Welcome to our latest of our 2021 NFL mock draft! You can get ready for the NFL draft this weekend (Thu-Sat) with the latest NFL betting odds.
They’ll come in handy this NFL season too. The 2021 NFL talking season begins now, starting Thursday night, and you’ll need to do your due diligence, so that you can have all the vital stats and information.
Far as we know, we’re the only independently owned, mom and pop shop website that produces a mock draft for all four major American sports. For our latest MLB mock draft go here, the latest NBA mock is linked here and the NHL can be found here.
Finally, but most important, our first 2022 NFL mock draft is available at this link. Also, here is the link to a list of 70 of the worst NFL Draft cliches, buzzwords and other pointless word salad.
Also, If you are interested in preseason betting or line odds, you can check out www.fanduel.com to learn more.
- Jacksonville Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
In a draft that is deep in top tier quarterback prospects, Lawrence is head and shoulders the rest, and one of the most coveted NFL prospects in a very long time. At Clemson, he accomplished one of the best college football careers that anyone has ever seen. He won the FBS national championship and offensive MVP as a true freshman, then followed that up in 2019 with another undefeated regular season, getting back to the national championship game.
And in his junior year last fall he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up. The Jags are rebuilding again, and this is the right signal caller building block for them. Lawrence checks off all the boxes, and he gives Urban Meyer exactly what he needs. For much more on Lawrence, go here.
For more on how the Jags need to get the 2021 Draft absolutely, positively 100% correct go here.
2. NY Jets, Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Ah the Jets, the new Browns, always drafting new quarterbacks, forever in rebuilding mode and future-oriented. For more on how the Jets need to get the 2021 Draft absolutely, positively 100% correct go here.
3. San Francisco via Houston, Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Crazy efficient and productive; he also showed his guts and moxie in the Sugar Bowl win over Clemson. The Jets are the new Browns, seemingly always rebuilding, always seem to be in need of a new quarterback. I’m well aware that Fields has slipped below a couple of the other QBs in this class, at least that’s what we see reflected in the mocks.
I’m not buying it, at all. Same with all the Mac Jones to SF hoopla. That’s just typical draft season smokescreen nonsense, tomfoolery and skullduggery. For more on how the Niners need to get the 2021 Draft absolutely, positively 100% correct go here.
4. Atlanta, Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Name sounds like the quarterback character in every high school movie, but he’s real, and it’s time for the Falcons to find their next potential franchise signal caller. Matt Ryan is 36 years old, so we’ll see ATL go BQBA- best quarterback available.
This is as good as spot as any to do it.
5. Cincinnati, Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Perfect for building the pitch and catch combination of the future. The Bengals should get Burrow an elite WR prospect to complement him in this draft, and start to put together a fun to watch offense.
6. Miami via Philadelphia, Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Big time playmaker who creates mismatches easily. Next Gronk? This is definitely the kind of hypothetical selection that really makes a lot of sense on paper. Some draftniks believe Pitts is the second best player available in this draft.
7. Detroit, Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
The Detroit Lions are currently backed at +450 to take a quarterback at No. 7.
That’s an 18 percent probability based on the odds conversion. However, wide receiver, at a +120 moneyline, is the top projection, and the safe bet, with a 45 percent chance. In order, linebacker, offensive line and cornerback round out the top five. All are team needs for the Lions, who once again have been playing like the LOLions. (As we’ve grown accustomed to over time)
We see receiver as the pick for Detroit, as that’s the most urgent need, and we’re going with Jaylen Waddle of Alabama. Some would say he’s under-sized, but no one questions his speed, versatility, desire or ambition. He’s the kind of wideout that you can place anywhere on the field- line him up inside or outside.
Waddle is definitely over-shadowed by his teammate, the Heisman Trophy winner in Devonta Smith, but ironically he has the higher draft stock of the pair. (Although Smith should go safely in the first round too). Waddle is an explosive player who can also change the game on special teams too.
You’ll see plenty of mock drafts projecting a QB to the Detroit Lions, but I really think they’re going to give off-season signing Jared Goff a full opportunity to prove himself and become the man who replaces Matthew Stafford. The best way to back Goff is to give him a new primary weapon to work with and we think the Lions will go best WR available at this slot.
For much much more on the Lions draft this year, go to this link.
