2021 NFL mock draft: What each team should do in the first round
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 21st overall
Samuel Cosmi. 21. player. 46. . OT. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts feel like a fair bet to trade down from No. 21 in the actual 2021 NFL Draft. General manager Chris Ballard thrives in the middle rounds and he will likely be looking for more Day 2 picks after trading a couple away in the Carson Wentz trade. However, we are not doing trades in this 2021 NFL mock draft so Ballard and company are stuck at No. 21.
Many will look at Samuel Cosmi as a reach at this pick but I believe that his athleticism up front and exciting upside in pass protection are being undervalued. Cosmi is not the most physical offensive lineman around but he moves his feet extremely well in the run game and as a pass protector.
Nothing is more important for an offensive tackle than being able to protect the quarterback and Cosmi does so extremely well. The Colts have a major need at the left tackle position and adding Cosmi to the mix would solve it. He is worth the investment at No. 21.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 22nd overall
player. 35. . CB. Tennessee Titans. Greg Newsome II. 22
Greg Newsome II is an extremely talented cornerback prospect who could fit any defensive scheme. He is a strong man coverage defender who also shows impressive instincts in zone. The Tennessee Titans have an obvious need at the cornerback position and adding Newsome to the mix here at No. 22 would certainly make sense.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 23rd overall
23. player. 30. . EDGE. New York Jets. Jaelan Phillips
Giving Zach Wilson a weapon with this pick is tempting, but the New York Jets still have work to do on the defensive side of the ball. Their defensive line is coming together nicely but a guy like Jaelan Phillips feels like the player who can take them over the top.
Phillips is an extremely well-rounded defensive end prospect who displays an impressive combination of quickness, athleticism and power up front. He is an exciting pass rusher around the corner and also shows fantastic instincts as a run defender. Simply put, Phillips is an extremely talented player who could quickly become an impact defender for Robert Saleh and company.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 24th overall
player. 55. . IOL. Pittsburgh Steelers. Landon Dickerson. 24
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear focused on the running back position in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. While I understand the appeal of Najee Harris or Travis Etienne, taking a running back in the first round is not the best way to build a team. To improve their ability to move the ball on the ground and through the air, the Steelers should be investing in their offensive line.
The Steelers have a massive need at the center position and if he is healthy, Landon Dickerson could be a massive steal in this range. Dickerson is an absolute mauler up front who dominates in the run game and consistently takes care of his responsibilities as a pass protector. His recent knee injury is a concern, but if Dickerson can stay healthy, he will have an extremely long and successful NFL career.