Saints pick a first-round WR in Todd McShay’s first 2021 mock draft

The New Orleans Saints picked Oklahoma Sooners WR Charleston Rambo in the first 2021 NFL mock draft from ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay.

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The NFL is committed to moving forwards into the 2020 season despite the coronavirus pandemic, so the rest of their operations are continuing to prepare for the future. Scouts are busy connecting with college coaches to gather information on possible opt-outs and early entrants for the 2021 NFL Draft, and mock draft season is officially upon us.

In his first 2021 mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Saints making a big addition to the wide receivers room: Oklahoma Sooners prospect Charleston Rambo. Here’s what he wrote of the selection:

One more receiver for the mock, making it eight total, or 25% of the Day 1 picks. But hey, the class is good, and even after that loaded 2020 class, there are still a lot of teams in need. New Orleans, which had only four picks in 2020, is on that list. Beyond Michael Thomas, who do the Saints have? Emmanuel Sanders will be 34 years old at draft time, and Tre’Quan Smith still hasn’t made the jump. Rambo broke out a bit for Oklahoma in 2019, with 43 catches for 743 yards and five scores despite being a secondary option to CeeDee Lamb.

Rambo played second fiddle to Lamb last season, but with Oklahoma’s leading wideout off to the NFL (and, annoyingly, joining the Dallas Cowboys) Rambo is set up for a monstrous 2020 season. If the Big-12 does end up playing, that is.

Pro Football Focus had Rambo with the best yards per target in FBS on in-breaking routes (21.6), noting his high potential for explosive plays with 16 gains of 15-plus yards. He’s an exciting prospect, and should definitely be on the Saints’ radar. But whether he ends up landing in the first round depends on a lot of factors outside his control.

It would make sense for the Saints to add another receiver early, though. Thomas is the only sure thing in the receiving corps, as McShay said; but both Sanders and Smith will be entering the final year of their contracts, leaving a long-term vacancy in the lineup. The Saints rarely wait for draft day to fill critical roster needs, but a difficult 2021 salary cap outlook might force their hand.

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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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2021 NFL mock draft: How does Jamal Adams trade impact 1st round?

The Jamal Adams trade could have a big impact on the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, and early projections are already reflecting that

The blockbuster trade between the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks sent All-Pro safety Jamal Adams from the Big Apple to the Emerald City, and it also had a big impact on future draft considerations for both teams.

The Jets got a pair of first-round picks from the Seahawks in the deal, as well as a third-rounder in next year’s draft.

The latest 2021 NFL mock draft from Bleacher Report reflects what this could do for the Jets in the first round next year, as they now have a pair of first-round picks in the upcoming draft to keep building around quarterback Sam Darnold.

With their original pick, this projection has the Jets landing an elite wide receiver prospect to help Darnold, LSU’s J’Marr Chase. Later in the first round, this mock has the Jets bolstering Darnold’s offensive line with Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis. While there are certainly big needs on defense for the Jets (corner, pass rusher), giving Darnold the supporting cast he needs to succeed should be the Jets’ top priority.

The rest of this mock starts out predictably enough, with the Jacksonville Jaguars taking Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick. But a big surprise comes at the No. 3 pick, where the Carolina Panthers opt for North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance over Ohio State’s Justin Fields, who falls to the Detroit Lions at No. 8 overall.

The only other quarterback to crack this top-32 projection is Georgia’s Jamie Newman, who will have to battle fellow transfer JT Daniels for the starting spot this fall if he wants to build himself into a first-round pick next April.

Next year’s running back class will be headlined by a trio of seniors who could have been early picks in the 2020 draft. This mock sends Clemson’s Travis Etienne to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall, and Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 29 overall, while Alabama’s Najee’ Harris falls out of the first round.

To check out the full first-round mock at Bleacher Report, click here.

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2021 Mock Draft: A tight end, quarterback and safety walk into a Cowboys bar

There is no time like the present to predict the 2021 NFL Draft. The Cowboys go tight end, safety, and surprisingly quarterback.

The NFL season has a very different look to it in 2020, so there is no harm in looking ahead in attempts to picture the NFL back in its normal state. DraftWire has given a glimpse of what 2021 could look like in April for the upcoming draft.

In most mock drafts around the internet, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence seems to be the consensus pick to land the top spot in which DraftWire has predicted the Washington Football Team to be in. As for the Dallas Cowboys, will they be looking to bring in their own quarterback at some point in draft weekend? For several years the Cowboys have neglected needs at the tight end and safety position, but in the mock world, their greatest deficiencies are given priority.

The Cowboys are slotted in the No. 27 spot in this mock, indicating Draft Wire has them as a playoff team but once again falling short of a championship game.

Round 1, Pick 27: Pat Freiermuth | TE | Penn State

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The Cowboys enter 2020 with a newly re-signed Blake Jarwin to be their starting tight end for the upcoming season. Behind Jarwin, the team has Blake Bell, signed as a free agent after leaving the world champion Kansas City Chiefs, and Dalton Shultz who has yet to come into his own when it comes to the stat sheet. By drafting Freiermuth this either shows that the Cowboys are not convinced Jarwin is the long term answer, or, the depth behind Jarwin just isn’t living up to any expectations they had. Either way, spending the No. 27 pick on more offense is a key hint that the Cowboys may still be missing one more piece.

The 6-foot-5 tight end has draft comparisons to Rob Gronkowski.

