Category: Mock Drafts

2021 NFL mock draft: Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield get replaced?

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft has a pair of top-five quarterbacks from 2018 getting replaced

The Sam Darnold era hasn’t exactly gone as planned for the New York Jets so far, but would they pull the plug next offseason if given the chance to land Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence?

That’s what happens in the latest 2021 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports, which has the Jets landing Lawrence with the No. 2 overall pick.

It’s hard to imagine a team not trading up for Lawrence at No. 1, should that pick go to a team that wouldn’t spend it on a new quarterback. But if Lawrence does happen to go later than the top spot, any team would be silly not to consider whether or not he would be worth starting over at the game’s most important position.

Even a team like the Jets, who spent the No. 3 pick on Darnold just a few short years ago, would be wise to consider moving on if it meant getting Lawrence. Darnold hasn’t been the sole cause of the Jets’ woes since he joined the team, but Lawrence certainly provides more upside.

That’s not the only surprise pick at quarterback in this projection, as CBS Sports also has the Cleveland Browns admitting defeat on the Baker Mayfield pick at No. 1 overall back in 2018 by spending the No. 12 pick in next year’s draft on North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.

The only other quarterback to land in this first-round mock is Ohio State’s Justin Fields, who heads to the Carolina Panthers at No. 6 overall as the understudy to veteran Teddy Bridgewater.

To check out the full mock draft at CBS Sports, click here.

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2021 NFL mock draft: Big surprises in 1st round

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports is full of first-round surprises

The mock draft machine is churning even earlier than usual this year, thanks to a college football season full of postponed games and top prospects opting out due to COVID-19.

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft comes from CBS Sports, and while it’s hard to label too many picks as shocking this early, this projection definitely has a handful of eyebrow-raising selections.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t one of them, but the Washington Football team opting for Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields over Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell would be a head-scratcher at the No. 2 spot. Sewell falling past the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 3 is even more surprising, given Cincy’s need to improve their offensive line and protect their investment in Joe Burrow.

Sewell falls to the Miami Dolphins at No. 5, giving Tua Tagovailoa a franchise left tackle and a huge bargain at that pick.

Another top prospect who goes much later than expected in Florida State defensive lineman Marvin Wilson III, who nearly falls out of the first round entirely, landing with the Baltimore Ravens at the No. 30 pick.

North Dakota State’s Trey Lance is the only other quarterback to crack this first-round projection, heading to the Chicago Bears with the No. 14 overall pick.

To check out the complete first-round mock draft at CBS Sports, which includes plenty of surprise picks that aren’t likely to be household names just yet, click here.

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2021 NFL mock draft: A shocker at No. 2?

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has a big surprise at the No. 2 overall pick

It’s only September, and it feels like we’ve already gotten tired of slotting Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the first two picks in every 2021 NFL mock draft.

That’s not a problem in the latest projection from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, who indeed has Lawrence in the top spot for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but throws a huge curveball at the No. 2 selection.

Miller has the Washington Football team passing on Sewell, and even Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, in favor of North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance. Miller broke down his reasoning for plugging Lance in at such a high spot:

Much like the Jacksonville Jaguars, if the Washington Football Team is selecting at No. 2 overall, it likely means they would move on from second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr.

But again, this is not a shot at Haskins, who is a talented and capable quarterback. It’s more a reflection of where the Super Bowl odds have this team and what direction it would go in this scenario.

So, how about Trey Lance? In his 2019 breakout campaign, he was responsible for 42 touchdowns and no interceptions—28 passing and 14 rushing. Turning on his film, you’ll think it’s a highlight breakdown instead of his full games. He’s athletic and strong-armed, and he gives you a Deshaun Watson-at-Clemson vibe. It’s exciting.

It’s hard to argue with much of what Miller says here, including the fact that if Washington is picking this high, it wouldn’t be a shock to see them move on from Haskins despite having recently invested a first-round pick in him. That said, Lance is still a huge projection at this point, and unlike his fellow Bison alum Carson Wentz, the redshirt sophomore won’t get the benefit of the Senior Bowl to prove himself against top talent and improve his stock.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers reap the benefits of this pick in Miller’s mock, landing Sewell and Fields respectively with the following pair of selections. Sewell is the best present Cincy could give Joe Burrow, and Fields would give Carolina a long-term solution at quarterback beyond the Teddy Bridgewater era.

