{"id":35808,"date":"2021-04-29T10:45:23","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T14:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/?p=35808"},"modified":"2021-04-29T10:53:15","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T14:53:15","slug":"2021-nfl-mock-draft-final-rm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/analysis\/2021-nfl-mock-draft-final-rm\/","title":{"rendered":"Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft From Ryan McCrystal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The final mock draft is finally here!<\/span><\/p>\n

In this version, I\u2019ve also provided a few alternative options, to give you an idea of who the team may be choosing between while they\u2019re on the clock. These different options are players who have a reasonable chance to be available and are likely on the team\u2019s radar, but may or may not be on the board in this scenario.\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

The Jaguars have made no effort to hide their affection for Lawrence. This has been locked in for months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: none<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

According to the <\/span>NFL Network\u2019s Aditi Kinkhabwala<\/span><\/a>, Wilson has been in touch with former Jets quarterbacks Josh McCown, Chad Pennington, and Mark Sanchez to learn about what it\u2019s like playing for the franchise. The Jets have likely already given him an indication he\u2019s the selection at No. 2.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: QB Trey Lance | QB Justin Fields<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Perhaps the 49ers will shock us, but when there\u2019s strong agreement on a selection near the top, the consensus pick is usually correct.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: QB Trey Lance | QB Justin Fields<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

In early April, ESPN\u2019s Chris Mortensen reported head coach Arthur Smith wants to try to win now with Matt Ryan. Convincing owner Arthur Blank he can still win with his expensive face of the franchise was probably an easy task, even if GM Terry Fontenot was arguing in favor of drafting a quarterback. Adding Pitts would allow Atlanta to make one more run with Matt Ryan, before tearing it down and rebuilding in a couple years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: QB Trey Lance | QB Justin Fields | OT Penei Sewell<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Adding another downfield weapon for Joe Burrow, while addressing the offensive line on Day 2 seems to be the plan for Cincinnati.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: TE Kyle Pitts | OT Penei Sewell\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

Previous pick: DeVonta Smith, WR\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Dolphins have to figure out what they have in Tua Tagovailoa, so they\u2019ll use this pick to make him more comfortable and hope he takes significant strides in Year 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: TE Kyle Pitts | OT Penei Sewell | WR DeVonta Smith<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #7<\/span> Detroit Lions \u2013 Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Kwity Paye, EDGE (after a trade down)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

With only six draft picks, we should probably assume the rebuilding Lions are trying to trade down. But if Sewell is on the board, there\u2019s a strong case to be made for improving the offensive line now, before adding a young quarterback in 2022.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: Trade down | QB Justin Fields | WR Jaylen Waddle<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Trade: Pick #8<\/span> New England Patriots \u2013 Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State<\/h2>\n

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

We know Bill Belichick needs to find his long-term quarterback solution. In recent years he\u2019s watched his friend Nick Saban evolve as an offensive coach with spectacular results. Perhaps Belichick sees Fields as the quarterback to do for him, what Tua Tagovailoa did for Saban\u2019s evolution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options (if they stay at #15): WR DeVonta Smith | LB Micah Parsons | LB Zaven Collins<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #9<\/span> Denver Broncos \u2013 Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern<\/h2>\n

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

Upon being hired in Denver, new GM George Paton stated a desire from the beginning of offseason to bring in a veteran to compete with Drew Lock. Wednesday\u2019s acquisition of Teddy Bridgewater, probably makes Paton feel comfortable moving forward without a quarterback in this year\u2019s draft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: QB Trey Lance | Trade Down | LB Micah Parsons<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Arguments can be made in favor of Surtain or Jaycee Horn, but either way this pick is likely to be a cornerback.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: CB Jaycee Horn | OT Rashawn Slater | Trade Down<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #11<\/span> New York Giants \u2013 Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State<\/h2>\n

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

Giants defensive line coach Sean Spencer recruited Micah Parsons to Penn State and coached him for two years. Based on that connection, no team is better equipped to determine if Parsons is worth the risk despite off-field troubles in the past. Assuming Spencer signs off on him, this feels like an easy choice for Dave Gettleman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: WR DeVonta Smith | EDGE Kwity Paye | EDGE Azeez Ojulari<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #12<\/span> Philadelphia Eagles \u2013 Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina<\/h2>\n

