2021 NFL Mock Draft (Post Week 15)

THEY DID IT.

The NY Jets played themselves out of holding Trevor Lawrence. And to beat the Rams for my Seahawks. Hope it was worth it.

1) Jaguars- Trevor Lawrence/QB/Clemson

The Jaguars haven't won a game since Week 1, all the while waiting for the Jets to just drop one. And it finally happened. It's party time, Jacksonville. The whole vibe of the franchise turns around.

2) Jets- Penei Sewell/OT/Oregon

Not Justin Fields?! I know, but the man has looked human at times. The same can't really be said about Sewell, who has future All-Pro Left Tackle written all over him. I'm not Darnold's biggest fan, but it will make the Jets' decision on whether to move on from him or not after next year a lot easier if they can see a whole season of him playing behind Sewell and current rookie Mekhi Becton. If he can't do it behind them, good riddance.

3) Bengals- Ja'Marr Chase/WR/LSU

The Jets losing and passing on a QB is Cincinnati's worst nightmare, losing out on Sewell. I could definitely see the Bengals attempting to trade down to a QB needy team, but here they take Burrow's former number one receiver in Chase. They put up legendary numbers together before, and now have the chance to do so again on the big stage.

4) Panthers- Justin Fields/QB/Ohio State

Teddy B is a solid QB, but not one you'll win a Super Bowl with. The only question here becomes whether the Panthers select Fields or choose Zach Wilson over him. I have them going with the more proven prospect here, but I think this all comes down to OC Joe Brady's preference of who can navigate his offense better.

5) Falcons- Micah Parsons/LB/Penn State

This pick came down to Parsons or Surtain II. I went with Parsons because I see him as higher upside, and the Falcons have a lot of young CB's on the roster already. With the capital they've invested in them, I think they have to see them out. Linebacker is a bigger need, as Deion Jones is virtually doing it alone. Add to it that Jones has an injury history, and Parsons becomes the obvious pick.

6) Dolphins (HOU)- Rashawn Slater/OT/Northwestern

This pick just fits. Slater has flown up draft boards, even while being opted out. OL is the clear need for the Dolphins, as they addressed their entire defense through free agency prior to the season. Tua is your franchise, and protecting him will never be a bad idea.

7) Eagles- Patrick Surtain II/CB/Alabama

WR is tempting, but it's a little early to take the 2nd WR in a deep WR class. The Eagles need help on the outsides, and Surtain steps in as CB1 immediately.

8) Cowboys- Caleb Farley/CB/Virginia Tech

The Cowboys have a very obvious need. And Farley happens to fit it immediately. After sitting out the year, Farley comes in fresh and ready to go, strengthening a porous defense that is one of the worst in the league.

9) Chargers- Kyle Pitts/TE/Florida

Hunter Henry is an impending free agent, and this mock has him walking to whoever throws the most money at him. This would obviously leave a huge hole in the lineup, one that Pitts is able to fill and then some. Herbert is going to love having Pitts athleticism and size all over the field. He can line up anywhere.

10) Giants- Christian Darrisaw/OT/Virginia Tech

The same thinking that the Jets used earlier comes into play here. Daniel Jones is someone that you still need to see more out of before you can say whether you're done with him or not. And why not give him the best opportunity to succeed? Whether he moves on or not, having Darrisaw paired with Andrew Thomas on the other side leaves both NY franchises not needing a tackle for 10-15 years.

11) Lions- Zach Wilson/QB/BYU

Most of the time when a new coach and GM come in, they like to clean house. I love Stafford, but I see the Lions starting fresh, and Wilson is a great piece to start with. His rocket arm has been on display all seasons, even bringing Aaron Rodgers comparisons.

12) 49ers- Creed Humphrey/iOL/Oklahoma

Kyle Shanahan's offense all starts up front. If the OL isn't a strong, focal point, the offense isn't either. This gives the Niners a signal caller with a lot of experience. The question becomes, who will Humphrey be snapping it to?

13) Broncos- Shaun Wade/CB/Ohio State

The run of Ohio State CB's in the 1st round continues with Wade. Ojemudia has been a pleasant surprise for Denver, but with AJ Bouye's suspension and impending free agency next year, this is an obvious area of need. Wade brings high upside and the ability to cover both the slot and outside.

14) Vikings- Gregory Rosseau/EDGE/Miami

It seems as if every EDGE that used to play for the Vikings has just vanished off of the roster. They need a fresh start, and Rosseau brings endless potential. He's raw, but better than anything they're currently working with already.

15) Patriots- Mac Jones/QB/Alabama

The Saban-Belichick connection strikes again. Jones has been better than advertised and even has a chance to grab the Heisman after a spectacular year. He's played himself into this position of the draft, and it's nothing but deserved. I remember a certain Tom Brady who didn't quite look the part, but developed under the genius of Bill Belichick.