The New York Jets round out Miller’s top five with LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who would be a huge bargain at that pick and fill a big need.

Another surprise pick in Miller’s mock also comes from Fargo, as North Dakota State offensive tackle Dillon Radunz cracks the top 15, landing with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 12 overall.

To check out Miller’s full first-round projection at Bleacher Report, click here.

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2021 NFL mock draft: QB trio in the top 5?

See where the top quarterbacks land in the latest first-round mock for the 2021 NFL Draft from The Sporting News

Last year’s NFL draft looked a bit different than usual, and next year’s could have some unique characteristics of its own, again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the 2020 event was fully virtual as a result of the virus, the 2021 installment could be impacted by the college football landscape this fall, with multiple Power 5 conferences opting to postpone their seasons with hopes of playing in the spring.

Early projections for next year’s draft are already taking that into the account, and the latest 2021 NFL mock draft from The Sporting News is no exception.

Vinnie Iyer has a trio of quarterbacks landing among the top five picks, including the first two selections. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence lands with the Washington Football Team at No. 1 overall, while Ohio State’s Justin Fields heads to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 2nd pick. The Carolina Panthers grab the next passer off the board, taking North Dakota State’s Trey Lance at No. 5 overall.

Lawrence is an interesting fit in Washington, considering the team spent a top-15 pick on Dwayne Haskins just two years ago. That said, if Washington still ends up with the top pick next year, it’s clear something isn’t going well, and the quarterback often takes the fall. Heck, the Arizona Cardinals traded Josh Rosen just one year after trading up to take him in the top 10, and that move looks to have paid off with Kyler Murray.

Fields would be an immediate upgrade for the Jags, while Carolina would be a strong landing spot for Lance, who would get to learn behind an experienced veteran in Teddy Bridgewater after limited action at the college level against FCS competition.

No other quarterback cracks this first-round projection, and that’s not the only surprise. Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell falls out of the top five picks (No. 6 overall, Detroit Lions), while Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons tumbles down outside the top 15 (No. 19 overall, Cleveland Browns).

To check out the complete first-round mock draft at The Sporting News, click here.

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PFF’s preseason 2021 Mock Draft gives the Lions WR help

PFF’s preseason 2021 Mock Draft addresses the Detroit Lions potential massive need at wide receiver next season by giving them Alabama speedster Jaylen Waddle.

The 2020 college football season is on the brink of shutting down across the country, but the NFL claims it doesn’t want to deviate from the preplanned NFL draft schedule, and that means 2021 Mock Drafts will continue to be churned out across the internet.

Pro Football Focus’ Michael Renner released his preseason 2021 Mock Draft today and he addressed the Detroit Lions potential massive need at wide receiver next season.

PFF is using Super Bowl odds to project the draft order and those currently lead to the Lions picking 10th overall. And with that pick, Renner has the Lions selecting Alabama speedster, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

“Speed doesn’t last long at the receiver position, and Waddle has as much of it as any receiver in the draft,” Renner said. “With Marvin Jones Jr.’s contract expiring, Detroit could choose to swap in the Bama wideout and add a different element to the offense. Last season, Waddle led the nation by averaging 12.2 yards after the catch per reception.”

With only Quintez Cephus and Geronimo Allison signed through the 2021 season — with Kenny Golladay hoping to get an extension and give them three receivers — the Lions could use a top tier option, and could mean grabbing a receiver in the first round.

Here are some highlights of what Waddle can do:

2021 NFL mock draft: Todd McShay starts the surprises early

See which surprise picks ESPN’s Todd McShay projects in his latest mock for the 2021 NFL Draft

While it’s always draft season around here, it looks like mock draft season will be starting earlier than usual throughout the national football media world, as Power 5 conferences postpone their 2020 seasons and top prospect continue to opt out anyway.

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft comes from ESPN’s Todd McShay, who has the usual suspect at No. 1 overall, but things get fun after that.

After sending Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the top pick, McShay goes off the beaten path with the No. 2 selection, having the Washington Football Team opt for Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II over Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

There’s no denying Surtain’s talent, but considering Washington’s need for a franchise left tackle, and the gap between Sewell and the rest of next year’s offensive tackle class compared to that between Surtain and the other top corners in this draft, this pick doesn’t make too much sense.

