Ian Cummings’ 3-round January 2021 NFL Mock Draft

For eighteen NFL teams, the season is over and the focus turns to the NFL Draft. How can teams improve upon their performances in 2020 and finally convert on their playoff promises in 2021? There’s no fool-proof formula, but the 2021 NFL Draft will give these teams a chance to succeed. This 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft is just one potential outcome.

Cummings’ 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

It gets kind of boring writing Trevor Lawrence’s name at No. 1 every time in these 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Drafts. But there’s almost no other choice for the Jaguars. Jacksonville needs a legitimate franchise quarterback, and Trevor Lawrence is the consensus QB1 in a class that’s fairly strong. He has the athleticism, arm, and leadership ability to pace the position for years.

2. New York Jets: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

In all honesty, the Jets and Sam Darnold could both benefit from a change of scenery. But what if — just what if — the Jets keep Darnold? Jets general manager Joe Douglas is known to be fond of the 23-year-old quarterback, and perhaps a new coach might be enough of a change for Darnold, who spent two seasons suffering under Adam Gase.

If New York rolls the dice one more time with Darnold, their focus would be on giving him the best chance to succeed. Having Mekhi Becton and Penei Sewell guarding the ends is a great place to start.

3. Miami Dolphins: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Again with my job security in mind, I avoided picking a quarterback here, even though Justin Fields remains on the board. Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t particularly inspiring in his rookie season, but sometimes that’s just how rookie seasons are. It would be irresponsible for Miami not to give him another year of development, at the very least.

It would be responsible, however, to kill two birds with one stone by selecting Micah Parsons. Parsons is an elite athlete with immense potential as a linebacker hybrid in Brian Flores’ scheme.

4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Whether the Falcons keep or trade Matt Ryan, they need to have the future in mind at quarterback. Ryan himself is aging, and the new coaching regime might want a fresh start. Ryan could be a good bridge quarterback and mentor for the next signal-caller.

However, his days are likely numbered. Atlanta has other needs, particularly on defense, but Justin Fields is hard to pass up. Fields offers Atlanta exceptional athleticism, talent, and toughness, and he can make their infamous 2017 Super Bowl appearance a distant memory.

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

The Bengals have needs across the board, but no need is greater than protection for Joe Burrow. Operation “Protect Joe Burrow at all costs” is a go, and even though Penei Sewell isn’t available here, Rashawn Slater still provides good value with his athleticism and versatility.

Slater doesn’t have as much name recognition as Sewell, but he has a lot of respect in some corners. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah had Slater as his No. 1 overall offensive lineman in late November. With his smooth style and innate leverage, Slater can provide security wherever the Bengals need him to play.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Pitts, TE/WR, Florida

If you’re coming into this cold and don’t know who Kyle Pitts is, I’ll spare you the suspense. He’s not just a tight end. Kyle Pitts is a unicorn athlete at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds. He has the explosiveness, fluidity, and route running nuance to get open underneath, and he has outrageous length, body control, and play strength to dominate in contested situations.

Pitts can line up anywhere, and for an Eagles team that has a thin WR corps, and might be losing Zach Ertz, Pitts relieves a lot of pressure. He also provides astronomical upside.

7. Detroit Lions: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Matthew Stafford deserves respect for what he’s dealt with in Detroit. He also deserves to give the playoffs a shot with another team. Detroit and Stafford might cut ties this offseason. If that happens, Detroit will be in prime position to nab a quarterback with this pick, whether they trade up or stay put. Here, BYU star Zach Wilson is available.

Wilson isn’t quite as athletic as Fields or Lawrence. Nevertheless, he has a ton of arm talent, improvisational ability, and an infectious personality that should help him quickly take root as the face of the franchise.

8. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The Panthers are noncommittal when it comes to Teddy Bridgewater, so they could go with Trey Lance here. But regardless of his performance, Bridgewater did take the quarterback job with some authority. If the Panthers aren’t ecstatic about Trey Lance, and if they feel good keeping Bridgewater as a bridge quarterback, they could instead opt to keep bolstering their young, athletic defense.

Caleb Farley has some of the highest upside in the cornerback class. With his length and closing ability, Farley can lock down one of the boundary spots.

