Jon Cameron 2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft

“You think Cleveland is cool? I mean I have never heard anybody say I am going on vacation to Cleveland. What’s so good about Cleveland?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpr_KaaRjW0

Over a decade ago we received this fantastic quote from Joakim Noah, stating what most of us believe when it comes to the city of Cleveland. Flash forward to 2021 and the city is hosting the NFL draft! The draft for fans and media alike is a time to sit back and enjoy the show after months of back and forth on who has the most accurate mock draft or best sources. Especially after a year where the NFL draft was handled remotely, I think we are all happy to have the location be anywhere in public even if it is Cleveland. Booing Roger Goodell in person is something we as fans should be entitled to. That being said, nobody reads mock drafts for the intro so let us jump right into it…

Pick 1, Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson

Let us not overthink this one. Trevor Lawrence may not be the “generational talent” that some think he is, but he is the best quarterback and maybe even player in the draft. Jaguars hit as much of a home run as possible with the first pick.

Other considerations: None

Pick 2, New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB BYU

After trading Sam Darnold this pick already seems set in stone. After skyrocketing up draft boards, Zach Wilson finds himself as a top 3 pick ready to lead the Jets past the Adam Gase era. We breathe a sigh of relief for all Jets fans who make it through that.

Other considerations: None

Pick 3, San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State

I rarely believe draft rumors as it seems there is always an agenda behind them. This case is no different as it seems every top QB outside of the top two listed above have been linked to the 3rd pick. Bottom line, I think Fields is the most talented QB left and do not see the 49ers trading up to three unless they take the guy who can be a franchise QB. Mac Jones is a good fit, but Fields is much more than that? The character concerns for Fields are a joke and I expect him to be the third QB off the board early, as he should be.

Other considerations: Trey Lance/Mac Jones

Pick 4, New England Patriots (Trade from Atlanta): Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State*

Mac Jones could easily go here but the talk of Josh McDaniels’ offense opening up more under Cam Newton, I expect the size and athleticism from Lance to be intriguing to that offense. Cam Newton showed some serious limitations with down field passing last year and this is a perfect place to trade up to, with Atlanta also being better off trading back.

Other considerations: Mac Jones

Pick 5, Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon Ducks

This pick was very interesting as I went back and forth with Ja’Marr Chase/Pitts, but ultimately the offensive line needs desperate help. Sewell on the other end to bookend Jonah Williams is the exact type of talent you want to surround your franchise quarterback with. Although there have been reports of Burrow signing off on his old teammate in Chase, Sewell just makes much more sense. See pick 1 for overthinking.

Other considerations: Ja’Marr Chase/Kyle Pitts

Pick 6, Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida Gators

Again, Ja’Marr Chase is an intriguing pick here, but I value Pitts as an overall pass catcher. His 2020 tape is something of a unicorn in the flesh and I think Pitts/Gesicki will play well together. Pitts can play as a TE or split out so the versatility to surround Tua is the reason Pitts gets the nod here.

Other considerations: Ja’Marr Chase/Rashawn Slater

Pick 7, Detroit Lions: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU

Still a top 10 pick, but Detroit should be ecstatic with Chase “falling” to them. After losing Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, Goff needs some serious help. I also think they give Goff a year before going QB this early but if one of the top QBs fall I would not be surprised to see Detroit jump on it. They have needs in a lot of spots but best available player at a position of need is always a win.

Other considerations: Jaylen Waddle/Mac Jones/DeVonta Smith

Pick 8, Carolina Panthers: Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern

Carolina was linked to a QB early in the draft cycle but after trading (nearly nothing) for Sam Darnold I believe the view now shifts to building around that position. Whether Darnold is the guy long term or not, getting an NFL ready offensive tackle is a homerun at pick 8.

Other considerations: Jaylen Waddle/DeVonta Smith

Pick 9, Denver Broncos: Micah Parsons, LB Penn State

I do believe if Trey Lance is available that is an option, but the defensive help is much needed this year. Micah Parsons is the perfect fit to try and replace production from an aging Von Miller and Bradley Chubb with an expiring contract on the horizon. Denver is in a tough spot here as they’re too late for a quarterback and too early for a top OT for what is left on the board. Parsons can play almost anywhere in the box and in coverage, so he is a perfect fit for the Fangio defense.

Other considerations: Patrick Surtain/Alijah Vera Tucker

Pick 10, Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama

This is the perfect fit for a defense that needs help badly. Surtain is as technically sound as they come and has rarely shown lapses in coverage. Surtain did not catch a lot of action at Alabama but this was for a reason and having an NFL ready corner is not a given any year. The only question is top end speed but given his ability to jam the line and rarely get rattled I believe this is something that can easily be worked around. Focus on the positives and Surtain proves why he is CB1 in 2021.

