{"id":34039,"date":"2021-03-25T10:58:02","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T14:58:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/?p=34039"},"modified":"2021-03-25T11:36:14","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T15:36:14","slug":"2021-nfl-mock-draft-3-rm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/analysis\/2021-nfl-mock-draft-3-rm\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0 From Ryan McCrystal"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the majority of the big-name free agents off the market, each team\u2019s needs have come into focus over the last two weeks. And with the pro day circuit in full swing, we\u2019re starting to get a clearer picture of each prospect\u2019s value as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

To keep things simple, no trades have been projected in this mock draft, although we can assume any team targeting a quarterback will be exploring their options to move up on draft day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #1<\/span>\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars \u2013 Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous Mock Draft Selection<\/a>: Lawrence
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Lawrence has both the athleticism and throwing ability to fit perfectly into Urban Meyer\u2019s offense. We should assume this pick is already locked in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #2<\/span>\u00a0New York Jets \u2013 Zach Wilson, QB, BYU<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Wilson
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

ESPN\u2019s Rich Cimini<\/span><\/a> recently reported the Jets have not made a decision about the future of <\/span>Sam Darnold<\/b> and that new head coach Robert Salah is a \u201cDarnold supporter.\u201d However, he also mentions the team is listening to offers for Darnold. Usually when a team starts listening to offers\u2014especially when an alternative quarterback option exists, as it does for New York\u2014that\u2019s the end of the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #3<\/span>\u00a0Miami Dolphins \u2013 Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Sewell<\/em><\/p>\n

GM Chris Grier has been in the Miami front office for just over 20 years and in that span, the Dolphins have drafted only two wide receivers in the top 50 (<\/span>Ted Ginn Jr.<\/b> and <\/span>DeVante Parker<\/b>). It appears to be a philosophy of this organization to avoid investing too heavily in the position, which makes it difficult to believe they\u2019ll spend a top-five pick on Ja\u2019Marr Chase or DeVonta Smith. If they don\u2019t draft a receiver, Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater are the obvious alternatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #4<\/span>\u00a0Atlanta Falcons \u2013 Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Kyle Pitts, TE<\/em><\/p>\n

As one of the teams unlikely to draft a quarterback, Atlanta should be offering this pick to anyone targeting Justin Fields or Trey Lance. Whether they stay put or move down, cornerback Patrick Surtain should be on the Falcons\u2019 radar to upgrade a struggling secondary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #5<\/span>\u00a0Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Slater<\/em><\/p>\n

Many Bengals fans want a wide receiver\u2014for good reason\u2014but offensive linemen like Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater are much harder to find. Teams rebuilding on offense rarely pass over the top tier offensive linemen in favor of pass-catchers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #6<\/span>\u00a0Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Ja'Marr Chase, WR<\/em><\/p>\n

With <\/span>Zach Ertz<\/b> likely on his way out of Philadelphia via trade, there\u2019s room for Kyle Pitts in Philly. And even if the Eagles decide to keep <\/span>Dallas Goedert<\/b> beyond 2021, it won\u2019t be hard to find room for both given Pitts\u2019 experience lining up at wide receiver at Florida.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #7<\/span>\u00a0Detroit Lions \u2013 Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Patrick Surtain II, CB<\/em><\/p>\n

A team in full rebuilding mode with a new GM and head coach is going to be tough to predict. Almost any prospect mentioned in this range is a potential fit for Detroit. Kwity Paye typically isn\u2019t talked about as a top-10 prospect right now, but that could change after Michigan\u2019s pro day (March 26). Expect Paye to put on a show and start to generate more buzz.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #8<\/span>\u00a0Carolina Panthers \u2013 Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Fields<\/em><\/p>\n

Carolina has reportedly pursued <\/span>Matthew Stafford<\/b> and <\/span>Deshaun Watson<\/b> this offseason, which likely means they\u2019re trying to move on from <\/span>Teddy Bridgewater<\/b> sooner rather than later. It might require a trade-up to land Fields, but it should be safe to assume he\u2019s on their shortlist of draft wishes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #9<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Denver Broncos \u2013 Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE<\/em><\/p>\n

Drew Lock<\/b> ranked 33rd out of 35 quarterbacks in on-target rate last season, according to Sports Info Solutions. Based on that performance, and the fact John Elway has ceded control to new GM George Paton, there\u2019s a good chance we\u2019ll see a new signal-caller in Denver next year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #10<\/span>\u00a0Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Caleb Farley, CB<\/em><\/p>\n

Tyron Smith<\/b> and <\/span>La\u2019el Collins<\/b> are both signed long-term, but are each returning from injuries that decimated the Dallas offensive line in 2020. If there\u2019s any doubt as to their ability to return to form, the Cowboys could invest in another lineman, knowing someone (either Darrisaw or Collins, in this scenario) could always shift inside to guard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #11<\/span>\u00a0New York Giants \u2013 Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami FL<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: DeVonta Smith, WR<\/em><\/p>\n