That’s not the only surprise in the early going of McShay’s latest mock. His top 10 picks feature a pair of wide receivers typically found in the back half of most early mocks, with Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman landing with the Detroit Lions at No. 7 overall, and Alabama’s DeVonta Smith going to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 10 overall.

Bateman could easily be the No. 2 receiver off the board following LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, thanks to his complete skill set and his ideal combination of size, length and athleticism. No. 7 still seems a little early, but it wouldn’t be out of the question. Smith’s slight frame is sure to be a concern among NFL teams at just 175 pounds, and it’s surprising to see him come off the board before his Alabama teammate, Jaylen Waddle, especially after watching Henry Ruggs III get drafted before Jerry Jeudy this year.

Only three quarterbacks make the cut for McShay, with Ohio State’s Justin Fields (No. 4 overall, Carolina Panthers) and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance (No. 14 overall, Chicago Bears) joining Lawrence as first-round picks in this mock.

To check out McShay’s full first-round projection at ESPN.com, click here.

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Todd McShay gives Lions WR help in 2021 Mock Draft

ESPN’s Todd McShay published his first 2021 Mock Draft draft of the season and he gives the Detroit Lions help on offense at wide receiver.

ESPN’s Todd McShay published his first 2021 Mock Draft draft of the season and he gives the Detroit Lions help on offense at wide receiver — potentially one of the thinnest positions on the roster heading into next season.

Currently, the Lions only have two receivers under contract for the 2021 season, fifth-round draft pick Quintez Cephus, and opt-out holdover Geronimo Allison.

If slot receivers Tom Kennedy and Victor Bolden end up on the Lions roster at seasons end, they will be an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) and restricted free agent (RFA) respectively, but the remaining receivers on the current roster — Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola, Marvin Hall, Jamal Agnew, and Geremy Davis — are all scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.

Kenny Golladay has been in talks with the Lions about a contract extension and will likely command a hefty salary. And keeping him around has to be a massive priority for general manager Bob Quinn, but it also wouldn’t eliminate the idea of the Lions selecting a receiver in the first round.

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To help the at the position, McShay had the Lions selecting Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman with the seventh overall pick:

Another early 2020 college season opt-out, another top-10 pick. Bateman won’t wow you with his wheels, but he produced to the tune of 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns last season because of his precise route running, soft hands and physicality. He has some versatility in where he lines up — he will work the middle of the field and eat up press coverage. Oh, and essentially the entire Lions wide receivers room could be off to free agency in 2021, including Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola and Marvin Hall, meaning “area of need” might be an understatement come April.

Bateman was the second receiver off the board — LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase went fifth to the Dolphins — with McShay projecting eight to be selected in the first round.

2021 NFL mock draft: An LSU reunion in Cincinnati?

Could the Bengals reunite Joe Burrow with his top target from LSU in the 2021 NFL Draft?

The Cincinnati Bengals have their franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow, but could they go back to Baton Rouge in next year’s draft to land him a blue-chip wide receiver prospect?

That’s what happens in the latest 2021 NFL mock draft from The Draft Network, which has the Bengals spending next year’s No. 3 overall pick on one of Burrow’s favorite targets from his legendary senior season at LSU.

Here’s what TDN’s Jordan Reid had to say about projecting Ja’Marr Chase to Cincinnati:

Despite a lackluster 2-14 season in 2019, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the Bengals offense. With Joe Burrow firmly entrenched as the new face of the franchise, it’d be wise for the team to continue to build around him. Needing protection, the franchise is disappointed that the Washington Football Team selected Sewell. Tyler Boyd pieced together another 1,000-yard receiving season, but with A.J. Green on the franchise tag at 32 years old and John Ross remaining inconsistent, the team pivots to selecting a familiar weapon as they reignite the Burrow-to-Chase connection.

Although it was a record-setting connection on their way to a perfect 15-0 record and national title victory, it went much deeper than that. Chase averaged a monstrous 21.2 yards per reception. His after the catch dynamics were also impressive as 699 of his 1,780 receiving yards came after the catch, which also included a team-high 23 broken tackles.

The Bengals certainly have bigger needs elsewhere on both sides of the ball, and they just spent a high second-round pick on Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins. That said, with Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell already off the board, Cincy would have a tough time opting for the likes of Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons or Miami edge defender Greg Rousseau over an elite pass-catcher like Chase.