8. Carolina, Rashawn Slater, OL, Northwestern
a massive (6-3, 325) people mover with good footwork, quickness and balance that comes off as basically transcendent, given his size. The Housotn native is great at running his feet, staying attached in his blocks, with a tremendous ability to recover from any and all mistakes.
“When you went and watched him in practice there was one guy that jumped out, and it was him,” Pat Fitzgerald said on media call (h/t Inside NU for the transcript), of when he was scouting Slater in high school.
“It was athletically, it was size, it was the person he was, when you got in the building everyone loved him, adored him. Great family, professional family, his dad (Reggie Slater) had a great NBA career. He came in here, right away, ready to go, ready to compete. Earned a starting role as a freshman, and then obviously had an illustrious career.”
For more on the greatest NFL Draft in Northwestern history, go here. For more on Slater go here.
9. Denver, Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Mack Daddy, or perhaps Daddy Mack of SEC quarterbacks, he really came out of nowhere to boost his NFL Draft stock. The Jones to 49ers smokescreen was elite while it lasted, but c’mon really? Were we actually supposed to believe that?
10. Dallas, Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
Bama blue-chipper boasting big bloodlines, in the league, this draft is bonkers with Dixie’s football pride, Crimson Tide. 3/10 are from Bama. Surtain is a plug n play, instant impact guy you will be in the mix from day one.
11. NY Giants, DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The first Heisman trophy at the receiver position in forever, he was a man among boys almost every time that he took to the field this past season. Can’t pass up on drafting this guy, the best route runner in this class and a guy who can win third down for you all by himself.
He’s not jusst a possession guy, he’ll beat you on the outside too. Daniel Jones has to love this pick. That’s now 4/11 from Alabama and there is still much more to come in this mick.
12. Philadelphia via San Francisco, Zaven Collins, DE/OLB, Tulsa
Kind of a Swiss Army knife, in that he can edge on the rush or play middle linebacker. Versatility means he’ll go pretty high in this draft.
13. LA Chargers, Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
One of the bluest of all the non-QB blue chips in this draft, he should theoretically be a top 10 pick, but that doesn’t seem likely, given how deep the need for signal callers is in this class, and the plethora of QB prospects available. The Bolts would have to love Sewell falling to them as he fulfills a big need for the ballclub
Basically, the scouts, analysts and pundits are kind of split about Slater vs. Sewell in regards to who the number 1 OT prospect is in this class.
14. Minnesota, Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Vikes need more help in the defensive front seven and this is a pick that could make sense.
15. New England, Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Versatile, quick and powerful prospect, we told you there was much more Bama to come in this mock.
16. Arizona, Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
Newsome, who had 71 tackles, 1 INT and 25 PBU in his college career, is a plug ‘n’ play ready on day 1 to play in the NFL kind of prospect.
At 6’1″, 192 he’s an agile, tall corner who is fundamentally sound and stays crouched with great ball awareness.
“Greg, obviously, Glenbard North, the tradition and great experience we have had there,” Fitzgerald said of Newsome.
“He’ll be the second NFL player in my time that played for Ryan Wilkins. Obviously he went down to IMG for his senior year, but he and his mom and his family were adamant that they’d stay loyal to his commitment to us.
“A lot of other schools came in and recruited him, and he stayed true to us. He’s a great leader in the back-end, great playmaker, very high football IQ. From a football standpoint IQ, he can not only be a corner, but also sub-nickel player. He’s got the physicality to be able to do that.”
For more on the greatest NFL Draft in Northwestern history, go here. For more on Slater go here.
17. Las Vegas, Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
The native of Harrisburg earned the Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award and was a second-team All-American.
18. Miami, Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
I don’t know if Kwity Paye is a mobile app centered around Bitcoin or Dogecoin, or the heavily auto-tuned pop star with the #1 song in the nation right now.
But in all seriousness, he’s perfect for going defensive best player available and beef up the front seven, with the best edge rusher in this class.
19. Washington, Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Value pick who may not even slide this low. Tuscaloosa is a football version of a NBA G-League franchise.
20. Chicago, Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Tall, fast, productive, exciting. Look for this dude to ROW THE BOAT into the first round. Ski-U-Mah! And as you might have heard, the Bears need some help in their air attack. Of course, the quarterback issues are another story entirely. It’s likely the Bears might take an O lineman here too. Given that GM Ryan Pace is still in charge, because the Bears higher ups just don’t seem to really care too much about ever rising above the level of mediocrity, this pick could get screwed up.
