Every week we edge closer to the finale of the 2020 NFL season. We’ve reached the part of the season where mock drafts start to feel more and more accurate, and we’re starting to get a better idea of how the draft board will fall. Obviously, until NFL Draft day, everything is speculation and educated guessing, but those guesses are getting more solid as we inch closer to late April. Where do top prospects get selected in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft?
As always, I did this mock intending to make the best predictions of what teams will do come draft day, not necessarily what I would do if I were making the selections.
If you want to run your own mock draft simulation, make sure to check out PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator.
2021 3-round NFL Mock Draft | Picks 1-16
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
No reason to be contrarian here. The Jaguars are looking for their franchise quarterback, and Trevor Lawrence is arguably the best quarterback prospect in NFL history. Lawrence possesses elite physical tools with a top-tier football acumen. Lawrence is the most polished and developed passer to enter the draft since Andrew Luck, and Lawrence has superior mobility.
The Jaguars already have a quality offensive nucleus in place and a new coach in Urban Meyer. As long as they can hire the correct GM, their quarterback play from Lawrence should make them contenders in the AFC South in year one. Lawrence is that good. The Jaguars make the easiest decision in NFL Draft history.
2. San Francisco 49ers (projected trade w/ New York Jets): Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Based on the information we currently have, it seems like Jets GM Joe Douglas and newly hired head coach Robert Saleh would rather trade out of the number two pick and collect more assets than take a quarterback. A full-scale bidding war will ensue once the trade becomes officially available, and the 49ers have the means and ability to pull it off.
A San Francisco team that is just one year removed from a Super Bowl berth is in a prime position to mortgage future assets in exchange for a quarterback perfect for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. They also have a solid relationship with the Jets’ new head coach.
In this trade, the 49ers get the second overall pick and use it on Fields. Meanwhile, the Jets net the 12th and 43rd selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, San Francisco’s first and third-round selections in 2022, and edge rusher Dee Ford. In Ford, Saleh gets a capable and experienced pass rusher that his roster currently lacks.
The 49ers are risking it all on Fields hitting, but it’s a calculated risk that they’ve set themselves up perfectly to take. San Francisco already has the offensive firepower and defensive strength to compete for a playoff spot. The limitations of its quarterback have bottled up the offense. With Justin Fields, those limitations wash away. This team is a Super Bowl contender in year one with rookie Justin Fields.
3. Miami Dolphins: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Dolphins should consider a QB here if they think one of Zach Wilson or Trey Lance is a better player than Tua Tagovailoa. However, if they’re unsure, then taking the best player available is always the correct choice. Miami’s offensive line, while better than expected, is still far from perfect.
It could make sense to take Sewell and have him play right tackle, the blind side of Tagovailoa. But, should Miami choose to play the best player at left tackle, leaving Sewell at his natural position, they must decide what to do with Austin Jackson and the right tackle position.
Regardless of what Miami decides to do with him, Penei Sewell is the obvious selection. He’s the best player on the board at three, and it’s not even close. He’s dominant at the point of attack and displays remarkable flexibility for a player who measures 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds. The projection is easy, and the need for the offensive line is there. Miami takes the best possible value with their first selection in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
It’s gonna be next to impossible for the Falcons to move Matt Ryan this year or maybe even next season. That being said, with a new head coach in Arthur Smith and a new GM coming in, they may take advantage of this top-5 draft pick and select the top quarterback available. In this three-round NFL Mock Draft, that quarterback is BYU’s Zach Wilson.
Wilson is excellent at making plays out of structure, and his ball placement down the field is jaw-dropping. He’s the smallest of the top 2021 quarterbacks but still possesses impressive physical abilities. Drafting Wilson and letting him sit behind Matt Ryan for a year or two could be the ideal scenario for both Wilson and Atlanta. If he can learn how to win from the pocket and only make plays out of structure when needed, he’ll be a dangerous quarterback in the NFL.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Bengals have needs across the roster, and none are more significant than the need to add overall talent. With Penei Sewell off the board, this selection became substantially more difficult. It’s easy to imagine that franchise quarterback Joe Burrow will be in the ear of the Bengals’ front office and coaching staff advocating for his number one target from his Heisman campaign at LSU.