Other considerations: Jaycee Horn/Trevon Moehrig

Pick 11, New York Giants: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC

This pick may be seen as a bit of a reach by some, but this is a position of need and they had arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL last year. Andrew Thomas appears to be set in stone at the tackle spot and Nick Gates has become a revelation to man the middle of that line. Vera-Tucker gives the giants flexibility whether they want to keep him inside at guard or move him out to tackle. It appears guard is his best projection at the next level which would slot him in as a likely day one starter. The addition of Golladay and Kyle Rudolph leads me to believe the Giants go with a position of need rather than one of the top remaining wide receivers.

Other considerations: Jaylen Waddle/Jaelen Phillips

Pick 12, Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama

The only good thing to come out of the Eagles offense last year was the rise (and confusing fall) of Travis Fulgham. Most of this was due to injuries but the easy solution is to take one of the top pass catchers in the draft. Waddle brings some much-needed speed and electricity to this pass catching group. DeVonta Smith was also a strong option but I don’t see the Eagles going anywhere else except pass catcher this early.

Other considerations: DeVonta Smith

Pick 13, Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech

Offensive line is the clear play here and with Slater/Sewell already off the board the Chargers get a dependable option on the end to protect their franchise QB. Darrisaw was nearly flawless in college not allowing a single sack and less than 10 hurries all year. Unless they trade up for another OT, this appears to be the next top option.

Other considerations: Jaycee Horn/Greg Newsome

Pick 14, Minnesota Vikings: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami

There are plenty of EDGE rushers at this point in the draft, but Phillips gives you the highest ceiling and his athletic testing at pro day was off the charts. This former blue-chip prospect is just living up to his ranking after a disappointing start to his college career at UCLA. This is a great fit for his skillset and Minnesota wont have to trade up to get him.

Other considerations: Jaycee Horn/Kwity Paye

Pick 15, Atlanta Falcons (Trade from New England): Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina*

The only trade in the first-round works out for both teams. Atlanta trades the fourth pick due to needing defensive help badly and they happen to snag CB2 which is a position of MUST need. Some consider Jaycee Horn the top corner in the class and his aggressiveness will suit that defense well. A win-win for Atlanta who have expressed interest in trading down and still managed to get a premier player at a position of need.

Other considerations: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah/Greg Newsome

Pick 16, Arizona Cardinals: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama

Finally! The Heisman winner and generally considered a top 10 talent in the draft, Smith “drops” to pick 16. Jaycee Horn is also a strong option had Atlanta not taken them a pick before, but Arizona will be happy that a top 10 talent dropped to them without a trade up. Best available player at a position the organization is looking to upgrade.

Other considerations: Greg Newsome/Christian Barmore

Pick 17, Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame

Not the most glaring need at linebacker, the Raiders defense simply needs help everywhere. Luckily, Owusu-Koramoah can play almost anywhere on the field given his combination of speed and explosiveness. We have even seen him split out in coverage so he truly can help LV anywhere they need him defensively.

Other considerations: Greg Newsome/Teven Jenkins

Pick 18, Miami Dolphins: Najee Harris, RB Alabama

Having a running back in the first-round if not a top 10 pick just feels off. We also know the Dolphins running back by committee last year certainly is not a long-term solution. Myles Gaskin did show plenty of flashes last year, but Najee Harris brings a downhill running aspect that Gaskin cannot provide. After already getting Pitts to add to the receiving group, Miami will continue to add to their offensive firepower behind a great defense last year. It is notable I don’t have Miami taking an OT in either first round pick, but fans should be ecstatic for the boost these two first round picks provide.

Other considerations: Travis Etienne/Javonte Williams

Pick 19, Washington Football team: Mac Jones, QB Alabama

Washington has plenty of options here late in the first with a few tackles and wide receivers, but I think they ultimately go with a QB and Mac Jones is the last of the 1st round graded QBs. After Alex Smith retired, the only QB on the roster was Taylor Heinicke. There are plenty of WR options later in the draft to help McLaurin.

Other considerations: Rashod Bateman/Elijah Moore

Pick 20, Chicago Bears: Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern

Rashod Batman really is an interesting pick here, but I went with Newsome for need purposes. After losing Kyle Fuller I think the Bears desperately need help in the secondary and they at least have Anthony Miller/Darnell Mooney for 2021. Newsome is my CB3 and I think he can make an immediate impact with the Bears.

Other considerations: Rashod Bateman

Pick 21, Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan

After losing Justin Houston, who was on an incredibly cheap deal compared to his production, the Colts should look to replace that production in round 1. I do think they could look at wide receiver here and look at OT later in the draft but Paye brings upside you really covet at this point in the first round.