16) Bears- Trey Lance/QB/North Dakota State

The Bears have played their way out of getting one of the top QB's, but that doesn't change the fact they have to address the position. Tribisky is heading to free agency and even though he hasn't looked bad the last few games, they still need to let him walk. Lance will change the offense, bringing a dynamic running ability to go with great decision making skills.

17) Raiders- Devonta Smith/WR/Alabama

This feels like a steal for Gruden and the Raiders. Nelson Agholar has played out of his mind this year, and has probably earned a contract from a team with a lot of cap space. Pairing Smith with his old teammate Henry Ruggs, the explosiveness of this offense is scary. Derek Carr will have weapon abound.

18) Ravens- Alijah Vera-Tucker/OL/USC

Vera-Tucker was an interior lineman his whole career until popping out to LT for USC this year. He has looked better than expected, and this versatility is welcomed to a Ravens' squad who just lost much of their OL over the last few years. Ronnie Stanley is returning from a serious injury, and adding Vera-Tucker allows Stanley to take his time coming back.

19) Football Team- Jaylen Waddle/WR/Alabama

Besides Terry McLaurin, the Football Team doesn't have another WR that deserves to start anywhere in the league. This changes with the absolutely explosive Waddle added to the picture. Don't be fooled at his slight build, he plays like a bigger WR. This offense needs an influx of weapons.

20) Cardinals- Wyatt Davis/iOL/Ohio State

While Davis hasn't quite looked like his 2019 self, the fact that he had that in him is something the Cardinals are willing to take a chance on. All three interior OL spots for Arizona could use an upgrade, and Davis slips into whichever spot they need him most. He's a huge upgrade over their current starters.

21) Dolphins- Dylan Moses/LB/Alabama

Brian Flores has the Belichick connection, making all Alabama players automatically more appealing because you know exactly how they were coached. Moses comes in and becomes Miami's best LB and play caller. This is a potentially extreme value pick if Moses can play to the level that he has flashed over his career at Alabama.

22) Buccaneers- Alex Leatherwood/OL/Alabama

If they're going to keep rolling with Brady, protecting him is necessary. Leatherwood can play all over the line, one of my favorite traits of an offensive lineman. You plug him into your weakest spot and call it a day.

23) Colts- Kwity Paye/EDGE/Michigan

Justin Houston is so old that most people thought he would retire five years ago. He's got to retire at some time, and Paye is a perfect fit with a very similar build to Houston. He can step in and do everything they ask Houston to currently do, but with twitchy athleticism behind it.

24) Browns- Andre Cisco/S/Syracuse

Cisco is a playmaker, something the Browns lack currently at safety. The offense shouldn't be addressed for the first few rounds, as they are deep at every position on that side of the ball.

25) Jaguars (LAR)- Sam Cosmi/OT/Texas

To go with Trevor Lawrence, the Jags add an insurance policy to him. If you're going to build around Lawrence, the first thought you should have is protecting him through the offensive line. Cosmi felt comfortable enough with his play to opt out early, and he's rewarded with a first round selection.

26) Jets (SEA)- Travis Etienne/RB/Clemson

Still having to live with the fact that they gave away Trevor Lawrence, the Jets add Lawrence's former teammate and give Darnold a comfort blanket/checkdown. Etienne is explosive and quite the upgrade over the ancient Frank Gore. They're giving Darnold a chance.

27) Titans- Rondale Moore/WR/Purdue

This pick is extremely fun to think about. As if the Titans' offense wasn't explosive enough as is, Moore adds track speed to the field, stretching it out and taking away attention from AJ Brown and Derrick Henry. They could put up points in a hurry.

28) Steelers- Tyson Campbell/CB/Georgia

Campbell just seems like a Steeler to me. Joe Haden isn't getting any younger, and the depth behind him is questionable at best. The long arms and SEC experience of Campbell make him a great pick here at the end of the first round.

29) Saints- Derion Kendrick/CB/Clemson

The Saints are a team with very few needs, but they need both an infusion of youth, and depth to the CB position. We'll see what happens with Marshon Lattimore, and Jenkins is ending the end. Kendrick is a man-to-man specialist that can line up wherever you need him to.

30) Bills- Trey Smith/iOL/Tennessee

Josh Allen has proven to be a great starter in the league. Now give him more protection and let him run free. This pick will strengthen the run game, both for Allen and all the RB's on the roster.

31) Packers- Rashod Bateman/WR/Minnesota

They finally give Rodgers the WR he's deserved for three years. Or is it Jordan Love's weapon? Whoever the QB is needs more than the fantastic Davante Adams to throw to.

32) Chiefs- Nick Bolton/LB/Missouri

The Chiefs stay in state to take the extremely quick Bolton. His sideline to sideline speed and energy will bring a spark to this defense that could certainly use an upgrade at LB.