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Mocktober has virtually come and gone. So we determined it was time to interrupt out our first projection of how Spherical 1 — plus Day 2 picks for the groups missing first-round choices — of the 2021 NFL draft is shaping up. This could be the draft order if the season ended previous to Week 8.
A lot will change. The Massive Ten is one week into its season. The Pac-12 and some different stragglers get began subsequent week. There might be main shifts between now and April, assuming the draft isn’t pushed again as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
Mocktober’s accuracy tends to be scattershot. So our greatest recommendation? Simply have enjoyable and don’t complain in case your staff didn’t get the prospect you may want proper now.
And the Jets can’t take Lawrence and assume he’ll invoke magic on this flawed roster as he wants main assist.
Bypassing Lawrence isn’t an possibility for New York. Lawrence is a once-a-decade QB prospect, and the staff has endured numerous whiffs on the place over many years. If he’s given the right help, Lawrence has the possibility to be the very best Jets quarterback ever. Sure, even higher than Broadway Joe.
Who’s making this choose? If it’s basic supervisor Dave Gettleman, we’ll wager on him giving Daniel Jones another probability in 2021. Gettleman has by no means traded down. That would imply the Giants would stand pat and take the very best non-QB accessible.
Ought to they really feel nice about choosing an offensive lineman, even an awesome one corresponding to Sewell, at No. 2 total after utilizing the No. 4 total choose on Andrew Thomas, who has struggled so far? No, however such is the conundrum the Giants would face if there’s no front-office shakeup.
Sewell additionally seems like he could possibly be an All-Professional guard, and there have been some evaluators who stated Thomas’ greatest spot within the NFL could possibly be inside.
The Gardner Minshew run was enjoyable for a minute, wasn’t it? However he has the make-up of a high-quality backup, so Minshew shouldn’t preclude the Jags from passing on a quarterback in 2021 in the event that they land on this vary.
Fields is the type of competitor and twin risk this staff may use. Think about the enjoyable stuff the Jags can draw up with Fields, D.J. Chark, Laviska Shenault Jr., James Robinson and Collin Johnson. This could possibly be an offense that actually takes off within the coming years, relying on who the subsequent coaches are.
If the Falcons are prepared for all times after Matt Ryan, it’d sting a bit in the event that they see the ATL suburb-bred Fields go elsewhere. And certain, they may take a extremely rated non-QB and do fairly nicely for themselves. However the time would look like nigh to seek out Ryan’s eventual alternative.
Determining what to do with Ryan is hard from a monetary standpoint, as he carries a hefty dead-money quantity for subsequent yr. If he might be satisfied to remain and mentor the immensely gifted Lance — he of the 17 begins on the FCS stage — it could possibly be a clean transition for the subsequent coach and the subsequent period in Atlanta.
Humorous that the Dolphins would land again within the five-slot a yr after nabbing Tua Tagovailoa there in 2020 — and that it won’t have a factor to do with the Dolphins’ failures. Thanks, Texans!
A number of impression defenders may tickle Brian Flores’ fancy however pairing Chase with Tua — his former SEC rival — could possibly be too tempting to withstand. We’d like to see Tua throwing to Chase, DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki and Preston Williams. Wouldn’t you?
Our first daring name. You’d suppose a quarterback could be in play, given Kirk Cousins’ struggles. However is Wilson that good?
He has been glorious this season. And it’s not an apples-to-apples comparability, however one yr in the past, Joe Burrow was extra in that late first-round image and simply beginning to obtain point out as a doable top-10 choose.
If Wilson retains firing away, don’t be surprised to see him go this excessive, even when BYU hasn’t confronted a very good protection but. As one veteran evaluator reminded us this summer time, “Quarterbacks at all times go greater than you suppose.” For this train, and within the sake of eager to look sensible down the highway, we hope they’re proper.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
Alabama CB Patrick Surtain Jr.
There’s sadly no offensive lineman right here who could be value taking this excessive. In need of addressing Joe Burrow’s safety, there’s additionally the matter of upgrading a cross protection that ranks within the backside 10 in a number of classes. With William Jackson III set to hit free company, the splendidly gifted Surtain may both change Jackson if he walks or pair with him to make a powerful duo outdoors.