The Bengals’ need for a receiver is there, especially with A.J. Green likely departing. They took Tee Higgins in the second round of last year’s draft, and both Higgins and Chase have similar skill sets. Cincinnati needs to add speed to its receiving corps over anything, and the value for Ja’Marr Chase here isn’t great, but it’s hard to see them taking any other wide receiver here.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
I know most Philadelphia fans are wondering why DeVonta Smith isn’t the selection here. Unfortunately, expecting Howie Roseman to make the logical pick never works out. Smith is an outlier as a receiver prospect. No player with his 175-pound frame has ever gone on to be an elite NFL receiver, and it’s hard to warrant using a top-10 selection against such odds. Instead, Roseman selects the player with NFL pedigree in his name.
Patrick Surtain II possesses arguably the highest ceiling of any defender in the 2021 draft class. The son of a former All-Pro, he uses an elite football IQ to dissect plays and remain calm and collected at all times. He has above-average length and would do well in a system where he can play one side of the ball instead of shadowing one receiver in man coverage for a majority of the game. Pairing him with someone like Darius Slay Jr. allows Surtain to do just that.
7. Detroit Lions: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
It feels more likely that Matthew Stafford will not be in Detroit for much longer. This will be the Lions’ fourth head coach since drafting Matthew Stafford, sixth if you count interim coaches. He’s at the point of his career where he expects to be contending for a championship, not leading another rebuild. Whether or not Detroit moves Stafford this offseason, they should heavily consider selecting a QB with the seventh selection.
Trey Lance is the last quarterback off the board in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, but that shouldn’t lead you to believe he’s the worst. As far as physical traits go, Lance may be the most gifted. He’s a smooth runner with a cannon for a right arm. He has displayed elite ball placement on film, and he takes care of the football. Whether Lance is starting Week 1 of his rookie season or sitting behind Stafford, it will be a favorable position for the Lions’ new head coach.
8. Carolina Panthers: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
It’s hard to guess where the NFL is going to take elite tight end prospects. In 2017 we saw O.J. Howard, then looked at as an elite prospect, fall to the 19th overall pick. Meanwhile, in 2019, T.J. Hockenson was selected in the top 10. The NFL’s value for the position is impossible to gauge leading up to the draft.
Kyle Pitts is a better prospect than both Howard and Hockenson coming out. He’s an elite receiver standing at 6-foot-6, likely running a sub-4.6, and plays the position like a wide receiver. He’s not a dominant blocker, but if you’re asking him to block often, then you’re using him wrong.
The Panthers had a jaw-dropping 204 total yards produced by their tight ends in 2020. Pitts provides the size they desperately lack in the receiving game and will be entering his second or third season in the NFL when Carolina finds their quarterback of the future. Panthers fans might want a cornerback or tackle here, but Pitts is unquestionably the best player available.
9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
John Elway is no longer making all the decisions for the Broncos, and whether that’s a good or bad thing, they should manage to take a quality talent with the ninth overall selection. The Broncos have done a lot to build up their offense, so I’d expect their defense to be the priority early. Any position on the defense should be considered here, and taking the best available player is always the correct route. That player is Caleb Farley.
Farley is an athletic freak with superior length and great ball skills. His ability to close is elite, and his great ball skills make him an interception and deflection machine. In two years at Virginia Tech, he registered 6 interceptions and 19 pass deflections. That was as a true freshman and sophomore as well. The Broncos get a high upside corner to pair with Michael Ojemudia to form one of the most athletic and young cornerback duos in the NFL.
