{"id":35197,"date":"2021-04-02T08:00:16","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T12:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/?p=35197"},"modified":"2021-04-01T18:37:42","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T22:37:42","slug":"2021-nfl-mock-draft-4-rm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/analysis\/2021-nfl-mock-draft-4-rm\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 From Ryan McCrystal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The San Francisco 49ers trade up to No. 3 dramatically shook up the NFL draft prospects. As a result, only four picks in this version align with <\/span>mock draft 3.0<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To keep things simple, I won\u2019t project any trades in this mock draft, but I will mention a few spots where trades appear most likely to be discussed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Urban Meyer recently told <\/span>NBC Sports\u2019 Peter King<\/span><\/a> the Jaguars are targeting Lawrence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The Jets have not tipped their hand, so this is still only an educated guess. But Wilson\u2019s strong accuracy likely makes him a good fit in the Jets\u2019 new offense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #3<\/span> San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: DeVonta Smith, WR (at pick #12)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The 49ers likely traded up to No. 3 already knowing who they\u2019ll select\u2014otherwise it would be difficult to justify investing multiple first-round picks into an unknown. New Jets OC Mike LaFleur had previously spent his entire career coaching under 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan, so it\u2019s very possible the two teams have been in contact, making San Francisco comfortable trading up to get their guy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #4<\/span> Atlanta Falcons \u2013 Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida<\/h2>\n

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

If the Falcons want to make another push to win with <\/span>Matt Ryan<\/b>, this is the selection that makes the most sense. Adding Kyle Pitts to an offense with <\/span>Julio Jones<\/b> and <\/span>Calvin Ridley<\/b> will create matchup nightmares for defenses. And while it\u2019s possible Atlanta trades down, there\u2019s a good chance Pitts would be available to them a few spots later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #5<\/span> Cincinnati Bengals \u2013 Ja\u2019Marr Chase, WR, LSU<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Rashawn Slater, OT<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Most teams would favor offensive linemen over pass catchers when both are positions of need\u2014and Cincinnati still might\u2014but the Bengals have often been aggressive in going after wide receivers. Duke Tobin, the team\u2019s Director of Player Personnel and de-facto GM, has been in Cincinnati\u2019s front office since 1999, during which time the Bengals have drafted three receivers in the top 10.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #6<\/span> Miami Dolphins \u2013 Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Sewell (at pick #3)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s looking like Dolphins GM Chris Grier managed to move down three slots, pick up an extra first-round pick, and will still get the player they were likely to draft at No. 3.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #7<\/span> Detroit Lions \u2013 Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

11.4% of pass attempts against the Lions went for 20 or more yards in 2020, the worst rate in the league. By pairing Patrick Surtain with 2020 first-round pick <\/span>Jeff Okudah<\/b>, new GM Brad Holmes could start to fix one of the league\u2019s worst secondaries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #8<\/span> Carolina Panthers \u2013 Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Justin Fields, QB<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Carolina likely wants to trade up for a quarterback, but Atlanta probably won\u2019t make an intradivision trade. They\u2019ll be hoping someone slides to them here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #9<\/span> Denver Broncos \u2013 Mac Jones, QB, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

The primary knock against Mac Jones is his lack of mobility relative to the other prospects in this class. New GM George Paton was in Minnesota when the Vikings added <\/span>Kirk Cousins<\/b>, so maybe he\u2019s more willing to build around that type of quarterback.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #10<\/span> Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern<\/h2>\n

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

Tyron Smith<\/b> and <\/span>La\u2019el Collins<\/b> are both returning from injuries that the left Dallas offensive line in shambles in 2020. It\u2019s possible they return to form, but Dallas should definitely consider adding some insurance. Slater (or Collins) could potentially shift to guard if everyone is fully healthy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #11<\/span> New York Giants \u2013 Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan<\/h2>\n

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

According to Sports Info Solutions<\/span>, Leonard Williams<\/b> (56 QB pressures) and <\/span>Dexter Lawrence<\/b> (28) were the Giants\u2019 leading pass-rushers in 2020. That\u2019s nice production from the defensive line, but the Giants need to add a threat on the edge. Paye racked up 29 pressures in just four games for Michigan last season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #12<\/span> Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Kyle Pitts, TE (at pick #6)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>MMQB\u2019s Albert Breer<\/span><\/a>, Philly\u2019s decision to trade down was influenced by their belief the Bengals will draft Ja\u2019Marr Chase. That seems to imply they would have drafted Chase if he were available, and may still be targeting a receiver at No. 12.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #13<\/span> Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech<\/h2>\n

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

The Chargers have already added three free agents to the offensive line, but they\u2019re probably not done yet. Rebuilding the line to better protect <\/span>Justin Herbert<\/b> is their top priority this offseason.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #14<\/span> Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami FL<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve previously been matching the Vikings with Vera-Tucker based on the assumption that guard <\/span>Ezra Cleveland<\/b> could move to left tackle. However, Minnesota\u2019s <\/span>pursuit of <\/span>Orlando Brown Jr.<\/b><\/a> on the trade market appears to indicate Cleveland isn\u2019t moving\u2014or at least it\u2019s not the preferred plan. If this proves true, Minnesota is more likely to focus on rebuilding the defense with this selection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #15<\/span> New England Patriots \u2013 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Ja\u2019Marr Chase, WR<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

New England\u2019s free agent spending spree has made them a tough team to predict. With most of their holes more or less filled, there\u2019s a good chance Belichick tries to trade down. Whether it\u2019s here or a few spots later, Owusu-Koramoah\u2019s elite range is likely to entice Belichick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