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

The Eagles will likely be faced with a decision to make between cornerback and wide receiver. Having already invested in receiver last year (Jalen Reagor) and a steeper dropoff on Day 2 at cornerback, Jaycee Horn might be their guy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: CB Patrick Surtain | WR DeVonta Smith | WR Jaylen Waddle<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

The Chargers rebuilt their interior offensive line in free agency but Trey Pipkins remains a question mark at left tackle and Bryan Bulaga may not have a future with the team beyond 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: CB Jaycee Horn | OT Rashawn Slater | OT Alijah Vera-Tucker<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #14<\/span> Minnesota Vikings \u2013 Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC<\/h2>\n

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

Darrisaw might be a more obvious fit, but between Vera-Tucker and last year\u2019s second-round pick Ezra Cleveland, the Vikings should be able to figure out the best fit at left tackle with the other landing at guard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: OT Christian Darrisaw | Trade Up (for Slater\/Sewell) | Trade Down<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Trade: Pick #15<\/span> Chicago Bears \u2013 Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT (at No. 20)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

GM Ryan Pace is on the hot seat. Trading up for a quarterback would likely buy him some time, even if it\u2019s not his ideal choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options (if they stay at #20): WR Rashod Bateman | OT Teven Jenkins | CB Greg Newsome\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

If one of the top cornerbacks or receivers starts to slide, assume they\u2019ll land in Arizona.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: CB Jaycee Horn | WR Jaylen Waddle | LB Zaven Collins<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #17<\/span> Las Vegas Raiders \u2013 Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame<\/h2>\n

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

Jon Gruden must be sick of watching Travis Kelce dominate the Raiders twice per season. Owusu-Koramoah would greatly improve their pass-defense and Mike Mayock would happily sign off on a Notre Dame guy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: OT Christian Darrisaw | OT Teven Jenkins | LB Micah Parsons<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

Miami needs to replace pass-rush production from the losses of Shaq Lawson and Kyle Van Noy. And it\u2019s possible none of the edge-rushers will be off the board yet, allowing them to snap their top player at the position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: LB Micah Parsons | EDGE Jaelan Phillips | EDGE Azeez Ojulari<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #19<\/span> Washington Football Team \u2013 Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky<\/h2>\n

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

Ron Rivera, a former linebacker, can\u2019t feel good about looking at this depth chart of Cole Holcomb, Jon Bostic, and Khaleke Hudson. Jamin Davis is a project, but Rivera would likely be excited for the opportunity to work with his raw athleticism and groom him into a star.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | OT Alijah Vera-Tucker | OT Christian Darrisaw<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Trade: Pick #20<\/span> Carolina Panthers \u2013 Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Penei Sewell, OT (at No. 8)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

New GM Scott Fitterer comes from Seattle, where they value draft capital and often trade down. In this scenario Carolina trades down twice, first with New England and then Chicago. These moves would allow the Panthers to stockpile picks, either setting themselves up to build around Sam Darnold, or giving them the ammunition needed to secure the quarterback of the future in 2022. As for Toney, he would fit naturally into Curtis Samuel\u2019s old role and the coaches are already familiar with him from the Senior Bowl.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options (if they stay at #8): OT Penei Sewell | OT Rashawn Slater | QB Justin Fields\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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

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

The Colts need a left tackle, but head coach Frank Reich has stated he\u2019s willing to move Braden Smith over from the right side. Jenkins primarily played on right tackle at Oklahoma State.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: OT Sam Cosmi | OT Liam Eichenberg | EDGE Azeez Ojulari<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #22<\/span> Tennessee Titans \u2013 Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss<\/h2>\n

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

Elijah Moore\u2019s speed would add a new element to the Titans offense, potentially even offering an upgrade over what Corey Davis brought to the table in recent years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: CB Greg Newsome | CB Caleb Farley | EDGE Azeez Ojulari<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #23<\/span> New York Jets \u2013 Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson<\/h2>\n