10. Miami Dolphins (projected trade w/ Dallas Cowboys): DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Cowboys were hoping one of the top two cornerbacks would be here at 10, but unfortunately, both were off the board. Their immediate reaction should be to locate a trade partner somewhere in the teens. With both Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith still on the board, Miami makes the most sense. Not only is their current quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, a former teammate of both, but they have the capital to move up and the need at WR to warrant a move.
In this trade, the Dolphins move up eight spots to the 10th overall pick and use it on Heisman winner Smith. They also receive a fifth-round selection in 2022 from Dallas. The Cowboys received the 18th and 36th selections in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft and a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft via Miami.
In this 3-round NFL Mock Draft, the Dolphins select Smith over his teammate Waddle. Miami needs an alpha receiver, someone to go to when they need to move the chains. Sure-handed and a polished route runner, DeVonta Smith fits the role perfectly. Tua and Smith won a title together. Could they win a Super Bowl as well?
11. New York Giants: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
On film, Micah Parsons is the best defender in the 2021 NFL Draft. Talent-wise, he’s good enough to be selected in the first five to 10 selections. Unfortunately, multiple analysts have mentioned concerns about his maturity and how NFL teams feel about the person, not just the prospect. These concerns could see a draft day slide for Parsons, but it’s hard to gauge just how much.
For the Giants, it makes a lot of sense to take a risk on Parsons. The Giants contended for the NFC East title this past year and are headed in the right direction under head coach Joe Judge. General manager David Gettleman showed in 2019 that he’s willing to take chances on players like Parsons. He traded up into the first round to select Deandre Baker, who had similar concerns surrounding him.
Blake Martinez is a quality middle linebacker for the G-Men. However, they still lack overall talent and athletic ability on the unit. On top of that, the Giants also lack pass rushing from the edges. Parsons can slot in as the strong-side outside linebacker, making plays at the line of scrimmage and rushing the passer as an elite blitzer.
12. New York Jets (projected trade w/ San Francisco 49ers): Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Joe Douglas, someone I hold in high regard, is now leading the Jets. Whether they take Justin Fields with the second overall selection or trade back, expect them to find value throughout their 2021 draft class. Here they move back, collect more assets for their rebuild, and still find great value at a position of need.
With 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims looking like the Jets’ “X” receiver of the future and Jamison Crowder holding down the slot, they add the most talented member to play the “Z.”
Jaylen Waddle is an elite athlete with special movement skills and a more polished receiver than many give him credit for. Some draft analysts think Waddle will be the best receiver of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Jets manage to get him in a trade back in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Joe Douglas invests in Sam Darnold with this pick and, if Darnold doesn’t work out, they’ll be in a great position to land one of the top quarterbacks in 2022.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
A consensus on OT2 is nonexistent. Some believe it’s Rashawn Slater, while others think it’s Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood, and some, including myself, have Christian Darrisaw from Virginia Tech in that spot. The Chargers can’t go wrong with any of these players.
They all bring different strengths, and all would be a starter from day one. Investing in Justin Herbert is the team’s only chance for sustained success, and they can’t afford to waste away his career as they did with Philip Rivers.
Slater is an athletic tackle with the best technique in the 2021 class. His ceiling is lower than that of a Christian Darrisaw, but Slater performed better against Chase Young than any other tackle in the country. He’s also versatile enough to play any position on the offensive line and still be a Pro Bowl-level player. Regardless of where the Chargers play Slater, he’ll be keeping Justin Herbert off the ground.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
This is the same selection I made in a previous mock because the pick makes so much sense. The Vikings lack defensive line talent, both on the interior and the edge. Danielle Hunter is a superstar, but he can’t do it alone. Pairing him with arguably the top edge rusher in the class makes a ton of sense. The player talent at defensive tackle isn’t great here, and there’s rarely a reason to take a guard like Wyatt Davis over an impact pass rusher like Kwity Paye.
Paye is an elite physical specimen measuring 6-foot-4, 271 pounds. He expects to dominate the NFL Combine, and the bend and burst he’ll display in Indianapolis are also evident on tape. A tone-setting run defender, he has the traits to be a consistent and effective pass rusher. He may never be a guy who registers 12 sacks a season, but he consistently disrupts the quarterback, and that’s all a team can ask.