9. Denver Broncos: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

If you’re surprised, you can stay surprised. This is somewhat surprising. But Tony Pauline did say in his most recent mailbag that he thinks Zaven Collins could be a surprise top-10 pick. Pauline also has Collins as his 12th overall player, and there’s merit in that ranking.

Collins is an exciting athlete at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, and he’s also a smart, instinctive player. He’d provide a potential blue-chip player on the second level of Denver’s defense, as well as a versatile threat who can contribute in all phases.

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

If the Cowboys can revamp their defense in the 2021 offseason, they can come back as playoff contenders in 2021, so long as Dak Prescott gets back to full health. Starting the defensive revamp in Round 1, Patrick Surtain II is the pick here. Surtain has the length, ball skills, and competitive instinct to be a long-term boundary starter, and he has enough athleticism to match receivers on the outside.

11. New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

It’s impressive how respectable the Giants’ defense was in 2020, considering how many needs they have on that side of the ball. First and foremost, adding a legitimate pass-rushing presence on the edge is a priority, and Georgia EDGE Azeez Ojulari is a good fit. Ojulari is an amped-up, explosive defensive end who makes up for his 6-foot-3, 240-pound size with burst, bend, fast hands, and impressive speed-to-power momentum on his rushes.

12. San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

All it takes is one look at the bags under Kyle Shanahan’s eyes to tell you that Jimmy Garoppolo ain’t it. It’s time for the 49ers to get a quarterback who simply does more. Zach Wilson is the ideal pick with his moxie and off-script ability, but Trey Lance is an excellent consolation prize.

Lance has superior athleticism and also has good arm talent and deep throwing ability. He can add another element to San Francisco’s offense, although pairing him with a veteran in his first year would be beneficial.

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

Justin Herbert plastered his name across the rookie quarterback record books in 2020. After one year, he has become a cherished asset that the Chargers must keep safe. No more putting the offensive line on the back burner. With this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft selection, the Chargers are finally proactive in protecting their quarterback.

Christian Darrisaw was a massive riser this season. At 6-foot-5, 314, Darrisaw has optimal size and length, and he also moves well. He plays with good power and leverage, and he has the upside to be a bookend blocker for a decade-plus.

14. Minnesota Vikings: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

Above all else, the Vikings need pass-rushing help, both on the edge and the interior. Adding pass-rushing help not only improves the team’s ability to generate pressure, but it also incubates a young secondary. Kwity Paye is a great value pick here. At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Paye has the motor, explosiveness, length, and cornering ability to be an imposing defensive threat.

15. New England Patriots: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

The Patriots will have a ton of turnover in their receiving core this offseason, so whoever lines up at quarterback will need a new threat on the boundary. Ja’Marr Chase is an excellent fit in this sense.

Chase is a good athlete with enough YAC ability and route running nuance to be self-sufficient. But where he truly wins is with his catching ability. Chase has some of the best natural instinct for catching the football in the league. He’s vertically explosive, and he has impeccable body control and contortion ability.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

With Patrick Peterson’s future unclear, and with Arizona’s cornerback position thin outside of Byron Murphy, the Cardinals need to invest in the cornerback position this offseason. Peterson turns 31 years old this offseason, so moving on might be a prudent long-term move, and Jaycee Horn can help ease that transition. At 6-foot-1, Horn has the necessary length to start on the boundary, and he also has the athleticism, physicality, and attitude to make an impact early.

Cummings’ 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Gregory Rousseau, DL, Miami

The Raiders need more pass rushing help on the interior. But they also need to reevaluate their edge rusher situation, as 2019 No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell might not be a franchise guy. This 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft selection is a compromise between those two needs. Gregory Rousseau is raw and not overly flexible, but his length allows him potential on the edge, and some of his best reps in 2019 came as an interior rusher.

18. Miami Dolphins: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ve mocked DeVonta Smith to the Miami Dolphins in every one of my 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Drafts thus far. It just goes to show how good of a fit Smith is for the Dolphins’ offense.

