Cory Bonini’s 2021 NFL mock draft 3.0

Here’s my third 2021 NFL mock draft. I tend not to project trades, but there was one deal that makes too much sense for both parties.

We are publishing more mock drafts than ever before this year, so be sure to check back with our 2021 NFL Draft Central page to keep track of all of our offerings.

2021 NFL Mock Draft notables

• I project a trade between the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, sending a package of draft picks from the Windy City, including Chicago’s No. 18 pick to the Falcons for No. 4. Reports say there had been separation between the new head coach and general manager in Atlanta as to what should be done with the pick, until they came to a recent agreement. Atlanta is in a tough spot at No. 4 in terms of balancing current needs with available players that aren’t a reach. I can see this team staying put and drafting a cornerback, wide receiver or quarterback. The relationship between general managers Ryan Pace and Atlanta’s Terry Fontenot could help facilitate this trade.

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• Several situations that appear to be obvious directions for teams to turn don’t necessarily compute for me. I’m not saying New Orleans, New England and/or Washington won’t add a quarterback in Round 1, but I’m not seeing the scenarios playing out favorably.

*projected trade