Another 2021 NFL mock draft dominated by the quarterback position

The 2020 NFL regular season is officially a wrap. The playoffs get underway this coming weekend, but in the meantime, we know part of the order for the 2021 NFL Draft! The 18 teams that did not make the playoffs are finalized and over the next month, the remaining 14 slots will be filled as teams are eliminated.

The Jaguars secured the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft thanks to the Jets securing a pair of wins late in the season. The prize for Jacksonville is expected to be Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While Justin Fields did impress in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson, it likely won’t be enough to convince the Jaguars to pass on Lawrence. At the same time, if Fields impresses in the national title game next week, the buzz will only increase.

The draft could really start to get interesting at No. 2. The Jets have Sam Darnold, but they could decide it’s time to move on. They’ve fired Adam Gase and a new head coach might want a crack at his own quarterback — particularly if the Jets hire an offensive-minded head coach. The Jets could deal Darnold and select a quarterback, they could stand pat and draft someone like offensive tackle Penei Sewell, or they could move back and do something else entirely with a haul of picks.

We’ve put together our second mock draft of the year, and we have a notable change from the first version. Fields got the bump over BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. Here’s a look at how we see the first 18 picks going a day after the close of the 2020 regular season.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

The pick: Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson

The most sure-fire No. 1 overall since Andrew Luck, Lawrence can literally do everything you’d want out of a 21st century quarterback. He’s accurate, mobile, can make all the throws, and he’s built like a barn. There’s no downside here except your significant other potentially swooning about his flawless hair for the next 15 years.

2. New York Jets

The pick: Justin Fields, Quarterback, Ohio State

We had Fields down the board a bit because of questions about his performance against Indiana and in the Big Ten Championship Game during the abbreviated 2020 season. Those go by the wayside after his incredible game against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. The raw tools are certainly there for the Georgia transfer. He’s got a rocket arm and tremendous mobility and athleticism that can give defenses fits, but his ability to recognize coverages is the issue. When he makes mistakes, they tend to be big ones.

3. Miami Dolphins (from Houston)

The pick: DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Alabama

Don’t overthink it, get Tua the best receiver prospect available. Going with Ja’Maar Chase is fine as well, but if you want to get better in a hurry (and the playoff-ish Dolphins do) Smith is closer to game-ready. His ability to take the top off also sets up well with Tua’s skill set that’s going to force teams to respect the run game and throw bombs out of play action. Smith is also the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at DraftKings Sportsbook.

4. Atlanta Falcons

The pick: Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU

The “Mormon Manziel” might be a smaller but swifter Baker Mayfield, and the question will be can he throw a 15-yard out at the NFL level. He’s listed at 6’3, but the Combine will tell us for sure. He’s absolutely elusive and can make plays to both his left and his right when the pocket breaks down, and his ability to improvise is a strength. But does he have enough raw tools to be a top-five pick?

The only thing he did to fall from No. 2 to No. 4 from last week was watch Fields in the Sugar Bowl.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

The pick: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

You’re getting someone to protect Burrow, which after his gruesome injury should be the priority. Sewell is 6’6, 330, and runs like he’s on the track team for the Ducks. He was the first sophomore to win the Outland Trophy. He’s a freak of nature, and by all accounts a great kid that shouldn’t give you any problems in the locker room. On talent alone he’s probably the best player in the draft, but you tell the Jags to take a tackle instead of a quarterback.

6. Philadelphia Eagles

The pick: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

He opted out of the 2020 season, but the ball-hawking Hokie is still the most talented option available at this position. It’s just a matter of how long it will take him to get back to game-ready in 2021, but Farley can do everything you need from a shutdown corner. He’s got coverage skills and can stay step-for-step with X’s and Z’s in both man or zone schemes.

7. Detroit Lions

The pick: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

He’s 1 and 1A with DeVonta Smith, and many draft-niks like Chase more on raw ability. Opted out of the 2020 season, and with good reason considering what happened to LSU this year, but his national championship season in 2019 showed he can run all the routes and isn’t afraid to go over the middle as the Y or slot as well. He’s also a nightmare for any DB covering as he adjusts for the ball in the air as well as any human not named Odell Beckham on the planet.

8. Carolina Panthers

The pick: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Remember when Carson Wentz was good? He showed a QB can come from the FCS and Fargo and be effective in the NFL right away. Lance has only played one game in 2020, and looked pretty mediocre according to the stats. But Lance has all the tools, and at 6’4, 226 he was the Most Outstanding Player in the FCS Playoffs winning another national championship for the Bison.

2021 has a lot of teams that need a quarterback, but not a lot of talent on the board. Lance at No. 8 seems like a reach.

9. Denver Broncos

The pick: Patrick Surtain II, DB, Alabama

He’s not a quick-twitch guy, but if you need someone to cover physical wide receivers on go routes he’s your pick. At 6’2, 200, he’s physical enough to jam and has excellent ball skills. If you can start 12 games at Alabama as a true freshman, you’re probably worthy of a top-10 pick on that alone. A quality Rose Bowl doesn’t hurt either.

10. Dallas Cowboys

The pick: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas

The Double-J could use a local kid, and Comsi is 6’7, 309 and at 21-years-old he’s going to get bigger. Does everything you need to protect a quarterback and open up holes for your superstar running back, and would be able to start from Day One most likely. Fun facts: He’s from Humble, Texas, and is getting a degree in Human Dimensions of Organizations. Hook ‘Em!

11. New York Giants

The pick: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

For sure the third-best receiver in a class that might be loaded. Waddle is more of a slot guy than an outside guy, but if he gets behind you it’s six points. The precision of his routes and ability to separate using cuts is what makes him so dangerous.

12. San Francisco 49ers

The pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The best player on a bad defense, Horn is 6’1, 205 and plays physical enough to jam at the next level. It’ll be interesting to see what he can do without the limitations of Will Muschamp and limited talent around him.

13. Los Angeles Chargers

The pick: Wyatt Davis, OL, Minnesota

You need guards that can both pull and pass protect in that triangle spot, and Davis can do that. For a team that not only wants to protect their rising star quarterback in Justin Herbert, but also get movement in the run game, this could be the best option.

14. Minnesota Vikings

The pick: Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee

The Volunteers had an outstanding offensive line in 2020, and it’s a shame the rest of the team wasn’t close to their level of production. Smith is 6’6, 325 and is considered a long-term stud at guard with the ability to open up holes in the run game. The knock is his quickness in pass protection, but that can certainly still be developed.

15. New England Patriots

The pick: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

They might not get him at this position, but Jones meets all the Belichick tests for what you want in a quarterback. Big arm, not necessarily hugely mobile, makes the right decision, and has all the leadership intangibles. They also might do that Patriots thing and be able to trade back and still get him.

16. Arizona Cardinals

The pick: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Had his ups-and-downs with the NCAA and opting-in-out of this season, but he’s a total stud. Had just 36 catches for 472 yards this season, and he’s much more of a complete receiver than just a speed guy.

17. Las Vegas Raiders

The pick: Greg Rousseau, DE, Miami

Rousseau opted out of the 2020 season, but anchored a very good 2019 Canes defense, and finished with 15.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL’s. He’s got that freakish South Florida athleticism, and can win either on the outside or in the run game.

18. Miami Dolphins

The pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

Less glamorous than some other picks, but he’ll be able to protect Tua Tagovailoa. At 6’4, 315, he comes from a school with a long tradition of producing great OL talent.