{"id":35591,"date":"2021-04-20T10:02:36","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T14:02:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/?p=35591"},"modified":"2021-04-20T22:02:09","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T02:02:09","slug":"2021-nfl-mock-draft-6-rm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/analysis\/2021-nfl-mock-draft-6-rm\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 NFL Mock Draft 6.0 From Ryan McCrystal"},"content":{"rendered":"

With less than two weeks before draft night, here\u2019s the final mock before the final mock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this version, I\u2019ve included a trade for the first time. I typically prefer to avoid trades in mock drafts, but it\u2019s becoming increasingly likely that either the quarterbacks will fall much further than expected or someone is going to make a move into the top 10.\u00a0<\/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 has <\/span>already confirmed<\/span><\/a> Lawrence is the selection, pending approval from ownership.\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 Lawrence locked in at No. 1, the Jets it appears the Jets haven\u2019t tried to keep their selection at No. 2 a secret. Due to strong connections between the coaching staffs, New York likely told San Francisco who their pick was weeks ago, prior to the 49ers trading up. Knowing that information is out there, there\u2019s little reason to doubt this expected pick.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

We know who\u2019s going No. 1. And we have reason to believe San Francisco knows who\u2019s going No. 2. So the 49ers don\u2019t have much to gain by spreading these Mac Jones rumors as a \u201csmokescreen.\u201d That\u2019s not to say it\u2019s impossible\u2014GMs appear to play games just for fun sometimes\u2014but it would definitely be surprising if Jones is not the selection.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

This pick is often mentioned as a trade destination for other quarterback-needy teams, but Atlanta is likely going to hold out for a huge offer. The Falcons have enough pieces in place to expect to be drafting outside the top-10 next year, so this is their one chance to land a premier player to help make another push in Matt Ryan\u2019s final years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The recent addition of Riley Reiff may be an indication Cincinnati plans to address the offensive line with later picks, and snag a premier offensive weapon at No. 5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #6<\/span> Miami Dolphins \u2013 Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

This is the first time I\u2019ve moved the Dolphins away from Sewell. It\u2019s not based on any hard evidence, just a reexamining of what their approach to team building might be this offseason. Some believe the key to a great offensive line is eliminating the weak link, rather than building around superstars. If Miami subscribes to this belief, adding a weapon for <\/span>Tua Tagovailoa<\/b> here and a second-tier offensive lineman later, might be the plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trade (from DET): Pick #7<\/span> New England Patriots \u2013 Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Trey Lance, QB (at No. 15)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t usually project trades in mock drafts, but we\u2019ve reached the point where it\u2019s difficult to envision a scenario where there isn\u2019t another trade involving a quarterback. Bill Belichick\u2019s offseason spending spree means he\u2019s not planning on suffering through another losing season. Therefore, this is likely the closest he\u2019ll get to the range in which quarterbacks come off the board. If he believes it\u2019s now or never, he\u2019ll make the jump to land one of the sliding quarterbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #8<\/span> Carolina Panthers \u2013 Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon<\/h2>\n

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

This might be the dream scenario for Carolina, which needs to upgrade <\/span>Sam Darnold\u2019s<\/b> protection and Sewell looks like a rare left tackle prospect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The Broncos and the Lions are the most difficult teams to read in the top 10. With first-year GMs, there\u2019s no pressure to address the quarterback position if they don\u2019t love their choices. For that reason, I\u2019ve flipped between QB and other positions for Denver. Early in the offseason, GM George Paton promised to add competition for <\/span>Drew Lock<\/b>, yet the depth chart remains unchanged. There are still other options (Teddy Bridgewater?) but the draft is starting to look like the easiest path to adding quarterback help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Dallas has a glaring hole at one of its outside cornerback spots. Either Patrick Surtain or Jaycee Horn would be hard to pass up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #11<\/span> New York Giants \u2013 Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia<\/h2>\n

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

This is a simple game of connect the dots. The Giants need to add another pass-rusher, GM Dave Gettleman is swayed by dominant workout numbers, and he trusts the Georgia pipeline (four draft picks in three years). Gettleman may prefer others more (DeVonta Smith?) but Ojulari is likely on his shortlist of targets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

In this scenario, Philly\u2019s decision almost certainly comes down to Waddle and Jaycee Horn. The edge probably goes to the player who will help Jalen Hurts develop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #13<\/span> Los Angeles Chargers \u2013Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern<\/h2>\n

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

In past mock drafts, I\u2019ve only paired the Chargers with a non-offensive lineman when the top tackles are off the board. In this scenario, Slater would be nearly impossible to pass up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

GM Rick Spielman often targets pass-rushers with length and athleticism. If the Vikings are comfortable with Phillips\u2019s injury history, he\u2019s likely to be on their radar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Trade:<\/span> Pick #15<\/span> Detroit Lions \u2013 Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Justin Fields, QB (at No. 7)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

At his introductory press conference, GM Brad Holmes discussed the importance of \u201cintangibles.\u201d And in an interview with <\/span>Yahoo! Sports\u2019 Eric Edholm<\/span><\/a>, Holmes stated: \u201cI am so much focused on the intangible traits way more so than the physical traits. Now I am like, \u2018OK, yeah, he\u2019s fast, but does he work hard?\u2019\u201d He\u2019ll likely be drawn to a team captain and Academic All-Big Ten player like Paye.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #16<\/span> Arizona Cardinals \u2013 Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina<\/h2>\n

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

If one of the top cornerbacks or receivers falls, it\u2019s easy to plug them in here. Horn would be tough to pass up as a replacement for <\/span>Patrick Peterson<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #17<\/span> Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech<\/h2>\n