With <\/span>Kenny Golladay<\/b> in the fold, GM Dave Gettleman might turn his attention to the defense with this selection. According to Sports Info Solutions, among the top 100 pass-rushers in pressure rate in 2020, only one is currently on the Giants roster (<\/span>Leonard Williams<\/b>, 42nd).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #12<\/span>\u00a0San Francisco 49ers: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Jaycee Horn, CB<\/em><\/p>\n

San Francisco is probably one of the teams considering a trade-up for a quarterback, but if they miss out, an alternative plan may be to add another weapon for <\/span>Jimmy Garoppolo<\/b>. Between <\/span>Brandon Aiyuk<\/b>, <\/span>Deebo Samuel,<\/b> and DeVonta Smith, the 49ers would have a dangerous trio of receivers with a wide array of skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #13<\/span>\u00a0Los Angeles Chargers: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT<\/em><\/p>\n

With <\/span>Casey Heyward Jr<\/b>. gone, the Chargers are left without much depth in the secondary beyond<\/span> Chris Harris Jr.<\/b> and <\/span>Michael Davis<\/b>. Unless they believe strongly in the development of <\/span>Tevaughn Campbell<\/b> and <\/span>Brandon Facyson<\/b>, we should assume cornerback is one of the positions on their radar with this pick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #14<\/span>\u00a0Minnesota Vikings: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Vera-Tucker<\/em><\/p>\n

Alijah Vera-Tucker, who played both guard and tackle at USC, is likely to be viewed as a guard by most NFL teams. That isn\u2019t a problem for Minnesota, which has some flexibility in rebuilding its offensive line. Right guard <\/span>Ezra Cleveland<\/b> played left tackle Boise State, and could shift back to that role to make room for Vera-Tucker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #15<\/span>\u00a0New England Patriots: Ja\u2019Marr Chase, WR, LSU<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Trey Lance, QB<\/em><\/p>\n

With offensive linemen and quarterbacks potentially taking up a significant chunk of the early first-round, and plenty of wide receivers expected to be available on Day 2, don\u2019t be shocked if <\/span>CeeDee Lamb<\/b>\u2019s 2020 draft-day tumble repeats itself for a similar prospect this year. New England is well-positioned to snag someone like Ja\u2019Marr Chase if such a fall occurs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #16<\/span>\u00a0Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Waddle<\/em><\/p>\n

The addition of <\/span>A.J. Green<\/b> improved the Cardinals receiving corps, but there\u2019s still room for an upgrade in the slot\u2014especially if <\/span>Larry Fitzgerald<\/b> retires. According to Sports Info Solutions, 74% of Waddle\u2019s targets were in the slot over his final two seasons at Alabama.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #17<\/span>\u00a0Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Micah Parsons, LB<\/em><\/p>\n

By trading <\/span>Trent Brown<\/b>, Las Vegas opened up a glaring hole at right tackle. The Raiders drafted left tackle <\/span>Kolton Miller<\/b> in the first round two years ago, overlooking mediocre production and betting on his elite athleticism. Cosmi\u2019s similarly impressive <\/span>pro day numbers<\/span><\/a> are likely to catch the eye of GM Mike Mayock and HC Jon Gruden.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #18<\/span>\u00a0Miami Dolphins \u2013 Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami FL<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Rousseau<\/em><\/p>\n

So far this offseason, Miami has lost <\/span>Kyle Van Noy<\/b> and <\/span>Shaq Lawson<\/b> without adding a meaningful pass-rusher. With the free agent market drying up, it\u2019s starting to look like they\u2019ll be addressing this need through the draft. Gregory Rousseau opted out in 2020, but finished third in the ACC with 47 QB pressures (3.6 per game) the year prior, per Sports Info Solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #19<\/span> Washington Football Team \u2013 Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Rashod Bateman, WR<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s difficult to imagine Washington is excited about moving forward with <\/span>Jon Bostic<\/b>, <\/span>Cole Holcomb,<\/b> and <\/span>Khaleke Hudson<\/b> as their primary trio of linebackers. Any of those spots could be upgraded. Zaven Collins probably fits best in one of the outside linebacker roles in Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #20<\/span>\u00a0Chicago Bears \u2013 Mac Jones, QB, Alabama<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Jones<\/em><\/p>\n

Since the Bears can\u2019t fully control their ability to land a quarterback through the draft, signing <\/span>Andy Dalton<\/b> was a logical insurance policy. Assuming GM Ryan Pace and HC Matt Nagy like Mac Jones\u2019 skill set, he should still be an option for Chicago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #21<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Indianapolis Colts \u2013 Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Sam Cosi, OT<\/em><\/p>\n

The Colts have signed <\/span>Sam Tevi<\/b> and <\/span>Julie\u2019n Davenport<\/b>, presumably to compete for the left tackle job vacated by <\/span>Anthony Castonzo<\/b>. That\u2019s an acceptable backup plan, but it shouldn\u2019t be hard for Indy to find a better option with this selection. Liam Eichenberg was a three-year starter on the left side for Notre Dame.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #22<\/span>\u00a0Tennessee Titans \u2013 Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Jenkins<\/em><\/p>\n

