in this range and would undoubtedly thrive under the direction of Brian Flores and company in Miami.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 19th overall
player. 58. . QB. Washington Commanders. Mac Jones. 19
Let’s be honest, if the San Francisco 49ers select Mac Jones with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, it will be a massive reach. Not saying that Jones cannot be successful in San Francisco. I would not bet against any quarterback in a Kyle Shanahan offense but the 49ers should not have made that massive trade up the board for a guy with a limited ceiling like Jones. That being said, taking Jones in this range could make sense for certain teams.
The Washington Football Team has done a great job of building their roster in recent years. Their defense could easily become one of the best in the entire league as soon as next season and their offense is still on track. However, they are still lacking a real long-term option at the quarterback position. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a solid stop-gap quarterback for the team but Washington would be wise to invest in a long-term quarterback in the draft if possible.
Jones falls down the board a bit in this 2021 NFL mock draft, eventually landing softly with Washington at No. 19. Jones is limited athletically and lacks ideal arm strength, but he is a smart and accurate passer who works well within the offensive structure. With enough talent around him, Jones certainly has a chance to be successful at the next level and with Washington building such a strong roster, they could be the perfect team to put him in a position to succeed.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 20th overall
. OT. Chicago Bears. Teven Jenkins. 20. player. 57
The Chicago Bears are not able to solve their quarterback issue in this 2021 NFL mock draft, but they are able to fill another important need that they have on the offensive side of the ball. The Bears’ offensive tackle situation is lacking in a major way and Teven Jenkins stands out as one of the best players remaining on the board. This pick was easy.
Jenkins is a mean and nasty offensive tackle prospect who absolutely dominates opposing defenders at the point of attack. He is extremely physical in the run game and shows impressive ability in pass protection as well. Jenkins should have a long NFL career at the right tackle position and could come in and immediately fill a hole up front for the Chicago Bears.