And a enjoyable tie-in: Patrick Surtain Sr., who had a terrific profession with the Dolphins and Chiefs, performed his ultimate NFL sport in 2008 at Cincinnati. Bob Bicknell, the Chiefs’ WRs coach that yr, is now on the Bengals’ teaching employees.
8. Dallas Cowboys
Farley opting out complicates his draft projection, and there might be groups that don’t view him as a top-eight prospect. He has a pleasant make-up with measurement (6-foot-2, 200 kilos), athleticism and ball expertise that might land him on this vary, particularly for a defense-hungry staff corresponding to Dallas.
Farley’s testing may loom massive. And the Cowboys may go for a cross rusher or offensive lineman right here if the correct one falls into their laps. If it’s Farley, it might give them two longer corners to assist make their heavy utilization of Cowl 3 higher. (We predict.)
9. Washington Soccer Group
There’s a powerful case to be made for Ron Rivera’s staff on the lookout for a quarterback on this draft, provided that Dwayne Haskins’ future in Washington is murky and the Kyle Allen returns have been lower than spectacular, even with back-to-back strong begins.
Nonetheless, we’ll pair up the most effective mismatch items in the whole 2021 class with a staff that badly wants offensive weaponry. Consider Pitts as a king-sized receiver.
Becoming a member of him with Terry McLaurin and the intriguing Antonio Gibson offers long-range hope for WFT’s offense.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
One other edge? Properly, Melvin Ingram is a 2021 free agent who turns 32 in April, and the staff may avoid wasting cash by letting him stroll. Uchenna Nwosu, who has minimize into Ingram’s taking part in time, seems like a pleasant participant. However a staff can by no means have too many cross rushers.
Rousseau, who has top-five expertise, is a venture. He has just one full season of faculty soccer and he opted out this season, so his projection requires a leap of religion.
The Chargers have the type of setup the place Rousseau might be introduced alongside at a correct clip with out huge 12 months 1 expectations weighing him down.
Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons (11) opted out of the 2021 season. (AP Picture/Barry Reeger)
11. New England Patriots
Wait, y’all would let this occur?
The Patriots badly want offensive assist however may Invoice Belichick — who might need much more draft autonomy if the entrance workplace shuffles issues this offseason — cross up a linebacker of this high quality right here?
No, for now.
Parsons is an elite athlete who could possibly be mentored and taught the finer factors of the place by, nicely, the whole Belichick household, plus Dont’a Hightower, and add some a lot wanted pace (and playmaking) to a gradual LB unit.
12. Denver Broncos
Within the opener in opposition to Nebraska, Wade performed 31 snaps at proper nook, 12 extra on the left and just one within the slot. He performed nicely.
The within is the place Wade has made his house for many of the 2018 and 2019 seasons. How he fares outdoors finally will decide his touchdown spot.
The Broncos have A.J. Bouye hitting the wage cap at $13.5 million subsequent yr and will transfer on from him with no lifeless cash. Bryce Callahan mans the slot nicely, and 2020 third-rounder Michael Ojemudia is value persevering with to develop. Wade may add one other playmaker to a secondary that has solely three picks in six video games.
13. Carolina Panthers
After spending all seven picks on the defensive aspect of the ball final spring, the Panthers shift over to the offensive aspect for assist. Certain, they may use expertise on the offensive line or at tight finish. However envision offensive coordinator Joe Brady banging on the desk so as to add Marshall, who broke out below him in 2019 (he’s even higher in 2020), to an already gifted WRs room.
How do you cowl Christian McCaffery, Robby Anderson, D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel and Marshall? Simply run “10 personnel” all sport and destroy folks. Teddy Bridewater’s patented smile could be even wider.
14. Dolphins
Think about in case you’re the Dolphins, you’ve already taken Ja’Marr Chase and now you’re right here at 14 with the most effective defenders within the draft — at a necessity place.