Bateman would be a great pick, so I am giving Pace and company way too much credit here. More than he likely deserves and the Bears don’t seem to be headed in a clear direction right now.
It does appear that they’re selling off and rebuilding, but if you believe they’re adopting that approach, it’s a theory with easily penetrable holes in it.
21. Indianapolis, Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Shutdown corner prospect who may not fall this far. If he does, then it’s a tremendous value selection.
22. Tennessee, Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia
Pass rushing abilities on the outside are always in demand, and this prospect certainly brings that.
23. NY Jets via Seattle, Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
It’s a great class for receivers and this young Florida Man has a lot of potential, so much so that he would be among the top 3 picked at his position in a normal year.
24. Pittsburgh, Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Without a doubt, the best RB prospect in this class. So that’s 8 Crimson Tide guys in this mock, or 1/4 of the picks. Basically, Alabama was a NFL team this past season.
25. Jacksonville via LA Rams, Carlos Basham, DE/DT, Wake Forest
Versatile defender and run stuffer who’s seen his stock soar lately.
26. Cleveland, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
The versatility of JOK will be his best asset when NFL scouts look at his film. In 2019, Owusu-Koramoah led the Irish with 70 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. He added 5.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Owusu-Koramoah reflects the defensive players needed to handle the new NFL offenses focused on “pace and space.” NFL defenses need players who have the skill set to stay on the field in all down and distance scenarios.
JOK’s athleticism and versatility are similar to other hybrid defenders like Derwin James, Isaiah Simmons, and Shaq Thompson.
For more on JOK, and the other ND players on defense who are NFL Draft prospects go here. Below you’ll find all the testing results from every ND prospect at Notre Dame Pro Day
#NotreDame Pro Day results…. #NFLTwitter #NFLDraft #NDFB #NDFootball pic.twitter.com/KBcwYxdEKS
— Paul M. Banks (@PaulMBanks) March 31, 2021
27. Baltimore, Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
It’s been a decade and a half since Baltimore have taken a DL in the first round, but it’s definitely a need this time around, so hey, why not?
28. New Orleans, Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Don’t let the Wolverines massive struggles recently fool you, this guys came to play every Saturday, and consistently showed what he brings to the table.
29. Green Bay, Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
A fast-riser who got himself on the map during the draft evaluative process. The Packers should be a lot of fun to watch on offense this season, no one is doubting that. But what about their defense? It needs work to say the least.
30. Buffalo, Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Eichenberg said on his Pro Day Zoom call with the media that he met with the Bills and that he was really impressed with the experience. He had nothing but good things to say about Buffalo’s pass pro and the organization as a whole, so this would be a great fit.
“The Fighting Irish may have replaced Wisconsin (or some of your traditional SEC powers) as O-line U in recent years. At least on draft night. South Bend as certainly been a pro OL factory in the 2010s and look for this to continue well into the 2020s, starting with Eichenberg,” says Harry Jones, NBA Blast.
In 2019, Eichenberg allowed zero sacks and was ranked first on the team in pass-blocking and run-blocking grades by Pro Football Focus.
He struggles with speed on the outside and appears to lack lateral mobility in pass protection. He’s a powerful player and aggressive at the point of attack. When he can get his hands on defenders, he’s impressive at driving them off the line of scrimmage.
Eichenberg could be the first or second Irish player to come off the board.
Below you’ll find all the testing results from every ND prospect at Notre Dame Pro Day
#NotreDame Pro Day results…. #NFLTwitter #NFLDraft #NDFB #NDFootball pic.twitter.com/KBcwYxdEKS
— Paul M. Banks (@PaulMBanks) March 31, 2021
Go here for more on Eichenberg, and the other ND players on offense with NFL Draft prospects.
31. Baltimore, Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
A bit of a wild card prospect here, he’s seen his stock really fluctuate lately, and it may have peaked earlier in the process.
32. Tampa Bay, Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
A game-changer in two phases, and a workout warrior to boot, his combine will end up being just as impressive as his on field production. Here’s a link to more on the challenges that come with trying to defend Rondale.
Moore is definitely a blue chip prospect that will catch on no matter where he lands. There are several questions about him, and those issues are legit, yes, but you did see and hear about his Pro Day!
This NFL mock draft is listed on Walter Football and NFL Mock Draft Database.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank, partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and SB Nation. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.