Other considerations: Jayson Oweh/Rashod Bateman

Pick 22, Tennessee Titans: Teven Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State

There is an interesting group of tackles here at the end of round 1 or beginning of round 2 and Jenkins fits what the Titans are trying to do. That is in mindset and fit as the nastiness he possesses on the end of the line is something Mike Vrabel will appreciate. The downhill running of Derrick Henry would be perfect fit behind Jenkins. Last year I had hoped Mekhi Becton went to the Browns for fit purposes and I feel the same here. Jenkins is the perfect type of run blocking mauler the Titans are looking for.

Other considerations: Rashod Bateman/Elijah Moore

Pick 23, New York Jets: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech

After snagging their quarterback of the future with pick 2, the Jets come out with one of the value picks of the first round. Farley is anywhere from CB1 to CB4 depending on who you read, and the recent back injury could make a few teams hesitate even with the noticeable talent. This is a great spot to take a chance on Farley given the health questions because at his best, he is easily in the top half of the draft.

Other considerations: Azeez Ojulari/Jayson Oweh

Pick 24, Pittsburgh Steelers: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson

A second running back in the first round? That's right! This could not be any more of an obvious need for the Steelers after having the worst running attack in the NFL last year. While there are OT options still on the board, I feel after the James Connor departure they need to update this position in the first two rounds. With Najee Harris already off the board the Steelers need to get their guy before its too late.

Other considerations: Walker Little/Dillon Radunz

Pick 25, Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevon Moehrig, S TCU

There are also options of OT here, but getting the best safety and best QB in the class is not a bad haul. Jaguars make the first round look easy here with two needs and two premier players.

Other considerations: Walker Little/Samuel Cosmi

Pick 26, Cleveland Browns: Christian Barmore, DL Alabama

Seemingly only scratching the surface of his potential, Barmore has shown flashes in limited action with Alabama. This isn’t uncommon at the draft pick factory based in Tuscaloosa, but not being a full-time starter does bring some questions. Bringing in Clowney was big for that defense but losing Sheldon Richardson left a bit of a gap in the middle. In a relatively weak IDL class, Cleveland takes the top one in the draft while he is available.

Other considerations: Jayson Oweh/Dillon Radunz

Pick 27, Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota

Lamar Jackson needs some help and after a rough year for Hollywood Brown, I am sure Ravens fans are begging the organization to go skill position in round 1. Having Bateman drop this far almost seems like a blessing.

Other considerations: Elijah Moore/Kadarius Toney

Pick 28, New Orleans Saints: Elijah Moore, WR Ole Miss

The saints have a few options at this point in the draft and CB is a glaring issue, but im not sold on Asante Samuel Jr in the first round this year. Elijah Moore mostly played in the slot but his play style will allow him to jump outside if needed.

Other considerations: Rondale Moore/Javon Holland

Pick 29, Green Bay Packers: Rondale Moore, WR Purdue

If Aaron Rodgers did anything during his MVP season, its reminding the organization he is still a top level QB and needs more pieces to reach the Super Bowl. This electric do-it-all offensive weapon will be able to play out of the backfield and split out. Moore allows a certain creativity on offense that I hope LaFleur can utilize.

Other considerations: Zaven Collins/Jamin Davis

Pick 30, Buffalo Bills: Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State

Very new to football – starting in 2016 – the potential is out of this world. The only thing that jumps off the page more than his potential is his athleticism. We all take pro day numbers with a grain of salt, but a sub 4.3 40 for an EDGE defender is unheard of. This late in the first round the gamble is worth it with Oweh.

Other considerations: Azeez Ojulari

Pick 31, Kansas City Chiefs: Walker Little, OT Stanford

Quite a bit of risk involved with this pick as we haven’t seen Little play a snap since 2019, but the talent is undeniable. He was talked about as a first round pick potentially before opting out of the 2020 season. I do think the lack of tape hurts him, especially with so many OTs in the draft, but I think teams will trust in the tape we have seen and talent that is evident. We all saw the super bowl, KC needs help on that O line.

Other considerations: Dillon Radunz

Pick 32, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama

When you return an entire super bowl winning team, its hard to pick holes needed for a first round pick. That gives TB ultimate freedom here to either go best available player or reach a little bit on a position of little need. Landon Dickerson is perfect for this slot as without the injury issues, he is a top 20 talent. Of course, you cannot just ignore the injuries so there is risk, but this is one team in the first round who can afford this risk.

Other considerations: Elijah Molden/Samuel Cosmi

*Atlanta traded the 2021 1st round pick (4th overall) to NE for their 2021 1st round pick (15th overall) as well as 2021 and 2022 2nd round picks.