Smith can gain separation with his route-running quickness and precision, and that’s an element that’s drastically lacking in southern Florida. Plus, Smith was one of Tua Tagovailoa’s top targets in 2019, so the franchise quarterback and the 2020 Heisman winner will have immediate chemistry.

19. Washington Football Team: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

The Washington Football Team is actually fairly complete. Give them a top quarterback from this year’s class, and they’re a playoff contender again in 2021. But they’re not in position to get a top quarterback this year, so unless they make a blockbuster trade, they’re looking at drafting weapons instead.

Jaylen Waddle is an excellent pick here. He offers the elite dynamic run-after-catch ability that gleans versatility in Scott Turner’s offense. Additionally, he’s a tough player who can go vertical and make plays at every level.

20. Chicago Bears: Alex Leatherwood, OL, Alabama

The Bears are another team with quarterback questions, but also might not be in position to get a starting quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. Given that the Bears have questions at tackle and guard, Alex Leatherwood is a solid pick at No. 20. Leatherwood logged plays at both tackle and guard in college, and he has the length, play power, and functional mobility to be a starter wherever the Bears need him most.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas

The Colts pass rush has a lot of potential, but it hasn’t quite emerged yet. With Justin Houston aging and time running out for several players to break out into consistent roles, it might finally be time to invest Round 1 capital at the position. Joseph Ossai is a long, athletic edge rusher who brings a tireless motor and immense potential in Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

22. Tennessee Titans: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

The Titans’ top need rests at edge rusher, but given the approaching turnover at wide receiver, we decided to go offense in Round 1 of this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Don’t worry, we’ll make up for it later. Plus, Kadarius Toney has a ton of upside.

Toney has otherworldly elusiveness and agility, and he’s also explosive in open space. He can provide an elite YAC threat early for the Titans. And if they’re feeling dangerous enough, they could also use him as a gadget runner alongside Derrick Henry.

23. New York Jets: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Let’s go down the “Save Sam Darnold” checklist. Complete elite tackle duo? Check. Add legitimate workhorse running back with versatility? That’s next on the list. The RB1 title is currently split between Najee Harris and Travis Etienne, but Harris is the more complete back for the Jets.

Standing at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Harris has intimidating density and toughness, and he adds to that with exceptional contact balance, agility, and explosiveness with his cuts. He’s also a smart runner with good vision, who provides a stellar outlet as a receiver.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

At some point, the Steelers will have to address the future of their quarterback position. But for now, they can settle for improving the supporting cast around the quarterback. Alejandro Villanueva is a free agent this offseason, and it’s unclear if Chukwuma Okorafor is part of the future. Getting a steady, technically proficient tackle like Liam Eichenberg could help increase Pittsburgh’s stability at one of the most important positions.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame

The Jaguars got their franchise quarterback. Now, it’s time to add a glue guy on the defensive side of the ball. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had a standout final season for the Fighting Irish, using his urgency, athleticism, and physicality to distinguish himself as a playmaker. Owusu-Koramoah is smart and instinctive, and his versatility and playmaking ability can be a boon for a young Jaguars defense that’s still finding its way.

26. Cleveland Browns: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Chris Olave was a borderline first-round pick, but after his performance in the college football playoffs, he might solidify his status as a late first-rounder. Olave has enough size and explosiveness, and he also has near 4.4 speed, with the ball-tracking ability and instincts to be a versatile threat. For the Browns, he’s a high-floor receiving option with plenty of upside.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State

This is an incredibly ideal situation for Penn State edge rusher Jayson Oweh, and for the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers might lose Shaquil Barrett this offseason, but they still have Jason Pierre-Paul for another year. Pierre-Paul, a Pro Bowler in 2020, can serve as a valuable mentor for Oweh, who has all the athletic tools to be a dominant edge rusher in time, among them explosiveness, length, and twitch.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma

Both Matt Judon and Yannick Ngakoue are free agents, and it’s unlikely that the Ravens will bring back both of them. Thus, Baltimore needs an edge rusher who fits their scheme. Ronnie Perkins profiles well in this spot for this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Like Judon, his size meshes well as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and Perkins has the explosiveness, density, and relentless motor to produce quickly and efficiently.