When a team invests the No. 1 overall pick in a new quarterback, they must do everything they can do give him the help he needs to be successful. If the Bengals can’t land a franchise left tackle at the top of next year’s draft, giving him a dominant receiver would be the next best thing, especially if he’s already got a proven rapport with that quarterback.

Speaking of quarterbacks, this mock has three of them in the first round, including a pair in the top five. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence takes the No. 1 overall spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Carolina Panthers grab Ohio State’s Justin Fields at No. 4 overall. North Dakota State’s Trey Lance lands with the Chicago Bears at No. 16 overall.

Chase is one of five wide receivers in this top-32 projection, including a pair of Alabama stars in the top 10. Jaylen Waddle goes to the Miami Dolphins at No. 9 overall, reuniting with his college quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, while his Crimson Tide teammate DeVonta Smith heads to the Detroit Lions with the very next selection. The New York Jets spend the No. 22 pick (acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in the Jamal Adams trade) on Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman, while the Green Bay Packers grab Purdue’s Rondale Moore at No. 26 overall.

To check out the full first-round mock draft at The Draft Network, click here.

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2021 NFL mock draft: Which surprise QB prospect jumps into the 1st round?

See which under-the-radar quarterback leaps into the first round of this way-too-early mock for the 2021 NFL Draft

It’s never too early for a mock draft, especially as some top prospects are already opting out of the 2020 college football season to get an early start on their preparations for the next level.

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft comes from Touchdown Wire, where they have a pair of top quarterback prospects kicking things off.

To no one’s surprise, Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence takes the top spot, landing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Ohio State’s Justin Fields goes to the Washington Football Team at No. 2 overall. North Dakota State’s Trey Lance makes it a quarterback trifecta in the top 10, heading to the Detroit Lions at No. 7 overall.

But the only other quarterback to land in this first-round projection is a bit of a surprise, as Florida’s Kyle Trask stays in the Sunshine State with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 28 overall, making him the Bucs’ eventual successor for Tom Brady.

Seeing those top three land among the first 10 picks is par for the course at this point when it comes to mock drafts, but the battle to be the No. 4 passer off the board still varies widely. Georgia will have an intriguing battle this fall between a pair of transfers in Jamie Newman and JT Daniels, while the likes of Minnesota’s Tanner Morgan and Iowa State’s Brock Purdy could also get first-round consideration.

Trask replaced an injured Feleipe Franks last season and instantly improved the Gators’ offense, turning himself into one of the more interesting quarterback prospects in this year’s class. Another strong season in 2020 could easily put him in the top-32 conversation.

To check out the complete first-round mock at Touchdown Wire, click here.

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Mock Draft Watch: Draft Wire’s latest has Lions addressing the front-7 early

Detroit Lions Mock Draft watch examines Draft Wire’s latest and how they gave the Lions front-7 help early and a player of the future in the third.

The latest 2021 NFL Draft projections from our brother site Draft Wire have the Detroit Lions getting front-7 help early and a possible player of the future in the third.

With the draft order established by Super Bowl odds, the Lions are slotted to pick ninth, and Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling gives the Lions Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson.

At this stage in the process, Wilson (6-5, 311) is the top interior defensive lineman on most draft analysts boards — as is the case here — as he can be dominant from the 3-technique. Wilson is a rock in the middle and not only is difficult to move off his spot, but he is capable of attacking upfield — something the Lions are desperate for.

In the second round, Easterling gave the Lions another player from Ohio State, linebacker Baron Browning. At 6-3, 248-pounds, Browning fits the size profile Lions prefer and his athleticism/speed are very impressive, but the main questions surrounding him are his lack of snaps. In coach Patricia’s scheme, Browning would be a quality WILL linebacker who can flow to the ball, but he would need to control his aggressiveness.

In the third round, Easterling has the Lions investing in the future, grabbing Georgia (via graduate transfer from Wake Forrest) quarterback Jamie Newman. Newman has solid arm strength and isn’t afraid to take shots downfield, but is a much better pass when focusing on intermediate passes. He is athletic and mobile in the pocket, has the speed to escape and run for a first down, but prefers to hang in and attempt throws. He’s not a plug and play starter in the NFL and would need time to develop.

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