15. New England Patriots: Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
Should the Patriots take a talented receiver like Rondale Moore or Rashod Bateman here? Probably. Will they? Probably not. Instead, they’ll worry about their inability to pass later and build along the trenches. Vera-Tucker makes sense here because he’s the most versatile offensive lineman in the class.
He’s played significant snaps at right guard, left guard, and left tackle. His smooth feet and aggressive hands make him a capable tackle, while his anchor allows him to succeed at guard as well.
In New England, with Joe Thuney likely leaving, they have a hole at left guard. However, I’d expect Michael Onwenu to slide in from his right tackle spot to guard. That leaves the right tackle spot open for Vera-Tucker to start from the first day of camp. Pairing them together would give the Patriots and young and exceptionally talented right side of the offensive line for the foreseeable future.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Opinions on Gregory Rousseau vary from analyst to analyst. Some believe he’s one of the five or 10 best players in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Others don’t think he’s worthy of a top-50 selection. Some things are undeniable. Rousseau’s production as a sophomore, his impressive length, and athletic ability are all well above average.
Unfortunately, his tape left a lot to be desired, and he chose to opt out of the season. The NFL team that takes him must understand the risk that comes with a player like this. Should Rousseau put it all together and be a dominant player opposite Chandler Jones, the Cardinals could have one of the most potent pass rushes in the NFL.
Round One | Picks 17-32
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
The Raiders had options here with Christian Barmore, Jaycee Horn, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah all available. However, their need for an interior presence far outweighs a cornerback or linebacker/safety hybrid. The Raiders have invested a lot in their defense, both with draft capital and free agency spending. They only seem like a few pieces away from a playoff-level defense, and Barmore puts them that much closer.
Barmore has been the best defender in the country over the last few weeks, wreaking havoc on any opponent. Similar to former Alabama first-rounder Da’Ron Payne, Barmore saved his best play for the brightest lights. In the college football postseason, he registered 10 total tackles, three for loss, and two sacks. He’s the top interior defender in the class, and the Raiders find solid value at 17 in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
18. Dallas Cowboys (projected trade w/ Miami Dolphins): Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
The Cowboys’ decision to trade back works perfectly for them, as they manage to get both a great return and strong value with the 18th pick. South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn was arguably the best cornerback in the country this season before opting out after seven games.
The Cowboys desperately need to address the defense, and with Barmore off the board the pick before, this selection is obvious. Trevon Diggs showed talent but is better suited to be a CB2 in the NFL. Meanwhile, both Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis are impending free agents.
As far as the mental traits you look for, Horn has it all in spades. Confident, but not overly cocky. He gets under the skin of the receivers and plays through them. He’s an alpha on the field and it shows.
Horn isn’t as gifted physically as Caleb Farley and is likely better suited to a system that will deploy him on one side of the field. A defensive coordinator who runs a lot of Cover 3 would be great for Horn’s future in the NFL. Someone like recently hired Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
19. Washington Football Team: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Earlier in the season, I was torn between labeling Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (JOK) a linebacker or safety. However, at 220 pounds, he’s going to play linebacker in a league that is moving towards speed and winning in space. Washington has two above-average strong safeties in Landon Collins and Kamren Curl, and both can win in the box.
However, neither compares to the ability JOK brings in coverage. Washington desperately needs talent in the linebacking room, and he could be the player that makes Washington’s defense the best in football.
Washington’s linebackers struggle in all facets of the game, and it was their most significant detriment on the defensive side of the ball. They struggled to fill gaps correctly and couldn’t cover man to man. Adding someone like JOK serves both needs instantly. He’s an intelligent run defender who brings impact on hits, and he’s already an elite man-coverage linebacker. Already the best young defensive nucleus in football gets even more impressive.
20. Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The Bears likely won’t retain Allen Robinson due to internal issues, meaning they’ll be on the search for WR1. With Darnell Mooney emerging last season, the Bears will likely be searching for size to replace Robinson. No quarterback is worth the 20th selection here, so the Bears take the top receiver.
Rashod Bateman has flown under the radar the past few months but is still one of the elite receiver prospects. He’s got strong size, listed at 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds. With elite hands and good athletic ability, he is a nuanced route runner. Bateman projects similarly to Robinson and should fill the same role. Hopefully, Bateman can find similar success in the Bears passing offense.
21. Indianapolis Colts: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Anthony Castonzo has announced his retirement, leaving the Colts without a left tackle for next season. They also have needs at edge rusher and wide receiver, but the value with Darrisaw here is too great to pass up. The Colts already have three Pro Bowl to All-Pro-level players along the offensive line in Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, and Braden Smith. Whoever the Colts quarterback of the future is, they’re guaranteed to be well protected.
Christian Darrisaw has one of the highest ceilings among tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He possesses quick feet, long arms, a great athletic profile, and he’s a mauler in the run game. Darrisaw will flourish playing side by side with Quenton Nelson, and Jonathan Taylor should have no trouble finding rushing lanes behind what could be the best offensive line in the NFL after this selection. Great value for the Colts in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
22. Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
The Titans need to address the defense at all levels, and they find great value with the 22nd selection in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. Azeez Ojulari was the premier playmaker for the Georgia defense. He displays elite bend and burst off the line of scrimmage, projecting as a top-tier 3-4 outside linebacker. His frame and play strength limit him from likely ever being an elite edge setter, but his burst and acceleration should lead to many backside tackles for loss.
The Titans already possess one explosive and flexible pass rusher in Harold Landry. Pairing Landry with Ojulari would lead to significantly more sack production from a Titans team that mustered only 19 sacks. Those 19 were good for third-lowest in the entire NFL. With Ojulari, teams will fear obvious passing situations where he and Landry can tee off.
23. New York Jets (from Seattle Seahawks): Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
Joe Douglas showed last year he has an eye for talent and an affinity for linemen who drive defenders into the dirt. Last year, he took Mekhi Becton with the 11th selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Jets are committed to moving towards 2021 with Sam Darnold at quarterback, so improving the offensive line in front of him should be the focus. Davis is the top lineman available and fills a substantial need in the trenches.
Wyatt Davis was dominant during his career at Ohio State. He’s a two-time All-American, and many view him as the top interior offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft. He uses elite play strength as a nasty finisher in the run game. He also displays that strength in his anchor, where he shuts down even the most powerful interior pass rushers.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Cosmi, OT, Texas
Sam Cosmi has some fans in the scouting industry and is projected as high as OT2. He possesses elite physical tools and was the best player on Texas’ offense for two straight seasons. Teams will fall in love with his upside, and he could develop into a perennial Pro Bowl player with the right coach. Cosmi also brings experience as a three-year starter at Texas, one at right tackle and two on the left side.
The Steelers’ tackle play this year left a lot to be desired, and it’s likely that left tackle Alejandro Villanueva will not return for next season. This opening leads to immediate playing time for Cosmi. Pittsburgh doesn’t find its franchise QB in this draft but sets itself up for success with this selection.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
Measuring 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Zaven Collins is a monster-sized off-ball linebacker. Collins has dominated his competition while at Tulsa, registering 236 tackles, 25 for loss, 7.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries in three seasons. Collins is an impact playmaker and is arguably one of the most natural off-ball linebackers in the class.
The Jaguars are fairly set on offense with Trevor Lawrence’s addition earlier in this 3-round NFL Mock Draft. However, the defense is another story. Urban Meyer has much work to do on the defensive side of the ball, and adding a linebacker like Collins will go a long way toward righting the ship. Pairing Collins and Myles Jack would give the Jaguars one of the most athletic linebacker duos in the NFL.