Round 2, Pick 59: Hamsah Nasirildeen | S | Florida State

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After years of Cowboys Nation calling for a splash in the draft to address the safety position, they finally do in the mock world. Taking Nasirildeen indicates that there’s once again a void to be filled at safety. Xavier Woods is on a contract year which means he’s going to have to really earn his first large pay day. The Cowboys also only signed Ha Ha Clinton Dix to a one-year contract as well. There may be a serious youth movement here with this pick and it comes from Florida State.

Nasirildeen is an exciting hybrid safety-linebacker who stands an intimidating 6-foot-4. He suffered an ACL injury late in the season though, so his 2020 might be spent trying to get his body back up to full speed, which may sink his draft stock a bit.

Round 3, Pick 91: JT Daniels, QB, Georgia

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This pick will raise some eyebrows for Cowboys fans. Third-round picks are big value picks and the Cowboys use it on a quarterback. There is no secret Dak Prescott’s contract will be the talk of the 2021 offseason after playing under the franchise tag. If the team decides to use the tag on Prescott again in 2021 and then decide to draft Daniels out of Georgia in Round 3, expect the Cowboys internet to completely explode. Using a seventh rounder for Ben DiNucci didn’t sound the alarms for fans and media around the team, but using a third the following year is an indication the marriage is on thin ice.

As evidenced by the picture used, Daniels is a transfer product from USC. He’ll compete to be a starter with former Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman. In 2018 with the Trojans e threw for 2,887 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while completing 60.7% of his throws. Injured in the season opener, he lost his job permanently to then-freshman Kedon Slovis.

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2021 NFL mock draft: Which top QB takes a tumble?

See which top quarterback prospect nearly falls out of the top 10 in the latest mock for the 2021 NFL Draft

In most early projections for the 2021 NFL Draft, we’ve seen a pair of quarterbacks battling for the No. 1 overall pick, as Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields both make strong cases for that top spot.

But in the latest 2021 NFL mock draft from Bleacher Report, while Lawrence indeed takes the No. 1 slot, Fields nearly falls out of the top 10 altogether. Lawrence goes to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1, while Fields tumbles all the way to No. 9 overall, where the Las Vegas Raiders snatch him up.

There are a few teams picking earlier who could conceivably be in need of a quarterback, which makes all of them passing on a talent like Fields questionable, at best. If Washington ends up picking at No. 2, they could easily decide that Dwayne Haskins isn’t the man for the job, while the Carolina Panthers (No. 4 overall) and Detroit Lions (No. 7 overall) could each use a better long-term plan behind their current veteran starters.

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The only other quarterback to crack this first-round mock is North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, who lands with the Chicago Bears at No. 15 overall. Other top prospects like Minnesota’s Tanner Morgan, Iowa’s Brock Purdy, and Georgia’s transfer tandem of Jamie Newman and JT Daniels all have to wait until Day 2.

Among the other surprises in this mock are two off-ball linebackers landing in the top five (Penn State’s Micah Parsons, Alabama’s Dylan Moses), and a pair of interior offensive lineman climbing into the top 12 (Ohio State’s Wyatt Davis, Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey).

To see the full first-round projection at Bleacher Report, click here.

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2021 NFL mock draft: A surprise pick at No. 1?

If he doesn’t go No. 1 overall, how far could Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence fall in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Ever since his stellar freshman season at Clemson, it’s seemed a forgone conclusion that quarterback Trevor Lawrence would be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft as soon as he was eligible.

But what if someone else takes the top spot next April?

That’s what happens in the latest 2021 NFL mock draft from Bleacher Report, which has Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields knocking Lawrence off the top of the mountain, landing at No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Lawrence falls to No. 4 overall in this projection, heading to the Carolina Panthers after Washington takes Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell, and the Cincinnati Bengals add Joe Burrow’s former LSU teammate, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Lawrence would have to be considered a huge steal at that point, and it’s hard to imagine Washington passing on a quarterback if they’re still picking that high after two years of Dwayne Haskins under center.

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The next quarterback comes off the board at No. 7 overall, where the Detroit Lions pull the trigger on North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. Just a reshirt sophomore, Lance would be in a perfect situation in Detroit, able to sit behind an experienced veteran in Matthew Stafford for at least a year before having to take over the starting job.

The only other quarterback to make the cut in this first-round mock is Georgia’s Jamie Newman, a transfer from Wake Forest who heads to the Chicago Bears at No. 14 overall to end the failed Mitchell Trubisky era in the Windy City.

To check out the full mock draft at Bleacher Report, click here.

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Mock draft watch: Lions land help in the middle of the defense in Draft Wire’s latest 2-rounder

Mock draft watch: Lions land help in the middle of the defense in Draft Wire’s latest 2-rounder

The latest 2-round mock draft from our friends at Draft Wire offers defensive help up the middle, but with an asterisk.

Picking at No. 8 in the first round and No. 41 in the second, an order based on the updated Super Bowl odds, the Lions land two defenders who would bolster the defense up the gut. However, both players carry injury concerns.

Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses is a natural replacement for Jarrad Davis, the team’s last first-round linebacker, with the eighth pick. Moses was widely considered the top off-ball LB in the 2020 NFL Draft class before a season-ending injury kept him off the field. He returned to Alabama to make good on the prior hype.

Caden Sterns, a rangy safety from Texas, gets the nod in the second round. He’s an impact player but missed nearly all of 2019 with a knee injury.

If they’re both healthy during the college season, this would wind up being an enviable haul.