2021 NFL mock draft: First-round predictions one last time
Projected Trade
Washington Football Team receives: 2021 first-round pick (9th overall)
Denver Broncos receive: 2021 first-round pick (19th overall), third-round pick (74th overall) and 2022 first-round pick
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 9th overall
QB. Washington Commanders. Trey Lance. 9. player. 58.
The Denver Broncos may simply stand pat at No. 9 and take quarterback Trey Lance themselves if he is available. That being said, the recent trade for Teddy Bridgewater makes that less likely. Instead, the Broncos look to move down the board and the Washington Football Team comes calling.
Washington aggressively fills the biggest need on their roster in this 2021 NFL mock draft, moving well up the board for Lance. Lance is an incredibly gifted quarterback prospect who could lead this talented roster to a ton of success early in his career. Lance may not come in and start right away for Washington, but his long-term upside is worth this major investment.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 10th overall
player. 123. . CB. Dallas Cowboys. Patrick Surtain II. 10
Patrick Surtain II to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 10 is one of the most common mock draft selections around. It is a pick that just makes too much sense. The Cowboys have an obvious need at the cornerback position, Surtain is extremely talented and he is also a perfect fit for their defense. The Cowboys may prefer Jaycee Horn but Surtain to Dallas at No. 10 feels like a solid bet.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 11th overall
11. player. 31. . EDGE. New York Giants. Jaelan Phillips
Jaelan Phillips may seem like a reach in this range, but he is undoubtedly a gifted player who has massive upside at a premier position. As long as his medicals check out, Phillips would be a worthy selection here at No. 11.
The New York Giants are not worried about what anybody else thinks about their pick. They have a need at the edge rusher position and Phillips is a talented player who would fit their team profile well. This would be a surprising selection to many but it is something that would make plenty of sense.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 12th overall
OL. Philadelphia Eagles. Rashawn Slater. 12. player. 54.
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman loves to build through the trenches and offensive tackle stands out as a clear need for this team. Rashawn Slater is an extremely talented offensive line prospect who should be able to play inside and/or outside at the next level. If Slater is available when the Eagles go on the clock at No. 12, expect him to be the pick.