Moses has been up and down this season. I think he’s nonetheless getting his sea legs below him after lacking all of 2019 with a knee harm. Earlier than that, plus in flashes this season (see the Missouri sport), Moses has displayed impression potential. He’s the newest in a protracted line of nice Bama ’backers and would assist improve a spot that has some good gamers.
This is likely to be greater than some would have Moses going. However because the Dolphins’ 2020 draft after the Tua choose confirmed up, they appear extra curious about particular suits for his or her staff and fewer so in observing league-wide draft worth.
15. Las Vegas Raiders
A month from now, this choose may look outdated. If Paye retains stacking spectacular showings just like the one he turned in final week in opposition to Minnesota, he is likely to be certain for the highest 10. Paye is predicted to explode the scouting mix testing, too, so don’t count on him to final too lengthy both means.
The Raiders have Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby aboard, so it’d really feel like overkill. However there’s no rule in opposition to having three good cross rushers on the identical staff. In truth, basic supervisor Mike Mayock typically cited the outdated New York Giants for instance of that — again within the Michael Strahan-Osi Umenyiora-Justin Tuck-Mathias Kiwanuka days — when Mayock was a member of the media.
16. Detroit Lions
The Lions have some salary-cap points subsequent yr. Can they afford to pay Kenny Golladay near $20 million yearly? At worst, they’ll franchise tag him and postpone the choice a yr.
Waddle’s standing stays in limbo following a season-ending ankle harm. Assuming he rehabilitates nice, Waddle displayed some game-changing capacity in Bama’s first 4 video games, scoring 4 TDs and averaging 139.3 yards per sport.
Marvin Jones can be a 2021 free agent, so including Waddle may make quite a lot of sense right here. Are you able to think about that man working routes on the Ford Subject turf, catching passes from Matthew Stafford? We will.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Assuming Smith’s medical reviews come again clear after he missed time within the 2018 season with blood clots, he’d be a very good match right here. The 49ers may use some inside assist, and a few groups consider Smith can match at deal with (the place he performed for elements of his first two seasons), so he’s a doable long-term alternative for Trent Williams.
A defensive again may also make sense right here, however I feel the 49ers may actually be struck by Smith’s toughness and energy.
18. New Orleans Saints
There are roughly a zillion questions concerning the Saints’ future, beginning with who the 2021 beginning QB might be. Assuming Sean Payton addresses that outdoors the draft, cornerback can be a scorching spot that might use addressing.
Janoris Jenkins carries a $14.1 million salary-cap quantity into his age-32 season, and Marshon Lattimore and Patrick Robinson might be headed into the ultimate years of their respective offers in 2021.
Certain, the son of Joe Horn could be a feel-good story getting picked by New Orleans. However Jaycee is making a reputation for himself as a gifted press-man nook, so the soccer causes could be greater than justified to take him right here.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
The Eagles have some younger linebackers on their roster with first rate pedigrees. But why a lot Nate Gerry this season?
It’s unfair to select on one participant of an underachieving unit, however it’s been laborious to not discover Gerry being concerned in so many protection busts this season.
Owusu-Koramoah has been terrific in protection for the Irish in 2020, and he appears to suit the mould of the fashionable hybrid defender — small linebacker meets massive security — the NFL is gaga about. Granted, the Eagles presumably took Davion Taylor to suit that function this spring, however he has barely seen the sphere.
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask will get able to name a play throughout the second half of an NCAA faculty soccer sport in opposition to South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Picture/John Raoux)
20. Indianapolis Colts
Philip Rivers turns 39 in December and principally has appeared it this season, outdoors of him carving up the Bengals. It’s going to be laborious to examine him coming again because the no-doubt starter subsequent season. And even then, he can’t come again with out a younger passer in tow, relying on what you consider Jacob Eason.
Trask has a pleasant arm, and he appears to have sped up his whole course of this season. He nonetheless may stand to eliminate the ball extra cleanly, however we love how he holds up amid stress and might ship strikes. It makes you surprise how excessive his ceiling could be had he performed extra soccer — first as D’Eriq King’s highschool backup after which throughout his first few years with the Gators, when he principally sat and watched.