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

I\u2019ve barely given consideration to running backs in previous versions, but there\u2019s been buzz around Etienne and Najee Harris from a number of teams. Maybe some of the rumors are smokescreens, but smokescreens can be effective. There are three clear starting running backs in this class but that might be it. If the Jets covet Etienne (the best fit due to his speed), they\u2019ll feel pressure to do so now rather than risk missing out in Round 2.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: OT Teven Jenkins | CB Greg Newsome | CB Caleb Farley<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #24<\/span> Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 Najee Harris, RB, Alabama<\/h2>\n

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

If Pittsburgh believes it needs a starting running back from this class, waiting until the late second round is not an option.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: OT Teven Jenkins | OT Alex Leatherwood | RB Javonte Williams<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #25<\/span> Jacksonville Jaguars \u2013 Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue<\/h2>\n

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

As an 18-year-old freshman, Rondale Moore was the best player on the field against Urban Meyer\u2019s Ohio State squad in 2018 during Purdue\u2019s shocking upset. There\u2019s little doubt that left a lasting impression. Moore would help Meyer fulfill his quest of fielding the fastest team in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | EDGE Jayson Oweh | WR Rashod Bateman<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Trade: Pick #26<\/span> Miami Dolphins \u2013 Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina<\/h2>\n

Previous pick (for Browns): Rashod Bateman, WR<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Browns have filled all their holes with serviceable starters, allowing for some flexibility on draft day. If Miami (or any other RB-needy team) sees Etienne and Harris off the board, they\u2019ll likely realize it\u2019s now or never to land their starting running back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options (for Browns): CB Greg Newsome | EDGE Azeez Ojulari | CB Asante Samuel Jr.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #27<\/span> Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa<\/h2>\n

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

Baltimore covets versatility on defense, making Zaven Collins the ideal fit. The 270-pound athlete with experience blitzing and dropping in coverage has Adalius Thomas-like potential in their defense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: WR Rashod Bateman | EDGE Kwity Paye | EDGE Azeez Ojulari<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #28<\/span> New Orleans Saints \u2013 Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern<\/h2>\n

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

The Saints had questions at cornerback to begin with, but Marshon Lattimore\u2019s <\/span>legal issues<\/span><\/a> only further add to their problems in the secondary. Newsome has comparable athletic traits to Lattimore, likely placing him high on their board.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: WR Elijah Moore | CB Caleb Farley | CB Tyson Campbell<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #29<\/span> Green Bay Packers \u2013 Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota<\/h2>\n

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

Has Brian Gutekunst taken some time to self-evaluate over the last year? If so, he\u2019ll realize providing Aaron Rodgers with more weapons, rather than planning for life without Rodgers, is the path to take. Bateman is an ideal outside weapon who can stretch the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: WR Kadarius Toney | WR Rondale Moore | DT Christian Barmore<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #30<\/span> Buffalo Bills \u2013 Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: Greg Rousseau, DE, Miami FL<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Many players I\u2019ve linked to the Bills in the past (Greg Rousseau, Jaelan Phillips, Caleb Farley) are in danger of sliding out of the first round due to poor workouts and\/or injury concerns. Jayson Oweh is a project with elite athletic traits and Buffalo would be an ideal landing spot, where he could play behind Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: EDGE Azeez Ojulari | OT Alex Leatherwood | RB Travis Etienne<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #31<\/span> Baltimore Ravens \u2013 Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia<\/h2>\n

Previous pick: none (acquired this week from Kansas City)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Matt Judon\u2019s departure weakened Baltimore\u2019s pass-rush, but Ojulari would be an ideal replacement. He has injury concerns hanging over his draft stock, but with two first-round selections, maybe Baltimore is one of the teams more likely to roll the dice on one of the talented players sliding due to injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: EDGE Jaelan Phillips | DT Christian Barmore | OT Alex Leatherwood<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Pick #32<\/span> Tampa Bay Buccaneers \u2013 Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington<\/h2>\n

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

With virtually everyone returning, this selection will mostly be a pick for the future. Levi Onwuzurike would have an opportunity to learn behind Ndamukong Suh, while playing a reserve role in the rotation as a rookie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options: EDGE Jayson Oweh | EDGE Jaelan Phillips | WR Rondale Moore<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The final mock draft is finally here! In this version, […]<\/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":"Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft from Ryan McCrystal","_seopress_robots_index":"","mc4wp_mailchimp_campaign":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-35808","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\/35808","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=35808"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35808\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35808"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sharpfootballanalysis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}