Driscoll’s 2021 7-round NFL Mock Draft | Picks 17-32
17) Jacksonville Jaguars*: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
After spending a first-round pick on CJ Henderson in 2020, the Jaguars turn around and spend another first-round selection on the cornerback position. The tandem of Henderson and Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley should bring back fond memories of Jalen Ramsey & AJ Bouye for the Jacksonville faithful.
18) Green Bay Packers: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Instead of providing Aaron Rodgers weapons in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Packers drafted his successor. But, Rodgers won’t give up the keys to the kingdom without a fight.
Pat Freiermuth, also known as “Baby Gronk”, is clearly the best tight end in the draft and immediately gives Rodgers a significant red-zone threat. Buy stock in the Freiermuth Offensive Rookie of the Year train if this selection does indeed occur.
Related | Pat Freiermuth could mount Hockenson-like rise in the NFL Draft
19) Tennessee Titans: Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma
Strong offensive line play is essential to the success of Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans rushing attack. Creed Humphrey is a plug-and-play, who has the potential to develop into one of the league’s best interior offensive linemen.
20) Buffalo Bills: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
The Buffalo Bills get an early Christmas gift, as a top player in the draft who fills the Bills biggest need just so happens to fall into their lap. Wade is versatile, possessing the ability to play on the outside or kick inside to the slot. Do the Bills have the best secondary in the league?
Related | Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL Draft Look-ahead: Shaun Wade, Ohio State
21) New York Jets: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The price of trading away the team’s best player in Jamal Adams to acquire this pick was steep, but getting Sam Darnold a legitimate number-one receiver is worth it.
22) Indianapolis Colts: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
When it comes to the cornerback position and the Indianapolis Colts, the cupboard is bare. This not an enviable position to be in, especially considering you now play in a division featuring Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.
Horn is sticky and has the ability to eliminate the oppositions’ best receiving option.
23) Minnesota Vikings: Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Harrison Smith isn’t getting any younger, and the Vikings won’t be able to afford both he and Anthony Harris, so safety becomes a need.
Holland is the best safety in the 2021 class, highlighted by his versatility and ball skills. Need fulfilled.
24) Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Not enough people in the draft community are discussing Nick Bolton. He might not be to the level of Micah Parsons or Dylan Moses, but he is a stout defender in his own right.
The Eagles are a mess at the linebacker position, and Bolton instantly brings some credibility to the unit.
25) Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
Remember when there was a big, immovable Casey Hampton in the middle of the Pittsburgh defense? Enter Tyler Shelvin, whose arrival puts the league on notice that the conversation for the best defense in the league starts in Pittsburgh.
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State
He might be a little light, but there is no denying Jayson Oweh’s ability to apply pressure. His burst and bend off the edge are exceptional.
The Buccaneers are in “win now” mode, due to the arrival of Tom Brady. Adding a dynamic pass-rusher is never a bad thing for a team trying to win a Lombardi Trophy.
27) New England Patriots: Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
If you think back in time, you will remember when many were labeling a defensive tackle from Pittsburgh as undersized. That player, Aaron Donald, is the best defensive player in the NFL.
Well, now many in the draft community are saying Jaylen Twyman is a bit undersized. He might not be the next Aaron Donald, but he has the skill-set to become an upper-echelon defensive lineman, especially if he is being coached by Bill Belichick.
28) Dallas Cowboys: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The Dallas Cowboys offense is becoming a cheat code. When you mix one of the league’s best offensive lines with Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and now a dynamic tight end like Kyle Pitts, you have one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
Pitts is a matchup nightmare, who wins with athleticism and explosiveness.
Related | 2021 NFL Draft: The three-headed monster tight end group
29) New Orleans Saints: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
The Saints have the league’s best wide receiver in Michael Thomas and the uber reliable Emmanuel Sanders. Now, they select a great compliment to the group. DeVonta Smith is battle-tested and he is productive. He has some of the best mitts in this draft class and should flourish in New Orleans high octane passing attack.
Whether it is Drew Brees or Taysom Hill at the helm, the Saints passing game is going to be fun to watch.
30) Baltimore Ravens: Wyatt Davis, OL, Ohio State
The retirement of Marshall Yanda leaves a big hole on the Ravens offensive line, and DJ Fluker won’t fill those shoes. The running game is paramount to the Baltimore offense and not adequately replacing Yanda could hurt them in 2020.
Luckily for them, Wyatt Davis is a future pro bowl talent who will bolster the Ravens line.
31) San Francisco 49ers: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
You might not have heard of him yet, but Georgia’s Tyson Campbell is going to become a household name in no time.
The 49ers could use enhancements throughout their secondary, and Campbell fits the bill. He has great size and utilizes his length well. Ironically, his blend of size and length reminds me of Richard Sherman.
32) Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Jones II, Edge, Pittsburgh
After backing out the Brinks trucks to pay Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, the Chiefs must be careful about who they pay next. Tyrann Mathieu, Travis Kelce, and Mitchell Schwartz all have contracts that are expiring in the next two years, and there won’t be enough money to keep everyone. Because of this, the Chiefs must start hitting their drafts out of the park as it is no easy task to replace elite players.
While Patrick Jones II doesn’t replace any of the above-mentioned players, he does improve an already stellar Chiefs defensive front featuring Chris Jones and Frank Clark. If Jones can develop into a quality player, containing the Chiefs’ defensive line will be a tough task.