21. Cleveland Browns
Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson
Olivier Vernon is a free agent subsequent spring, and Adrian Clayborn is slowing down. Even with Myles Garrett and Porter Gustin, the Browns know they possible want to strengthen the sting spot.
Hutchinson was overshadowed by Michigan teammate Kwity Paye within the opener however has a really excessive ceiling. He additionally performed nicely vs. Minnesota and profiles as a top-40 choose if he continues ascending.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jason Pierre-Paul stays viable at this stage of his profession, and Shaquil Barrett has made his impression felt regardless of not matching his insane 2019 manufacturing. Nonetheless, including a 3rd hombre to the frenzy unit would make quite a lot of sense.
Oweh is an excellent toolsy, uncooked rusher who figures to be an enormous beneficiary of the Massive Ten returning to motion this season. He was terrific within the opening loss to Indiana, seemingly crashing into the backfield each different play. Hold that up and Oweh may find yourself greater than this.
23. Jaguars (from Los Angeles Rams)
Within the 2020 draft, Jacksonville went defense-defense with their two Spherical 1 picks. This yr, the offense receives a pair of blue-chip abilities up excessive. Justin Fields to Freiermuth could be a enjoyable combo in time, and it might simply add one other layer to an rising group of younger playmakers.
Freiermuth wouldn’t be requested to hold the load early and might develop at a correct charge. It’s comparable in that respect to the Ok’Lavon Chaisson choose on this vary a yr in the past, as he’s nonetheless in that developmental stage. And that’s nice.
I may see an offensive lineman right here (or extra defensive assist), however we will’t resist giving Justin Fields a middle-of-the-field weapon.
24. Buffalo Payments
I used to be shocked this summer time to listen to how well-regarded Kendrick was amongst some NFL expertise evaluators provided that the final time we had seen him on the sphere, LSU was leaving burn marks throughout Kendrick’s jersey within the nationwide title sport. The extra we appeared into him, the extra we’ve turn out to be.
And wouldn’t you realize? Kendrick has been excellent this season, not permitting a catch (with one INT and two passes defended) in his 4 video games. Two years in the past, Kendrick was catching passes as a large receiver from Trevor Lawrence; now he’s rising into an intriguing nook who may bolster that place long run in Buffalo.
25. Chicago Bears
GM Ryan Tempo has drafted two offensive tackles in six years — sixth-rounder Tayo Fabuluje in 2015, his first draft, and seventh-rounder Arlington Hambright in April. Hambright stays on the roster however is a whole unknown. It could be sensible to plan for an eventual alternative for Charles Leno at left deal with or Bobby Massie on the correct aspect.
Cosmi performed proper deal with for the Longhorns in 2018, left deal with the previous two seasons. He’s a fluid athlete (he grabbed a TD catch in 2019) with agile toes, good size and projectable traits for the subsequent stage. Including extra sand in his pants could possibly be so as, however Cosmi could be a pleasant match for Matt Nagy’s offense.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Our pal at Professional Soccer Focus, Mike Renner, first opened our eyes to Moehrig earlier this yr. (Mike, in case you’re studying: thanks.) We knew Moehrig had balls expertise coming off a four-INTs, 12-PD season in 2019, however we had been pleasantly shocked at how explosive an athlete he was. He’s anticipated to be an NFL scouting mix star.
Final week’s sport in opposition to Oklahoma was maybe Moehrig’s greatest outing of the 2020 season, even whereas the Sooners rolled. Moehrig knocked away all three passes thrown his route and had the type of alluring vary and hitting capacity that might make him an ideal match on this Cardinals protection filled with versatile athletes.
Might they shock and go receiver right here? Or a again corresponding to Clemson’s Travis Etienne?
Certain may.
27. Jets (from Seattle Seahawks)
Hardly a horny choose, however who cares? The Jets want inside offensive line assist badly, and you may’t draft Lawrence and count on him to provide behind shoddy blocking. Davis is a gifted mover with critical pop in his higher physique, plus the lower-body power to drive a run sport.
