The first round of the 2021 NFL draft is, finally, in the books. Sure there were some chalky selections but there were also some surprises, and yet again those of us in the media space were forced to question what we actually know thanks to the decision makers working for NFL teams.
But we all know that the draft has just begun. While the names at the top of draft boards often generate the most buzz, teams are built and championships are won over the course of all three days, and that starts later tonight with the second round. Last year alone we saw players like Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman Jr., Jonathan Taylor and Antoine Winfield Jr. come off the board early and make big contributions for their new teams. Two other players selected at the top of the second round (Xavier McKinney by the New York Giants and Grant Delpit by the Cleveland Browns) might have also been huge contributors as rookies were it not for injuries.
So sure, the first round is done, but there is a long way to go. To that end, here is a look at how the second round could play out with a predictive second-round mock.