2021 NFL mock draft: First-round predictions one last time
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 5th overall
56. . WR. Cincinnati Bengals. Ja'Marr Chase. 5. player
Assuming they are both available, the Cincinnati Bengals will have a tough decision to make between offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase here at No. 5. I could see this one going either way and both Chase and Sewell could be argued as the best selection for the Bengals at No. 5.
That being said, the winds appear to be blowing towards the Bengals reuniting their franchise quarterback with his number one target at LSU. Ja’Marr Chase is an extremely talented wide receiver prospect who undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level. Placing him at the top of the wide receiver depth chart would round out the Bengals’ offensive weapons nicely.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 6th overall
. WR. Miami Dolphins. Jaylen Waddle. 6. player. 59
After trading offensive lineman Ereck Flowers on Wednesday, Penei Sewell seems to be more of an option for the Miami Dolphins at No. 6 than ever before. That being said, they have been paired with pass catchers at the top of the draft throughout the process and taking the speedster Jaylen Waddle would make a ton of sense. Waddle has is a dynamic playmaker who would undoubtedly open up the Dolphins’ passing attack and help take Tua Tagovailoa’s game to the next level.
Projected Trade
New England Patriots receive: 2021 first-round pick (7th overall)
Detroit Lions receive: 2021 first-round pick (15th overall), second-round pick (46th overall) and 2022 first-round pick
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 7th overall
47. . QB. New England Patriots. Justin Fields. 7. player
The New England Patriots continue to be connected to quarterback Justin Fields and making an aggressive move up the board for the young signal-caller would certainly make sense for the team. In this 2021 NFL mock draft, the Pats make the big move, sending No. 15 overall, their second-round pick and their 2022 first-round pick to the Detroit Lions for No. 7. This move puts them in a position to snag Fields and he immediately raises their ceiling in a big way.
Projected Trade
Los Angeles Chargers receive: 2021 first-round pick (8th overall)
Carolina Panthers receive: 2021 first-round pick (13th overall), second-round pick (47th overall) and 2022 third-round pick
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 8th overall
13. . OT. Los Angeles Chargers. Penei Sewell. 8. player
One pick after the Patriots move up the board for a quarterback, the Los Angeles Chargers also look to aggressively fill an important position of need. Penei Sewell has fallen a bit further than expected in this 2021 NFL mock draft, presenting the Chargers an opportunity to move up the board to snag him.
Sewell is a tremendous offensive tackle prospect who has massive upside at the next level. The Chargers have an obvious need at the left tackle position and Sewell would be worth the significant investment. Trading up for Sewell here would be a major investment in franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.