29. New Orleans Saints: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

The Saints have gotten by for a couple of years with Michael Thomas and a thin group below him. Emmanuel Sanders was a solid addition, but he turns 34 in March, and Tre’Quan Smith is a free agent after 2021. Adding a high, upside player like Terrace Marshall Jr. would be smart at the tail end of Round 1. Smith is 6-foot-3 and has good speed to complement that size. He can also be a threat in every third of the field.

30. Buffalo Bills: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

The Buffalo Bills’ offense is electric. Now just imagine if they had a consistent receiving threat at tight end. Pat Freiermuth is a big-bodied player who offers an enticing mix of burst, route running detail, awareness, and ability to pull down contested passes. Freiermuth can get open, and he also has the physicality to make plays in tight spaces and get yards after the catch. For Josh Allen and Bills Mafia, he’s the piece to complete the puzzle.

31. Green Bay Packers: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

The Packers have one of the best receivers in the league in Davante Adams, and the emergence of tight end Robert Tonyan will give them flexibility on their offensive cast. But with Allen Lazard hitting free agency this year and Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s contract set to expire in 2022, the Packers can stand to add another receiving threat here.

Rashod Bateman is excellent value at the end of Round 1. He’s a well-sized and physical receiver, with the crisp route-running ability to find daylight.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State

There’s a lot of looming uncertainty across the offensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs. A change seems likely at center, and there are also questions pending at guard. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif still has to return after opting out in 2020, and at the other guard slot, there likely isn’t a long-term starter on tap.

Wyatt Davis can solve one problem for the Chiefs. Davis is a big blocker who provides a nice mix of athleticism and functional power on the inside. He can provide some stability for a unit that’s crucial for the Chiefs’ success.

Round 2

33. Jacksonville Jaguars: Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington

This might not be the name you expected just outside of Round 1. Levi Onwuzurike has no doubt fallen under the radar after opting out of the 2020 season. With that being said, he offers a great deal of upside, and for a team that needs more talent on the interior defensive line, Onwuzurike has one of the best physical molds in the class. He’s explosive, with imposing length, and his ability to use those traits together makes him an enticing add.

34. New York Jets: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

35. Atlanta Falcons: Patrick Jones, EDGE, Pittsburgh

The Falcons bypassed EDGE in Round 1 when Justin Fields fell to their pick, but luckily, being situated at the top of Round 2 gives them a chance to claim trickle-down talent. Patrick Jones provides excellent value here. Although he can improve his play strength, he has the explosiveness, length, and energy as a rusher to produce pressure fairly early into his career. For the Falcons, he’s a relatively safe pick with contingent upside.

36. Miami Dolphins: Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma

37. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

The Eagles’ linebackers were suspect in 2020. Heading into 2021, work needs to be done with the defense at nearly all levels. But when it comes to linebacker, the Eagles might prefer security over untapped potential. Nick Bolton has less upside than other linebackers on the board, but with his range, density, and instincts at the second level, he can be a solid starter in all phases for an extended period of time.

38. Cincinnati Bengals: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

39. Carolina Panthers: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama

Dylan Moses might fall out of Round 1 after his inconsistent 2020 season. However, Moses has made it clear that he wasn’t fully healthy for much of 2020, and his play reflected that. If he can get healthy, Moses still has the size and athletic talent to develop into a blue-chip player. For the Panthers, he’s another coveted piece for their supremely athletic defensive unit.

40. Denver Broncos: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia

41. Detroit Lions: Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa

42. New York Giants: Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson

43. San Francisco 49ers: Shaun Wade, CB/S, Ohio State

It’s been a rough year for Shaun Wade. Once a popular contender for CB1, the Ohio State cornerback has dropped on the draft board. That said, he still fills a need for teams with his positional versatility.

At cornerback, he’s clearly better for the slot, but his foundational traits — size and closing speed — might also be conducive to safety as well. For the 49ers, who could use some help at both spots, having a player like Wade to mold and develop, especially for a second-round pick, is a good deal.

44. Dallas Cowboys: Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

45. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

46. New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Cue the “next Tom Brady” comments. While I don’t think Mac Jones is the next Tom Brady, he does have a chance to be an effective starter at the next level, at least in the right system.

He’s not a creation specialist at quarterback, as he is limited athletically. However, Jones is a smart, rhythmic passer who can generate good velocity with accuracy when he’s able to set his feet and deliver. He’ll need a good supporting cast — which New England needs to work on — but at the very least, he can be a good short-term starter while they continue to hunt for prospects. And if he proves himself to be the guy, even better.

47. Los Angeles Chargers: Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee

48. Las Vegas Raiders: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

49. Arizona Cardinals: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC

50. Miami Dolphins: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

51. Washington Football Team: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State

The Washington Football Team’s defense has the potential to be elite in 2021, but it still needs a couple of pieces. A bonafide free safety is a must in free agency or the draft, and adding a high-upside linebacker to complement Cole Holcomb and Kevin Pierre-Louis could also help shore up the unit. Baron Browning fits the bill here.

Browning is a high-energy player, and a borderline elite athlete with a 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame. He made good strides with his consistency in 2020, and he has the upside to be a game-changer in run and pass defense. His explosiveness can also be an asset on Ron Rivera’s designed linebacker blitzes.

52. Chicago Bears: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC

53. Tennessee Titans: Shaka Toney, EDGE, Penn State

Told you we’d make up for it. In this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, we’re giving the Titans all the Toneys. Shaka Toney isn’t as highly advertised as his college teammate, Jayson Oweh, but Toney is a strong prospect in his own right.

Although the Penn State edge rusher isn’t super wide or lengthy at 6-foot-3, 252, he has one of the best blends of explosiveness and bend in the class. In Tennessee’s versatile 3-4 scheme, Toney would flourish as a pass-rush specialist at outside linebacker.

54. Indianapolis Colts: Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State

55. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami

56. Seattle Seahawks: Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson

57. Los Angeles Rams: Jabril Cox, LB, LSU

The Rams rode a top-tier defense to the playoffs in 2020. Why not bolster that unit even more? One thing they can add is consistent linebacker play. Jabril Cox might not provide the consistency right away, but he’s a big, rangy second-level player who proved himself after making the leap from the FCS to the SEC. His athletic profile lends tremendous upside and versatility, and for the Rams’ defense, he could be a catalyst that takes them to even greater heights.

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

I’ll admit, this one is kind of unfair. In all likelihood, Travis Etienne won’t drop this far. He’s too talented. That said, the value of running backs in the modern NFL does complicate things, and the Buccaneers are one of the few teams that can afford to indulge in a luxury pick this early. Of course, Etienne is much more than a luxury for Tampa Bay. He gives the team much-needed explosiveness, creation capacity, and receiving ability in the backfield.

59. Baltimore Ravens: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State

60. Cleveland Browns: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

61. New Orleans Saints: Richie Grant, S, UCF

With Marcus Williams potentially moving on in the 2021 offseason, the Saints need to be open to adding a safety in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 2021 safety class isn’t super inspiring. However, Richie Grant is one player who might satisfy their needs at the tail end of Round 2. Grant will be 24 by November, but his range, physicality, and fast-paced style will allow him to produce early in a primary role.

62. Buffalo Bills: Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh

63. Green Bay Packers: Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina

64. Kansas City Chiefs: Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan

Round 3

65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College

66. New York Jets: Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama

67. Houston Texans: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State

The Texans’ first pick of the draft is cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Admittedly, this is the part of the draft where the cornerback talent starts to dip. But Samuel still has some appeal. His size is a mitigating factor, but Samuel is fast, fluid, and aggressive in every part of his game. His ball production at the college level speaks to playmaking ability that can transfer to the NFL, and Houston needs everything it can get in that department.

68. Atlanta Falcons: Jay Tufele, DT, USC

69. Cincinnati Bengals: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest

70. Philadelphia Eagles: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida

It’s anyone’s guess what the Eagles do at quarterback this offseason. While Carson Wentz will almost certainly be offloaded, it remains a mystery who winds up the starter in 2021. Jalen Hurts has the best odds, but his benching in the season finale caused confusion.

In Round 3, Kyle Trask is a Hurts-esque decision for the Eagles. While Trask is the exact opposite of Hurts when it comes to mobility, the pick is similar in the sense that Trask can serve as a solid backup and potential spot-starter if Hurts doesn’t last. It also doesn’t hurt to pair Trask with his favorite target, Kyle Pitts.

71. Denver Broncos: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

72. Detroit Lions: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

The boundary gets all the attention with Kenny Golladay entering free agency, but the Lions also need a slot receiver. Danny Amendola was not getting it done in 2020 — or 2019, for that matter. Now that the coach who signed him is gone, Amendola is likely to leave.

Elijah Moore can fill the void left by the veteran, and then some. Moore is an extremely underrated receiver in this class. While his size will relegate him to the slot, he has the speed, burst, route-running ability, and run-after-catch propensity to be a reliable safety blanket for the team’s new franchise quarterback.

73. Carolina Panthers: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

74. Washington Football Team: Jamie Newman, QB, Wake Forest

I want to make clear that Jamie Newman is not the franchise quarterback for the Washington Football Team in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Newman is simply another dice roll at quarterback.

With Alex Smith aging and the rest of the position unsettled, it makes sense to add a young, high-upside passer, even if they don’t end up sticking around. Newman has the athleticism, toughness, arm talent, and leadership ability to be a wise investment. That said, if he doesn’t improve his decision making, Washington will be searching for a quarterback again soon enough.

75. Dallas Cowboys: Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

76. New York Giants: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson

It’ll be interesting to see which receivers are valued highest in the middle rounds by NFL teams. If he tests with good speed and burst, Amari Rodgers might be a surprise riser. The Clemson product is a bit undersized. However, he’s a dense player, whose compact build mixes with his explosiveness and agility to form a dangerous run-after-catch combination. Additionally, Rodgers is a tireless worker who should mesh nicely with Joe Judge’s new culture.

77. Los Angeles Chargers: Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan

78. Minnesota Vikings: Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh

79. Arizona Cardinals: Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

80. Las Vegas Raiders: Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida

81. Miami Dolphins: Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina

I had a feeling Miami fans would be ready to throw up their hands after passing on Etienne, and I get that. But hey, the chosen one needed protection.

Now that that’s settled, we can move on to selecting the next best thing at running back — North Carolina’s Javonte Williams. Williams may not be as elusive or as dynamic as Etienne, but he’s just as enticing as a workhorse candidate. Williams is a good athlete with a purely intimidating running style. His elite contact balance allows him to stay upright amid even direct hits, and he also has solid receiving ability out of the backfield.

82. Washington Football Team: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB/S, Syracuse

83. Chicago Bears: Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M

84. Indianapolis Colts: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama

85. Tennessee Titans: Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE, Vanderbilt

86. New York Jets: Elijah Molden, CB/S, Washington

The Jets get great value with this pick. Normally, I wouldn’t like players like Molden. He doesn’t have great size, and he’s a good but not great athlete. But Molden supplements his athletic traits with tantalizing instinctive quickness. He’s a fast processor on the back end, and he also has the versatility to line up at safety or in the slot. That versatility will serve the Jets well as they attempt to rebuild their roster.

87. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis

88. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Myers, OC, Ohio State

89. Minnesota Vikings: Tommy Togiai, DL, Ohio State

90. Cleveland Browns: Charles Snowden, LB, Virginia

The Browns need more talent at linebacker, and at this point in the NFL draft, Charles Snowden provides a lot of intrigue. In case you haven’t looked him up yet, he’s 6-foot-7, 230, and he plays exactly how you’d expect. He’s a good athlete for his size, and his length allows him to disrupt passes while also maintaining leverage in run defense. He has to undergo some development, but he can be a playmaker with his rare natural traits.

91. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, DL, Washington

92. Cleveland Browns: Osa Odighizuwa, DL, UCLA

93. Buffalo Bills: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State

94. Green Bay Packers: Rodarius Williams, CB, Oklahoma State

95. Kansas City Chiefs: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn

The final pick of this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft goes to the Kansas City Chiefs, who take Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz. Widely regarded as the fastest receiver in the draft, Schwartz helps recoup the potential losses of Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson with a receiving corps that boasts Schwartz, Mecole Hardman, and Tyreek Hill. That’s an unfair amount of speed.