{"id":35436,"date":"2021-04-13T10:20:43","date_gmt":"2021-04-13T14:20:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/?p=35436"},"modified":"2021-04-13T10:20:43","modified_gmt":"2021-04-13T14:20:43","slug":"2021-nfl-mock-draft-5-rm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/analysis\/2021-nfl-mock-draft-5-rm\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 NFL Mock Draft 5.0 From Ryan McCrystal"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the NFL draft less than three weeks away and most pro days completed, the draft picture is starting to come more into focus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To keep things simple, I won\u2019t project any trades in this mock draft, but I will mention a few teams who may consider a move up to land a specific target.<\/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 <\/span>confirmed his interest<\/span><\/a> in Lawrence to NBC Sports\u2019 Peter King last week. This pick is locked in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

With <\/span>Sam Darnold<\/b> out of the way, it\u2019s now clear New York is taking a quarterback. Wilson\u2019s combination of accuracy and mobility has made him the presumed selection all along.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #3<\/span> San Francisco 49ers \u2013 Mac Jones, QB, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

It\u2019s difficult to believe the 49ers invested three first-round picks in Mac Jones, but this rumor only continues to gain steam. <\/span>ESPN\u2019s Adam Schefter<\/span><\/a> emphatically stated Jones would be the pick in a recent interview. Schefter\u2019s draft reports aren\u2019t infallible, but it\u2019s not common to hear any reporter speak with such conviction about an outcome without a strong source in the organization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

I\u2019ve switched this pick a couple times (Patrick Surtain appeared in one version, Pitts in all the others) but I remain steady in predicting them to pass on the quarterbacks. This has been based on owner Arthur Blank\u2019s <\/span>stated commitment<\/span><\/a> to Matt Ryan and Julio Jones early this offseason. It sounds as though he\u2019s not interested in rebuilding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

According to <\/span>ESPN\u2019s Ben Baby<\/span><\/a>, Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin (their de facto GM) recently said the team has \u201cstarter grades\u201d on offensive tackles likely to be Day 2 picks. That statement, coupled with the recent addition of <\/span>Riley Reiff<\/b>, likely points to Cincinnati targeting a pass-catcher rather than an offensive lineman with this pick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Previous pick: Sewell\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

GM Chris Grier demonstrated how he values elite talent at offensive line in 2016 when he gambled on <\/span>Laremy Tunsil<\/b> despite Tunsil\u2019s draft day social media blunder. While Miami has invested lower picks in the offensive line in recent years, this is Grier\u2019s first opportunity to add an elite prospect to the offensive line since Tunsil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #7<\/span> Detroit Lions \u2013 Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State<\/h2>\n

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

I have not paired the Lions with a quarterback in any of my previous mock drafts. But based on Carolina\u2019s addition of Darnold and San Francisco\u2019s presumed interest in Jones, it\u2019s looking like Justin Fields might be on the board. This is a scenario Detroit probably wasn\u2019t anticipating a few weeks ago, and they could take advantage of the surprising opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #8<\/span> Carolina Panthers \u2013 Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern<\/h2>\n

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

All seven of Carolina\u2019s draft picks were on the defensive side of the ball in 2020. This year could potentially be the reverse. With a short-term commitment made to Darnold, Carolina needs to bolster the talent around him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #9<\/span> Denver Broncos \u2013 Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech<\/h2>\n

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

The Broncos have been operating like a team trying to win now\u2014keeping <\/span>Von Miller<\/b>, pursuing <\/span>Matthew Stafford<\/b>, signing <\/span>Kyle Fuller<\/b> and <\/span>Ronald Darby<\/b>. And we haven\u2019t heard any concrete rumors about an attempt to move up in the draft for a quarterback. So maybe they\u2019ll pass on Trey Lance, or whichever quarterback falls to them. Offensive tackle might be a need to address, due to<\/span> Ja\u2019Wuan James<\/b> only playing 63 snaps over the last two seasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #10<\/span> Dallas Cowboys \u2013 Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

According to <\/span>Sports Info Solutions<\/span><\/a>, Dallas allowed 8.5 yards per target to receivers lined up wide, which ranked 24th in the league. Despite these struggles, the only change to the cornerback depth chart has been allowing <\/span>Chidobe Awuzie<\/b> to walk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #11<\/span> New York Giants \u2013 DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

As I addressed in our <\/span>news and rumors<\/span><\/a> recently, there\u2019s a growing sense that GM Dave Gettleman isn\u2019t satisfied with the addition of <\/span>Kenny Golladay <\/b>alone and will still consider adding another weapon with this selection. Since Gettleman\u2019s job security is likely tied to the success of QB <\/span>Daniel Jones<\/b>, it\u2019s easy to understand why he might want more talent at the position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The Eagles are in a good position at No. 12 to address massive holes at either receiver or cornerback. Since they\u2019re building around a young quarterback, the edge probably goes to the receivers at this selection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #13<\/span> Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

32-year-old <\/span>Chris Harris<\/b>, who played just nine games due to injury last year, is the only proven cornerback on the Chargers\u2019 roster. The team might prefer one of the top offensive tackles, but in this scenario with Sewell, Slater, and Darrisaw off the board, turning their attention to cornerback would be a likely outcome.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The Vikings\u2019 defense generated a pressure rate of 31.7%, ranking 30th in the league according to Sports Info Solutions. GM Rick Spielman hasn\u2019t been shy about taking raw but talented defensive players, such as <\/span>Anthony Barr<\/b> and <\/span>Danielle Hunter<\/b>. The coaching staff\u2019s success developing those players probably makes him even more comfortable selecting Phillips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #15<\/span> New England Patriots \u2013 Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Patriots might consider trading up for Lance, but the Panthers\u2019 acquisition of Darnold also increases the chances one of the quarterbacks falls outside the top 10.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #16<\/span> Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

