Tag: Teven Jenkins

Here’s my second 2021 NFL mock draft. I tend not to project trades, and this year is no different — at least for now. The draft process is quite different this year, most notably without a scouting combine, so collegiate pro days will be more valuable than in recent years. Also important, in-game data retrieved from chips embedded into equipment, which is something we’ll see teams utilize more frequently and rely less on watching how a player performs without pads.

Anyway, we’ll be unveiling 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

• The New York Jets’ No. 2 pick … I previously mocked WR Ja’Marr Chase here, because I wasn’t convinced the Jets were done with Sam Darnold. It was looking to be the case right up until the San Francisco 49ers traded the farm to move into the No. 3 spot, which convinced me the Jets didn’t want to get out of the second slot for fear of losing their new franchise quarterback.
• San Francisco could go with Trey Lance or Justin Fields … my lean is Fields, because I see more upside there to fit what Kyle Shanahan wants to do on offense, and there’s a little greater trust factor coming from a powerhouse school.
• Back to Chase for a moment … Do the Atlanta Falcons need another wide receiver? No, probably not, but Chase’s potential is too great to pass with Julio Jones in the twilight (and probably final year) of his career with the Falcons. Furthermore, the franchise is locked into Matt Ryan for at least 2021 and probably 2022, barring a contract restructuring to spread the dead cap hits. If the team feels it can upgrade elsewhere just enough to be competitive, Chase could be a dynamic pick.

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• Denver is in a strange position following the two draft trades. The Broncos can stick with Drew Lock one more year and see if he develops once he has more cohesion around him and what should be a traditional offseason to develop his promising skills. He lost his top receiver last year, and the right tackle Ja’Wuan James opted out. James, 28, is expected to return, but the team has an out after this year if he’s not playing well. This team could go QB, LB, CB, OT … it’s rather wide open.
• Several situations that appear to be obvious directions for teams to turn don’t necessarily compute for me. I’m not saying Chicago, 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.

Here’s my first 2021 NFL mock draft. I tend not to project trades, and this year is no different — at least for now. The draft process is quite different this year, most notably without a scouting combine, so collegiate pro days will be more valuable than in recent years. Also valuable, in-game data retrieved from chips embedded into equipment.

Anyway, we’ll be unveiling 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: Round 1

• The New York Jets’ No. 2 pick … I’m not convinced they’re done with Sam Darnold, and putting more weapons around him will help see what he can bring to the table. He’s only 23, and Zach Wilson is far from a sure thing. I can envision Wilson being the pick and Darnold remaining on the roster, but for a few reasons (durability questions, level of competition, overrated QB class), I’m not nearly as high on Wilson as others. This pick is extremely fluid.
• A trade is absolutely in play, and Carolina jumps out as one of the most viable partners. The Panthers could secure Wilson, while New York then moves back just a handful of spots and picks up multiple picks. It would then allow the Jets to spend a more palatable No. 8 overall pick on a receiver and build around Darnold.
• That being said, it makes the Miami pick at No. 3 all that much harder to project. I’m not sold on DeVonta Smith being the second-best receiver, let alone the second one chosen, and this pick almost certainly becomes Ja’Marr Chase if Wilson is the Jets’ No. 2 overall selection.
• Several situations that appear to be obvious directions for teams to turn don’t necessarily compute for me. I’m not saying Chicago, 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.
• Free agency opens March 17, and the player movement will undoubtedly create cause for an update after some of the dust settles.

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