According to Sports Info Solutions, 74% of Waddle\u2019s targets were in the slot over the last two years, making him an ideal receiver to pair with <\/span>DeAndre Hopkins<\/b> and <\/span>A.J. Green<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #17<\/span> Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State<\/h2>\n

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

Brandon Parker<\/b> is currently the Raiders\u2019 most experienced right tackle on the roster. However, in Week 17 without <\/span>Trent Brown<\/b> in the lineup, the Raiders elected to start <\/span>Sam Young<\/b> (currently a free agent) rather than Parker. So it\u2019s unlikely they now view Parker as a viable starter in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #18<\/span> Miami Dolphins \u2013 Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The addition of <\/span>Will Fuller<\/b> lessens Miami\u2019s need for a receiver. However, they have yet to add a pass-rusher to replace the production of <\/span>Shaq Lawson<\/b> and <\/span>Kyle Van Noy<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #19<\/span> Washington Football Team \u2013 Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Zaven Collins, LB<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Curtis Samuel<\/b> and <\/span>Adam Humphries<\/b> are nice additions but they\u2019re likely to operate in the slot and probably won\u2019t stretch the field often. Rashod Bateman would give Washington another deep threat to pair with <\/span>Terry McLaurin<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #20<\/span> Chicago Bears \u2013 Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Mac Jones, QB<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

In every version to date, I\u2019ve had the Bears taking Mac Jones. However, the 49ers move up to No. 3 dramatically decreases the odds Jones falls. The Bears will almost certainly need to trade into the top 10 for a quarterback, or settle for another position here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #21<\/span> Indianapolis Colts \u2013 Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas<\/h2>\n

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

Sam Tevi<\/b> and <\/span>Julie\u2019n Davenport<\/b> have been signed to compete for the left tackle job, but it\u2019s tough to imagine the Colts are excited about them attempting to protect <\/span>Carson Wentz<\/b> in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #22<\/span> Tennessee Titans \u2013 Greg Newsome II, CB, Nonwestern<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Teven Jenkins, OT<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Tennessee has been holding virtual meetings with a long list of cornerback prospects, including Greg Newsome. It appears as though they\u2019re hoping to upgrade the position through the draft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #23<\/span> New York Jets \u2013 Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State<\/h2>\n

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

As long as owner Woody Johnson signs off on Parsons, despite accusations of <\/span>bullying and sexual harassment<\/span><\/a>, he could excel in Robert Saleh\u2019s defense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #24<\/span> Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Landon Dickerson, IOL, Alabama<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Eric Stokes, CB<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Maurkice Pouncey<\/b>\u2019s retirement opened up a glaring hole at center. Landon Dickerson is recovering from a torn ACL but is expected to be ready for training camp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #25<\/span> Jacksonville Jaguars \u2013 Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU<\/h2>\n

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

Trevon Moehrig is a traditional free safety with elite range in the deep secondary. He would likely offer Jacksonville a significant upgrade over <\/span>Andrew Wingard<\/b> or <\/span>Jarrod Wilson<\/b>, who appear to be their best options for that role on the current roster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #26<\/span> Cleveland Browns \u2013 Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech<\/h2>\n

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

Greedy Williams<\/b>, who missed the entire 2020 season due to a shoulder injury, is expected to start opposite <\/span>Denzel Ward<\/b>. However, with so few other holes to fill, Cleveland could gamble on Caleb Farley, who is likely to fall due to his recent back surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #27<\/span> Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Baltimore allowed <\/span>Yannick Ngakoue<\/b> and <\/span>Matt Judon<\/b> to walk and have yet to sign anyone to fill their shoes. With most impact free agents now gone, it\u2019s become clear they\u2019ll add a pass-rusher early in the draft.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #28<\/span> New Orleans Saints \u2013 Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU<\/h2>\n

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

Drew Brees<\/b> kept the offense humming despite a decline in talent at the receiver position in recent years, but they probably can\u2019t expect <\/span>Taysom Hill<\/b> and\/or <\/span>Jameis Winston<\/b> to get the job done without infusing some young talent into the mix.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #29<\/span> Green Bay Packers \u2013 Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Greg Newsome, CB<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Aaron Rodgers<\/b> averaged 9.2 yards per attempt when targeting <\/span>Davante Adams<\/b> and 7.8 when targeting anyone else. Elijah Moore would add another big-play threat to the offense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #30<\/span> Buffalo Bills \u2013 Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC<\/h2>\n

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

GM Brandon Beane has discussed a desire to <\/span>improve the run game<\/span><\/a>, and hinted that the path to achieve that goal was improving the blocking. Alijah Vera-Tucker played both guard and tackle at USC but would likely shift inside if he landed in Buffalo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #31<\/span> Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Creed Humphrey, OL<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Chiefs have already signed four players on the offensive line, so maybe the plan is to address that area in free agency use the draft to plug other holes. <\/span>Tanoh Kpassagnon<\/b>\u2019s starting spot on the defensive line is still vacant and could be filled by the versatile Levi Onwuzurike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #32<\/span> Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Najee Harris, RB<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

After re-signing virtually all of their free agents, Tampa doesn\u2019t have a glaring hole to fill and can take a best-available-player approach. Christian Barmore would be a natural long-term replacement for <\/span>Ndamukong Suh<\/b>, who was only re-signed to a one-year contract. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The San Francisco 49ers trade up to No. 3 dramatically […]<\/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":"2021 NFL Mock Draft version 4.0 featuring the fallout from the San Francisco 49er's trade up to the third overall pick. ","_seopress_robots_index":"","mc4wp_mailchimp_campaign":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-35197","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\/35197","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=35197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35197\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}