The Cardinals are likely to take one of the top receivers or cornerbacks, but what if they\u2019re all gone? GM Steve Keim does not have a history of reaching to fill needs, so landing an impact player for the defensive line seems like the more likely option in this scenario.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Brandon Parker<\/b> is currently the Raiders\u2019 most experienced right tackle and yet he was a healthy scratch from the lineup multiple times late in the 2020 season. It\u2019s hard to imagine the team now views him as a starter, so another right tackle is likely on the way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #18<\/span> Miami Dolphins \u2013 Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan<\/h2>\n

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

The Dolphins have yet to sign a pass-rusher in free agency, despite losing a combined 84 QB pressures from <\/span>Shaq Lawson<\/b> and <\/span>Kyle Van Noy<\/b>. Kwity Paye will be downgraded by some teams for his size (6\u20193\u201d, 33\u201d arms) but that likely isn\u2019t an issue for Miami GM Chris Grier. In 2017, Grier drafted Charles Harris in the first round (6\u20193\u201d, 32 3\/8\u201d arms).<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Washington probably doesn\u2019t plan to start the season with <\/span>Cole Holcomb<\/b>, <\/span>Jon Bostic,<\/b> and <\/span>Khaleke Hudson <\/b>as their starting linebackers. Zaven Collins\u2019s combination of size and athleticism makes him a versatile weapon and could potentially be moved around to multiple roles in Washington.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #20<\/span> Chicago Bears \u2013 Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss<\/h2>\n

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

The Bears are <\/span>reportedly shopping<\/span><\/a> Anthony Miller<\/b>, which would further deplete an already mediocre receiving corps and put even more pressure on Allen Robinson. Elijah Moore could potentially be an upgrade over Miller in the slot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

According to Sports Info Solutions, <\/span>Carson Wentz<\/b> posted a QB rating of 46.9 when facing pressure last season, ranking 30th out of 32 qualifiers. It\u2019s tough to imagine Indy feeling comfortable protecting him with <\/span>Sam Tevi<\/b> or <\/span>Julie\u2019n Davenport<\/b> at left tackle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

With <\/span>Adoree\u2019 Jackson<\/b> and <\/span>Malcolm Butler<\/b> gone, the Titans are rebuilding their secondary. <\/span>Janoris Jenkins<\/b> and <\/span>Kevin Johnson<\/b> should help, but some youth to build around is clearly needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Due to bullying and sexual assault allegations during his time at Penn State, it\u2019s tough to place Micah Parsons in a mock draft. Certain teams are likely to pass over him because owners don\u2019t want to answer those types of questions about their new high-profile player. But at some point, an owner will be convinced the value is too great to pass up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

With Maurkice Pouncey now retired, there\u2019s a critical hole in the middle of Pittsburgh\u2019s offensive line. And with a 39-year-old immobile quarterback, the Steelers can\u2019t afford to have their offensive line struggle in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #25<\/span> Jacksonville Jaguars \u2013 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Trevon Moehrig, S<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Owusu-Koramoah is a safety-linebacker hybrid, and Urban Meyer had success utilizing those types of players at Ohio State. Most notably, Darron Lee (although he was a bust NFL) was a critical piece of Ohio State\u2019s 2014 championship team, as a linebacker playing both in the box and in coverage in the slot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The Browns have been willing to gamble on players who fall in the draft (for example, safety <\/span>Grant Delpit<\/b> last year) and they have a need for improved depth in the secondary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Previous pick: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Baltimore\u2019s defense is built around versatile athletes and the 6\u20193\u201d, 240-pound Ojulari definitely fits the mold. His size and strength would allow him to line up on the edge, but he\u2019s also athletic enough to drop in coverage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #28<\/span> New Orleans Saints \u2013 Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Tre\u2019Quan Smith<\/b>, who\u2019s never seen more than 50 targets in his three years in New Orleans, is the Saints\u2019 No. 2 receiver right now. He might prove to be fine in that role, but his job will be a lot easier if there\u2019s a third weapon added to the mix.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #29<\/span> Green Bay Packers \u2013 Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Elijah Moore, WR\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Davante Adams<\/b> caught 55.6% of his passes targeted at least 20 yards downfield, while the rest of Green Bay\u2019s receiving corps caught 42.6%, according to Sports Info Solutions. <\/span>Aaron Rodgers<\/b> deserves another weapon he can connect with down the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #30<\/span> Buffalo Bills \u2013 Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami FL<\/h2>\n

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

Bills top pass-rushers <\/span>Jerry Hughes<\/b> and <\/span>Mario Addison<\/b> will be 33 and 34 years old, respectively, this season. So while this may not appear to be a glaring immediate need, Buffalo would be wise to add some depth and think about the future of the position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #31<\/span> Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Levi Onwuzurike, DL<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Chiefs aren\u2019t done rebuilding their offensive line and left tackle is probably one of the positions left to fill. Their best left tackle at the moment appears to be <\/span>Martinas Rankin<\/b>, who has spent most of his two years in Kansas City on the IR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #32<\/span> Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Rondale Moore, WR<\/h2>\n

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

As a head coach, Bruce Arians has drafted seven wide receivers. None of them were clocked slower than 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash and four of them (Scotty Miller, JJ Nelson, Ryan Swope, and John Brown) ran sub-4.4. Arians will undoubtedly love Rondale Moore\u2019s speed and his skill set would be a nice complement to <\/span>Mike Evans<\/b> and <\/span>Chris Godwin<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With the NFL draft less than three weeks away and […]<\/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 following the Sam Darnold trade","_seopress_robots_index":"","mc4wp_mailchimp_campaign":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-35436","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\/35436","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=35436"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35436\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}