Tennessee addressed two of their major needs in free agency with edge-rusher <\/span>Bud Dupree<\/b> and cornerback <\/span>Janoris Jenkins<\/b>. That leaves them with right tackle as their one glaring hole left to fill. Teven Jenkins is a powerful run blocker which makes him an ideal fit in the Titans offense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #23<\/span>\u00a0New York Jets \u2013 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Kwity Paye, EDGE<\/em><\/p>\n

The Jets signed linebacker <\/span>Jarrad Davis<\/b> this offseason, but coverage has always been a weakness of his game. Pairing him with the ultra-athletic Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah would give New York more well-rounded talent at the position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #24<\/span>\u00a0Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Christian Barmore, DT<\/em><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh recently cut cornerback <\/span>Steven Nelson<\/b>, which potentially puts them in the market for a new starter opposite <\/span>Joe Haden<\/b> (who also only has one year remaining on his contract).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #25<\/span>\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars \u2013 Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Joseph Ossai, EDGE<\/em><\/p>\n

With needs everywhere, Jacksonville should focus the best available player approach with this selection. Christian Barmore will be the top defensive tackle on most draft boards and would be a good fit starting next to recent free agent addition <\/span>Tyson Alualu<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #26<\/span> Cleveland Browns \u2013 Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB<\/em><\/p>\n

Cleveland re-signed <\/span>Rashard Higgins<\/b>, but only gave him <\/span>$2.38 million for one year<\/span><\/a>. That type of contract indicates he\u2019s a backup plan, not the intended outside starter opposite <\/span>Odell Beckham Jr.<\/b> (with <\/span>Jarvis Landry<\/b> in the slot). Bateman has the size and speed to help stretch the field and open up Cleveland\u2019s offense.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #27<\/span>\u00a0Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Ojulari<\/em><\/p>\n

Pernell McPhee<\/b> and <\/span>Tyus Bowser<\/b> are back in the fold, but Baltimore still lost <\/span>Yannick Ngakoue<\/b> and <\/span>Matt Judon<\/b>, who accounted for 25% of the team\u2019s QB pressures in 2020, according to Sports Info Solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #28<\/span>\u00a0New Orleans Saints \u2013 Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Aaron Robinson, CB<\/em><\/p>\n

While Micah Parsons has the talent of an early first-round pick, some owners simply won\u2019t want to answer questions about <\/span>bullying and sexual harassment<\/span><\/a> about their new star player. That could lead Parsons to falling on draft day, until the point where an owner can be convinced the value is so great it overshadows the risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #29<\/span>\u00a0Green Bay Packers \u2013 Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Newsome<\/em><\/p>\n

Green Bay re-signed <\/span>Kevin King<\/b>, but since he was the weak link in the secondary last year\u2014he allowed 8.8 yards per target in coverage, according to Sports Info Solutions\u2014it\u2019s unclear if he has a starting job locked down. Greg Newsome thrived in Northwestern\u2019s zone-heavy defense in 2020 and could make an easy transition to a similar scheme in Green Bay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #30<\/span>\u00a0Buffalo Bills \u2013 Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Wyatt Davis, G<\/em><\/p>\n

Caleb Farley had been a presumed top-10 pick until news broke of his back surgery, which will cause him to be unavailable <\/span>until late July<\/span><\/a>. The surgery will cause Farley to miss his pro day. Farley also opted out of the 2020 season and suffered a torn ACL in 2017\u2014so there are a lot of factors working against him. A top-10 selection now seems unlikely, but some team willing to gamble in the late first-round could end up with a steal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #31<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Liam Eichenberg, OT<\/em><\/p>\n

The Chiefs have begun rebuilding their offensive line, but there\u2019s still a glaring hole at center. Creed Humphrey was nearly flawless at Oklahoma in 2020\u2014he allowed a <\/span>0.3% blown block rate<\/span><\/a> in pass protection, according to Sports Info Solutions\u2014and would likely be able to offer immediate production in Kansas City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #32<\/span>\u00a0Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Najee Harris, RB, Alabama<\/span><\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Harris<\/em><\/p>\n

Tampa, somewhat surprisingly, retained almost all of its free agents, which allows GM Jason Licht to treat this selection as more of a luxury. Upgrading a solid-but-unspectacular backfield is one of the only areas of the roster remaining for the Bucs to improve. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the majority of the big-name free agents off the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20699,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Post free agency 2021 NFL Mock Draft featuring a fall for Ja'Marr Chase, rise for Kwity Paye, and a first-round appearance from Eric Stokes.","_seopress_robots_index":"","mc4wp_mailchimp_campaign":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-34039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-analysis","tag-articles"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34039","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20699"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34039"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34039\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34039"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34039"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34039"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}