Though Davis appeared, through informal look, rusty within the opener in opposition to Nebraska, his popularity is robust in NFL circles after dominating in 2019. Davis has the look of a longtime starter inside and a pleasant constructing block for the Jets at a necessity place.
28. Baltimore Ravens
That is virtually too good. We truthfully thought Smith may find yourself greater on this record going into the method, however that is the way it labored out. He’s such a high-energy, high-production receiver that we really feel you may throw out the numbers — the common size, the lean body and the so-so observe pace.
Don’t stress a lot about that and watch the tape of Smith blowtorching defenders on a weekly foundation. One cause why we love a possible pairing with him and Lamar Jackson a lot is that Smith has appeared to make catches on a weekly foundation the previous few seasons by coming again to the ball on damaged or prolonged performs.
He’s additionally one other deep risk for the Ravens who may pair fantastically with Hollywood Brown and Devin Duvernay subsequent yr. The Ravens surprisingly are close to the underside of the league in yards after the catch. Smith — who has 307 of his 556 yards after the catch this season — may assist change that.
29. Tennessee Titans
Jadeveon Clowney may proceed his itinerant path and find yourself elsewhere subsequent yr, and it’s laborious to think about Vic Beasley coming again until he heats up quickly. So the Titans goal an annual sore spot for a protection that also offers up too many passing yards and doesn’t stress quarterbacks persistently.
Roche’s pass-rush approach is refined sufficient to step proper into the Clowney function for Mike Vrabel’s protection if the veteran strikes on within the offseason. If cross rusher isn’t deemed as massive a fear, we may see Tennessee on the lookout for assist at receiver or an inside defensive lineman.
30. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Maybe the Chiefs really feel that Demarcus Robinson is on the correct trajectory, however we may envision Bateman as a pure alternative for Sammy Watkins in 2021.
Offensive guard and deal with are spots to observe. So is including extra depth on protection. However our guess is that the Chiefs would really feel the worth of getting Bateman right here is likely to be too good. One other identify we thought of: USC WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, who could possibly be on the verge of an enormous season.
31. Inexperienced Bay Packers
There … are you content now? In an effort that’s partly meant to fill a long-term want, and partly to finish the foolish first-round receiver chatter in Packers circles, Olave makes quite a lot of sense in Inexperienced Bay.
One cause he’s a very good match right here is that Olave runs routes like a seasoned professional, a prerequisite for anybody who needs to earn Aaron Rodgers’ belief earlier than their third NFL season. Olave is a high quality glider who modifications gears effortlessly, though we want to see extra physicality to his sport.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Wake Forest EDGE Carlos Basham Jr.
Basham’s high-energy type would match nicely on a Steelers protection that might want one other outdoors rusher, relying on what occurs with Bud Dupree as he hits free company or whether or not the staff feels 2020 third-rounder Alex Highsmith is able to step into the spot.
Both means, that is excellent worth. Basham has solely helped his draft trigger after incomes some first-round grades this summer time, and he has comparable measurement and athleticism as Dupree.
Groups with out first-round picks
(We simulated the remainder of Rounds 2 and three to assist provide you with these choices.)
54. Rams
North Carolina LB Chazz Surratt
The Rams may add assist to all three ranges of its protection, and the offensive line possible wants additional addressing. However we couldn’t bypass a top-50 expertise corresponding to Surratt, who will help improve an extraordinary LB unit. His athleticism and QB-of-the-defense smarts make him an awesome match right here.
61. Seahawks
In what appears like an annual custom, right here I’m once more mocking the Seahawks the very best OL prospect accessible. He may go a lot greater than this. He’s transferring to left deal with this season (after opting again into taking part in) and will actually make himself some cash. In any other case, Vera-Tucker could possibly be a nice guard as nicely.
67. Texans
All the best way down in Spherical 3, Houston is lastly on the clock. Who’s their head coach? Their GM? No clue. Whoever finally ends up shaping the Texans’ roster will surely profit from upgrading the secondary. Thomas, a tricky and instinctive (though slim) nook, opted out of the season however was incomes some Day 2 grades from scouts this summer time.
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