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

Jon Gruden loves flashy traits, so he\u2019ll likely be drawn to a big mauler like Christian Darrisaw. Teven Jenkins might be the backup plan for similar reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #18<\/span> Miami Dolphins \u2013 Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State<\/h2>\n

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

GM Chris Grier has gambled on \u201ccharacter concerns\u201d before (<\/span>Laremy Tunsil<\/b>) and he\u2019s had two years working with HC Brian Flores to determine if he trusts this coaching staff with a player like Parsons. Assuming they\u2019re comfortable with the off-field questions attached to Parsons, this could be a landing spot for him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Washington is often linked to either Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah or Zaven Collins in mock drafts. Since JOK is more of a linebacker\/safety hybrid and primarily plays a role already filled by <\/span>Landon Collins<\/b> and\/or <\/span>Kamren Curl<\/b>, Zaven Collins (more of a linebacker-edge hybrid) is probably the better fit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #20<\/span> Chicago Bears \u2013 Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC<\/h2>\n

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

If the Bears can\u2019t move up for a quarterback, improving the protection for Andy Dalton and boosting their run blocking is a good backup plan. According to <\/span>Sports Info Solutions<\/span><\/a>, the Bears averaged 1.6 rushing yards before contact last season, the third-worst rate in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #21<\/span> Indianapolis Colts \u2013 Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State<\/h2>\n

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

The Colts need a left tackle, but HC Frank Reich has stated he\u2019s willing to <\/span>move <\/span>Braden Smith<\/b><\/a> over from the right side. If that\u2019s a serious consideration, landing one of the top right tackles in the draft, like Jenkins or Darrisaw, might be an option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #22<\/span> Tennessee Titans \u2013 Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech<\/h2>\n

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

According to <\/span>NBC Sports\u2019 Peter King<\/span><\/a>, Caleb Farley was cleared by NFL doctors at his recent medical recheck and should be ready for training camp. There\u2019s still the issue of him having multiple significant injuries (ACL and back surgery) and opting out of the 2020 season, so he could still slide further than initially believed. However, the cornerback-needy teams in the back-third of the first round should be interested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #23<\/span> New York Jets \u2013 Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern<\/h2>\n

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

This pick keeps changing because it\u2019s hard to pin down an obvious strategy for the Jets. With needs all over the roster, they can easily justify the best-available-player approach. Newsome has many similar traits to <\/span>Jason Verrett<\/b> who played well in Robert Saleh\u2019s defense in San Francisco last season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #24<\/span> Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

As of right now, Pittsburgh has just two offensive linemen on the roster who played at least 1\/3 of their team\u2019s snaps last year. The Steelers could add a running back, but it\u2019s hard to imagine anyone finding room to run behind this o-line as currently constructed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

After being named head coach, <\/span>Urban Meyer stated<\/span><\/a>: “My vision, my dream, is always to be the fastest team on the field.\u201d Owusu-Koramoah is a flashy safety-linebacker hybrid with elite range, and Urban Meyer had success utilizing those types of players at Ohio State.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

I continue to switch my mock draft selections for the Browns because I don\u2019t believe the team is targeting a specific player or position. GM Andrew Berry strategically filled all the team\u2019s holes with serviceable starters, allowing him to wait to see who falls. The best available cornerback, pass rusher, or wide receiver is a good bet for Cleveland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #27<\/span> Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU<\/h2>\n

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

Baltimore has some decent depth at receiver but they\u2019re overloaded with players who fit better in the slot than the outside. Marshall operated from the slot for LSU in 2020, but the previous season 59% of his snaps came on the outside, according to Sports Info Solutions. At 6\u20192\u201d, he\u2019ll also provide some size, which Baltimore lacks when <\/span>Miles Boykin<\/b> isn\u2019t on the field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #28<\/span> New Orleans Saints \u2013 Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss<\/h2>\n

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

The Saints often use their receivers interchangeably between the slot and outside. According to Sports Info Solutions, Elijah Moore primarily played in the slot but saw 29% of his targets while lined up wide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #29<\/span> Green Bay Packers \u2013 Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

The Packers are tough to read because since GM Brian Gutekunst took over there\u2019s been no discernable draft strategy. Perhaps this year Green Bay will revert back to the strategy employed by former GM Ted Thompson, and well as Mark Murphy (who is still the team\u2019s president), and focus on building in the trenches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Rousseau slid in most mock drafts after a mediocre pro day. However, GM Brandon Beane demonstrated last year in his selection of <\/span>A.J. Epenesa<\/b>\u2014who performed far worse than Rousseau at the combine\u2014that he\u2019s willing to overlook testing numbers when the college production is impressive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #31<\/span> Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Alex Leatherwood, OT\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Figuring out which lineman lands here is just a guessing game because at least four or five will be off the board already, but it will be extremely difficult for the Chiefs to justify addressing any other position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pick #32<\/span> Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Washington<\/h2>\n

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

Jayson Oweh is a tough player to fit into mock drafts, because he\u2019s coming off a zero-sack season in seven games. However, his dominant pro day demonstrated his rare talent. The Bucs, who aren\u2019t looking for any immediate starters, might be the type of team who could justify adding a project like Oweh.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With less than two weeks before draft night, here\u2019s 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":"2021 NFL Mock Draft 6.0 that still features Mac Jones at No. 3 and a trade up for Justin Fields.","_seopress_robots_index":"","mc4wp_mailchimp_campaign":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-35591","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\/35591","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=35591"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35591\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}