After a dominant season that included a Heisman Trophy and a national title, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been discussed as a potential top-five pick who could be the first receiver selected in the 2021 NFL draft.
But that’s not how things play out in the latest 2021 NFL mock draft from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who has Smith falling out of the top 10.
Jeremiah doesn’t explain his reasoning for Smith’s tumble, only correctly pointing out that his arrival in Minnesota at No. 14 overall would give the Vikings a formidable pass-catching trio with Smith, veteran Adam Thielen and last year’s rookie sensation, Justin Jefferson.
Last year, some were surprised to see Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III come off the board before Crimson Tide teammate Jerry Jeudy, but Jeremiah projects a similar situation in this mock, sending Jaylen Waddle to the Los Angeles Chargers just one pick before Smith.
Speaking of surprise picks involving the Alabama offense, Jeremiah has Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones falling all the way to No. 28 overall, where the New Orleans Saints snag him to replace Drew Brees.
While he lacks the high-end physical traits of some of this year’s top quarterback prospects, it would be surprising to see multiple QB-needy teams like the San Francisco 49ers (No. 12 overall), New England Patriots (No. 15 overall), Washington Football Team (No. 19 overall), Chicago Bears (No. 20 overall) and Indianapolis Colts (No. 21 overall) all pass on a player with Jones’ combination of accuracy and decision-making ability.
To check out Jeremiah’s full first-round projection at NFL.com, click here.
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