26. Cleveland Browns: Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
The Browns already have one physical freak edge rusher in Myles Garrett, who has developed into one of the best in the NFL. No one is expecting Jayson Oweh to become a player like Garrett. However, it’s not unreasonable to think Oweh can become a 12-sack pass rusher in the NFL. Oweh is the pick in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft, as the Browns attempt to make life difficult on the young QBs (Roethlisberger notwithstanding) in the division.
His physical tools are comparable to Garrett’s, but he’s underdeveloped as a pass rusher to this point. He generates pressure naturally with his get-off and physical traits, but he is limited by his lack of a pass rush plan.
The Browns could use help at every level of the defense. However, with a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl, it makes sense that they take a chance on a player with such tremendous upside. This selection also takes pressure off Garrett, who seemingly always needs to make the big play for Cleveland.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The need for a receiver is apparent, but Baltimore has four edge rushers set to hit free agency, and they could desperately use an influx of youth at the position. The need for an edge in the first place depends on whether they bring back Matt Judon or Yannick Ngakoue this offseason. If not, edge rusher becomes the most significant need heading into the draft.
Ossai became a full-time defensive end this season for the Longhorns, and he dominated. He’s a high-effort, explosive pass rusher who has produced 10 sacks in the past two seasons. As he continues to develop at the position, he’ll continue to apply pressure more and more consistently. The upside is there, and the Ravens do an excellent job developing their defensive draft picks.
28. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Saints had success the last time they took an Ohio State wide receiver. They’ve lacked a quality secondary receiver since bringing Michael Thomas in and haven’t been able to burn the top off defenses consistently. Whether it’s Drew Brees, Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston, or another quarterback, adding another receiving talent like Olave makes sense.
One of the most underrated receivers in the class, Chris Olave is a great athlete who separates naturally and has excellent hands. Similar to other receivers developed at Ohio State, he’s pro-ready and should find immediate success in the NFL. His skill set perfectly pairs with Michael Thomas, and they should consistently attack defenses on multiple levels. The pair of Buckeyes never played together in college but could make a devastating duo in the NFL.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The Buccaneers made the best selection in the first round of last year’s draft when they selected Tristan Wirfs with the 13th selection. Wirfs was the best rookie in the NFL this past season and is an elite building block for Tampa.
Pairing Wirfs with Alex Leatherwood makes a lot of sense since Donovan Smith wasn’t exactly a model of consistency this past season. As long as Tom Brady is playing in Tampa, the Buccaneers will be competing for a Super Bowl. Keeping Brady off the turf is the best way to achieve that goal.
Leatherwood was the top tackle in the nation this year, winning the Outland Trophy and the National Championship game. He possesses great length and solid technique, and is an above-average athlete for the position. When his arms lock, even the most powerful defenders can’t get into his chest. The Buccaneers move forward with an elite tackle duo.
30. Buffalo Bills: Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Both the Bills’ starting and backup right tackles are impending free agents. They’re already a Super Bowl-caliber team and have the luxury of selecting the best player available, which happens to be Mayfield. The need and value make too much sense to pass up in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Mayfield’s movement is his most appealing trait. He’s got smooth feet and looks like an elite athlete on tape. From time to time, he displays dominant power at the point of attack but doesn’t show his finishing ability consistently. With his athletic ability, he should do well blocking for a quarterback like Josh Allen.
31. Green Bay Packers: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Maybe, just maybe, the Packers will finally decide to invest in Aaron Rodgers and give him more weapons at receiver. Davante Adams is the best receiver in the NFL, but even he can’t do everything himself. Adding a secondary receiver who can create yardage himself and function as a big-play threat makes a ton of sense. Whether it’s screens and hot reads or plays down the field, finding an explosive playmaker makes too much sense for Green Bay.
Kadarius Toney is one of the top YAC receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft class. He’s seemingly impossible to tackle, making larger defenders look silly and smaller defenders insignificant. He played quarterback in high school and is still learning the receiver position’s nuances, but showed development as a route runner this season. Toney and Adams would make for a terrifying pass-catching duo.
32. Chicago Bears (projected trade w/ Kansas City): Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Bears are still looking for their quarterback of the future. After finding Allen Robinson’s replacement earlier in this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft in Rashod Bateman, they pair him with title-winning QB Mac Jones. With both the Trubisky and Foles experiments looking like failures, it makes sense for them to target the position once again.
In this trade, the Bears get the 32nd selection to draft Jones, and he’s eligible to get the fifth-year option being drafted in the first round. They also get the Chiefs’ fourth-round selection in 2022. The Chiefs get pick 52, as well as a second-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jones was the top quarterback in the country this past season, shattering expectations set for him in the summer. Some questioned whether he would start for the Crimson Tide. Jones won the starting job and led them to one of the best seasons in college football history.
He lacks elite tools, but his ball placement and poise are moving him toward the top of the class. The Bears are hoping Mac Jones is the answer to their long-standing quarterback problems after this 3-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
2021 3-round NFL Mock Draft | Round Two
33. Jacksonville Jaguars: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
34. New York Jets: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
35. Atlanta Falcons: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
36. Dallas Cowboys (projected trade w/ Miami Dolphins): Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
37. Philadelphia Eagles: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
38. Cincinnati Bengals: Jay Tufele, IDL, USC
39. Carolina Panthers: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
40. Denver Broncos: Patrick Jones, EDGE, Pittsburgh
41. Detroit Lions: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
42. New York Giants: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
43. New York Jets: Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
44. Dallas Cowboys: Daviyon Nixon, IDL, Iowa
45. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
46. New England Patriots: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
47. Los Angeles Chargers: Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
48. Las Vegas Raiders: Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
49. Arizona Cardinals: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
50. Miami Dolphins: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
51. Washington Football Team: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
52. Kansas City Chiefs (projected trade w/ Chicago Bears): Deonte Brown, OG, Alabama
53. Tennessee Titans: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL, Washington
54. Indianapolis Colts: Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh
55. Pittsburgh Steelers: Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State
56. Seattle Seahawks: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
57. Los Angeles Rams: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
58. Baltimore Ravens: Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama
59. Cleveland Browns: Jevon Holland, CB/S, Oregon
60. New Orleans Saints: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
61. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alim McNeill, IDL, NC State
62. Buffalo Bills: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
63. Green Bay Packers: Javonte Williams, RB, UNC
64. Kansas City Chiefs: Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
Round Three
65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
66. New York Jets: Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
67. Houston Texans: Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama
68. Atlanta Falcons: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio State
69. Cincinnati Bengals: Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State
70. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh Myers, OC, Ohio State
71. Denver Broncos: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
72. Detroit Lions: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
73. Carolina Panthers: Dillon Radunz, OT, NDSU
74. Washington Football Team: Richie Grant, S, UCF
75. Dallas Cowboys: Walker Little, OT, Stanford
76. New York Giants: Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
77. (pick forfeited by New England Patriots) Los Angeles Chargers: Elijah Molden, CB, Washington
78. Minnesota Vikings: Jaylen Twyman, IDL, Pittsburgh
79. Arizona Cardinals: Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern
80. Las Vegas Raiders: Talanoa Hufanga, S, USC
81. Miami Dolphins: Abraham Lucas, OT, Washington State
82. Washington Football Team: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
83. Chicago Bears: Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
84. Indianapolis Colts: Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
85. Tennessee Titans: Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
86. New York Jets: Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame
87. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Carter, RB, UNC
88. Los Angeles Rams: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE, Oregon State
89. Cleveland Browns: Cam McGrone, LB, Michigan
90. Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
91. Cleveland Browns: Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Demetric Felton, RB, UCLA
93. Buffalo Bills: Kary Vincent Jr., CB, LSU
94. Green Bay Packers: Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
95. Kansas City Chiefs: Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
96. (projected compensatory pick) San Francisco 49ers: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB/S, Syracuse
97. (projected compensatory pick) Los Angeles Rams: Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss