Austin Smith’s Two Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft (4-8-21)

1.     Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence

QB

Clemson

1 (Big Board Ranking)

He’s everything a franchise without a current representative in the Hall of Fame or Super Bowl appearance would want in a face of their franchise. Would Urban Meyer have come out of retirement for his first NFL head coaching job without Lawrence on the table? I have my doubts, and the pair could be the start of something very special.

2.     New York Jets

Zach Wilson

QB

BYU

7

With Sam Darnold having been sent to Carolina, it opens the door for the Jets to get a fresh start at quarterback. My only hope is that they can add some talent around him in order to give him a reasonable shot at succeeding in New York.

3.     San Francisco 49ers

Trey Lance

QB

North Dakota State

26

Yes, I’ve got Justin Fields ranked higher on my board, and the fact that the 49ers are only one year removed from a Super Bowl appearance may signal that they want someone like Mac Jones that is ready to step right in.

Here is my thought process. I’m going to take the 49ers at their word that Jimmy Garoppolo is still in their plans, allowing them to be patient with someone like Lance or Fields.

I also targeted someone that can thrive in the pocket with play-action designs because Shanahan isn’t likely to stray from his balanced offensive approach. Lance has the size, strength, and experience under center to be the right fit in San Francisco.

4.     Atlanta Falcons

Justin Fields

QB

Ohio State

11

In Tennessee, Smith was able to hone Ryan Tannehill’s ability after it seemed his days as a starting quarterback were behind him. Fields has a very similar skill set to Tannehill, and I believe Smith can work his magic on the former-Buckeye. Plus, with Matt Ryan still under contract, there is no hurry to start Fields.

5.     Cincinnati Bengals

Penei Sewell

OT

Oregon

2

A reunion between Burrow and his former All-American receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, is tempting, as is drafting a mismatch nightmare like Kyle Pitts. Still, the one need more prevalent than securing their franchise signal-caller offensive weapons is protecting Burrow. Dating back to his two years at LSU, the most significant difference between his play in 2018 and 2019 was his confidence in the players in front of him.

6.     Miami Dolphins

Ja’Marr Chase

WR

LSU

4

This offense has several speedy playmakers but far less reliable targets like the LSU product. DeVante Parker is no stranger to the injury bug, having played only one full season in his career. Chase would give Tua Tagovailoa a physical playmaker that the second-year passer can depend on anywhere on the field.

7.     Detroit Lions

Jaylen Waddle

WR

Alabama

3

They could take one to compete with Goff for the starting job or put this pick up for grabs to a team desperate to add a new signal-caller. Still, whether Goff is in the Lions’ long-term plans or not, the explosive Alabama playmaker is going to be a favorite target for whoever ends up throwing him passes in the Motor City.

8.     Carolina Panthers

Kyle Pitts

TE

Florida

6

He’s not going to offer much in the run game as a blocker, but with RPO packages popping up in the NFL more and more, he will draw plenty of attention running down the seam to pull defenders out of the box. Pitts would easily be the best pass-catcher Darnold has played with since entering the NFL.

9.     Denver Broncos

Micah Parsons

LB

Penn State

8

Vic Fangio had Bart Scott and Ray Lewis in Baltimore, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman in San Francisco, and Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan in Chicago. Needless to say, a high level of play from his linebackers has been a staple of Fangio’s defenses. Parsons would thrive under his tutelage.

10.   Dallas Cowboys

Rashawn Slater

OL

Northwestern

5

Still, the Cowboys traditionally stay true to their board by seeking out the best combination of value, need and scheme fit in a prospect. I’ve got six players with a top-ten grade in this class, and Slater is one of them. That’s value the Cowboys simply can’t pass up, as he will immediately give them a star at left guard.

11.   New York Giants

Devonta Smith

WR

Alabama

10

Still, I settled on Smith, who has a lot of qualities that can help Daniel Jones find more success in the NFL. He’s a reliable target with sure hands and some of the best route-running skills in this class. Jason Garrett likes to run a lot of play-action that requires timing between the passer and his receivers. Smith can shine in that kind of system.

12.   Philadelphia Eagles

Jaycee Horn

CB

South Carolina

13

Horn needs to improve his technical work with his feet and hands to keep him from getting grabby when he initially gets bested in the early stages of the route, but you can’t teach his athleticism. I also wouldn’t be shocked if the Eagles moved up, even after moving down from six in the trade with Miami.

It’s not often we see division rivals pick consecutively like this, and I’ve got Dallas and New York taking players that Philadelphia could covet. If that’s the case, don’t expect Howie Roseman to just sit on his hands while two divisional opponents take players he wants right in front of him.

13.   Los Angeles Chargers

Christian Darrisaw

OT

Virginia Tech

12

Darrisaw is a powerful, athletic blocker that can solidify the left tackle position after Los Angeles spent the early portions of free agency improving the interior of that line. The former-Hokie will also be a force as a run blocker that can help re-energize a rushing attack that was one of four teams to average less than four yards per carry in 2020.

14.   Minnesota Vikings

Alijah Vera-Tucker

OL

USC

18

Considering Cleveland was, by far, their best guard a year ago, the Vikings have to prioritize getting better at that position. I like Vera-Tucker’s fit because, like Cleveland, he is versatile, having played guard and tackle at USC. His addition could solidify the left side of that offensive line, and even if neither he nor Cleveland can claim the left tackle job, Minnesota would have one of the top young guard-duos in the league.

15.   New England Patriots

Mac Jones

QB

Alabama

40

I genuinely believe there are only five quarterbacks capable of significantly impacting an offense from day one in this draft, and Jones is the fifth. That means each of those three teams may need to call teams like Denver, Dallas, and Philadelphia about possibly moving up. I love the fit of Jones working with Josh McDaniels, as Jones is a smart player that will pick up the playbook quickly.

16.   Arizona Cardinals

Patrick Surtain

CB

Alabama

14

While Surtain may have some limitations athletically, he disguises them well with his size and advanced footwork and instincts at the position. I’m not sure he’ll ever be one to consistently match up with the opposing team’s top receiver week after week, but he is certainly capable of limiting opportunities on one-half of the field.

17.   Las Vegas Raiders

Trevon Moehrig

S

TCU

17

They could also gamble on the talented Caleb Farley, who would have been long gone by this point had he not recently undergone the third surgery of his pre-NFL career. Still, the decision to move on from Lamarcus Joyner left a hole on the back end of that secondary. Moehrig offers them a versatile playmaker in the secondary that can line up in the box or deep.

18.   Miami Dolphins

Azeez Ojulari

LB

Georgia

19

He’s also got the ability to bring pressure off the edge, and his versatility is something Brian Flores will be able to highlight in his defense. A year ago, the Dolphins defense paired a solid mix of youth and experience, and this will give them a terrific young player to join into the fray.

19.   Washington Football Team

Samuel Cosmi

OT

Texas

24

Still, there are other games where I see a much different player, and that inconsistency could see him slide on draft night. I have Washington betting on his upside here. This offensive line is in dire need of help on the left side, but I believe the combination of Cosmi at tackle and Saahdiq Charles at left guard can remedy that situation.

20.   Chicago Bears

Caleb Farley

CB

Virginia Tech

9

That was my biggest concern when he chose to opt-out of the 2020 season. Also, Farley’s recent back surgery is the second time he’s had to have something corrected with his back, on top of the knee injury that cost him his freshman year. Still, he has an impressive blend of size and athleticism at the position and could be the steal of this class.

21.   Indianapolis Colts

Jaelan Phillips

DE

Miami

27

Phillips can be that guy that grows into a consistent terror off the edge that puts up double-digit sack totals for years to come. However, Phillips comes with some risk and is still very raw. I wouldn’t be shocked if Indianapolis went with Gregory Rousseau or Kwity Paye, although they aren’t exactly finished products either.

22.   Tennessee Titans

Tevin Jenkins

OT

Oklahoma State

29

Tennessee may have swung and missed on that one, but the need for a right tackle still exists. Jenkins is an imposing prospect that can be a force in the run game, while his size and length also make him difficult to get around off the edge. I don’t expect them to balk at drafting another tackle for one second if Jenkins is still on the board.

23.   New York Jets

Travis Etienne

RB

Clemson

22

His big play-ability and additional value as a pass-catcher will be a blessing for an offense that lacks playmakers. Not only will the former-Tiger be a day-one starter in New York, but he can help take pressure off of Zach Wilson’s shoulders.

24.   Pittsburgh Steelers

Zaven Collins

LB

Tulsa

25

Still, the Golden Hurricanes used to move Collins around the formation as well, which is something Keith Butler can take advantage of on all three downs. He can blitz or be a true rusher off the edge while also being more than capable of dropping into coverage.

25.   Jacksonville

Christian Barmore

DL

Alabama

16

However, Barmore has a long way to go to reach his potential with any form of consistency. Still, Taven Bryan has not lived up to his draft slot, and inserting Barmore with Malcom Brown in the middle of that defense would be the start to revamping that unit.

26.   Cleveland Browns

Gregory Rousseau

DE

Miami

21

Instead, Rousseau chose to opt-out, leaving the 2019 production as the lone highlight on his resume. Even so, it will be hard for the Browns to pass on any of the top pass rushers. The Cleveland defense is playing catchup with their offensive counterparts, and the quickest way they can do that is to pair someone like Rousseau with Myles Garrett. His size is imposing to the opposition, and of the top defensive ends, Rousseau may be the most capable against the run early in his career.

27.   Baltimore Ravens

Kwity Paye

OLB/DE

Michigan

23

I’m a big fan of Paye, both as a player and person, and while the former Wolverine played with his hand on the ground at Michigan, he’s got the athleticism to stand up in the NFL. Paye also has a sturdy frame that can help him be a factor against the run, and while he may have limited tape, I think the Ravens can groom him into a star at outside linebacker.

28.   New Orleans Saints

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

OLB

Notre Dame

15

Still, I believe Dennis Allen can make the most out of Owusu-Koramoah’s skill set. Cameron Jordan and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are both highly versatile players, and Allen isn’t afraid to showcase their wide range of skills. The Saints need a weak-side linebacker, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see them flex him out or line him up on the edge at times as well.

29.   Green Bay Packers

Jamin Davis

LB

Kentucky

NA

Davis is a leaner version of what Tremaine Edmunds was coming out of Virginia Tech in 2018. He flies around the field with incredible athleticism, and he’s not afraid to throw his weight around, although he needs to add more to his frame. The Packers are just not getting enough out of their inside linebackers, and Davis could thrive playing behind Kenny Clark.

30.   Buffalo Bills

Jayson Oweh

DE

Penn State

43

Oweh is an incredible athlete, and that shows up on tape. Yes, he needs some polish, but this team desperately needs a dynamic pass rusher after a year in which the Bills leading sack total was five.

31.   Kansas City Chiefs

Nick Bolton

LB

Missouri

20

Watching Tyreke Hill get neutralized with no other wide receiver stepping up against Tampa Bay was also frustrating. This secondary is below average, and there are holes on their defensive front-seven as well. I’ll add that Kansas City’s cap situation is not in the best shape for the foreseeable future.

We already saw Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz become cap casualties, and don’t be shocked if others find their names on the chopping block as well. Anthony Hitchens is an underrated player on this defense, but his release could free up quite a bit of space over the next two years.

In Bolton, they get a younger version of Hitchens. He’s one of the most instinctive defenders in this class and one of the more physical tacklers as well.

32.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carlos Basham

DE

Wake Forest

30

His combination of power and athleticism is unique, and it shined in the Senior Bowl practices, where he was one of the most consistent players on the field. Basham could push Gholston for the starting job opposite Suh while also rushing the passer from any position on the front.

33.   Jacksonville Jaguars

Asante Samuel

CB

Florida State

34

While Christian Barmore gives them more talent in the front-seven, Samuel can pair with C.J. Henderson and Shaquill Griffin to give the Jaguars one of the better young trios in the league at cornerback. Samuel can thrive in the slot from day one and offers insurance to either Henderson or Griffin.

34.   New York Jets

Kadarius Toney

WR

Florida

28

Toney is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands, and by putting him and Etienne in this offense, they get a pair of players who can take it to the house anytime they touch the ball. Yards after the catch make a quarterbacks’ job so much easier, and Toney will make plenty.

35.   Atlanta Falcons

Najee Harris

RB

Alabama

32

I know this defense needs a lot of help, but they have a lot of young talent on that side of the football that could emerge simply because of the coaching change. Meanwhile, Harris can help keep that defense on the sideline for long stretches.

36.   Miami Dolphins

Dillon Radunz

OL

North Dakota State

36

Robert Hunt was seen by many as a guard, yet Miami put him at right tackle. If I’m wrong about Jackson at left tackle, or the Dolphins are wrong about Hunt on the right, Radunz can solve it. If both turn out to be just fine at those positions, Radunz proved in Mobile that he could kick inside to guard. That would also allow them to move on from Erick Flowers after this year, saving them $10M in cap space in 2022.

37.   Philadelphia Eagles

Rashod Bateman

WR

Minnesota

33

At the end of the 2020 season, both Metcalf and Jefferson were in the Pro Bowl. Not long after, Carson Wentz was being shipped out of town. Still, I think Philadelphia would be wise to grab Bateman. He’s a terrific route-runner that can be the reliable option this roster needs.

38.   Cincinnati Bengals

Terrace Marshall

WR

LSU

35

This draft should revolve around the goal of making Burrow’s job easier in year two. Considering the number of defenders the Bengals signed in free agency, I have no problem doubling up on offense with their first two picks.

39.   Carolina Panthers

Jalen Mayfield

OL

Michigan

31

With that in mind, the Panthers would be wise to focus their efforts on controlling what they can control, and that is the talent around him. After grabbing Kyle Pitts in the first round, I am bolstering the bunch up front with Mayfield’s selection. The former Wolverine can step right in at guard and make this team more physical and dependable.

40.   Denver Broncos

Jevon Holland

S

Oregon

49

I went with Holland because his versatility and instincts will pair well next to Justin Simmons. Both players can move around the defensive formation, allowing the defense to mix their coverages often.

41.   Detroit Lions

Davyion Nixon

DT

Iowa

50

The former Hawkeye is an explosive player, capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield against the run and the pass. I had little issue selecting Jaylen Waddle in the first round for Detroit, but this needs to be a defensive-heavy draft class for the Lions.

42.   New York Giants

Wyatt Davis

G

Ohio State

41

The Giants made a dedicated effort to improve their offensive line last offseason, and the job is not done yet. So much of what makes Jason Garrett’s offense successful relies on having a quality unit up front. Getting better in that regard means making life easier on Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.

43.   San Francisco 49ers

Greg Newsome

CB

Northwestern

52

Newsome is a bit raw technically but has the size and athleticism to thrive in San Francisco’s coverage scheme. He’s got some durability concerns and has to get stronger to survive in the NFL. Still, Newsome’s issues are correctable, and you can’t teach his physical gifts.

44.   Dallas Cowboys

Richie Grant

S

Central Florida

56

However, I’m not disappointed with getting Grant here. His instincts are impeccable, and he could start immediately as the single-high safety in that defensive scheme. The Cowboys have not always valued safeties this high, but that could be changing this year.

45.   Jacksonville Jaguars

Pat Freiermuth

TE

Penn State

38

Still, in Freiermuth, this offense gets a traditional tight end that can be a reliable option in the passing game. He’s got terrific hands and is one of this class’s more advanced route-runners at tight end. They’ve got some big-play threats in that offense, and here they get a safety net.

46.   New England Patriots

Elijah Moore

WR

Ole Miss

42

Moore is just too talented to pass on at this point and considering Julian Edelman will be 35 next month, this seemed like an ideal match. Mac Jones got a good look at what Moore is capable of this past fall, and I’d be shocked if the two didn’t develop a natural chemistry quickly in Josh McDaniel’s offense.

47.   Los Angeles Chargers

Ifeatu Melifonwu

CB

Syracuse

59

Like many of the corners I expect to be drafted in the second round, Melifonwu’s game needs some refinement. Still, he’s got an elite combination of athleticism and size for the position, and developing him properly could net Los Angeles a shutdown corner.

48.   Las Vegas Raiders

Landon Dickerson

C

Alabama

47

This is a day-one leader on that offensive line, but his injury history is as severe as it is extensive. Take away the lower body injuries that plagued Dickerson at Florida State and Alabama, and he would have most likely been a first-round selection in one of the last two drafts. The risk is significant, but the reward is enticing.

49.   Arizona Cardinals

Alex Leatherwood

OT

Alabama

48

Leatherwood could compete to start at either position, having played both guard and tackle in Tuscaloosa. Arizona has continued to make strides at improving the group in front of Kyler Murray, and this would be another step in the right direction.

50.   Miami Dolphins

Creed Humphrey

C

Oklahoma

37

I know they brought Matt Skura in on a one-year deal, but that contract’s financial value does not dictate that he be handed a starting role. Humphrey is a steal at this point in my eyes, and the additions of him and Radunz (along with the development of their second-year players) could help cement this offensive line for years to come.

51.   Washington Football Team

Elijah Molden

CB

Washington

57

In fact, some believe Molden could warrant first-round consideration for a team looking for a slot corner, and I don’t entirely disagree. He’s got terrific footwork and instincts that allow him to break quickly on routes and passes, and he’s not afraid to make his presence felt in run support.

52.   Chicago Bears

Dyami Brown

WR

North Carolina

60

Brown is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, capable of making players miss or running through tackles. He’s also a very good route-runner that should get a lot of targets playing opposite Allen Robinson. However, don’t be shocked if a quarterback is selected with this pick either. Dalton could be around just long enough to keep the seat warm for someone like Kyle Trask, Davis Mills, or Kellen Mond.

53.   Tennessee Titans

Aaron Robinson

DB

Central Florida

46

However, therein lies the problem, which is why I have him sliding a bit. The biggest knock on Robinson is that he’s still developing instinctually, and moving him back and forth in the secondary is only going to make matters worse. I’d love to see the Titans make him their starting nickel corner, and as his feel for the game improves, add more responsibilities to his role.

54.   Indianapolis Colts

Levi Onwuzurike

DT

Washington

54

The addition of both Jaelan Phillips and Onwuzurike would undoubtedly improve their current situation along the defensive line. Both are capable of getting consistent pressure on the quarterback, and the former Huskie is also quite active shooting gaps in to cause problems in the run game. Onwuzurike would pair nicely with DeForest Buckner in the middle of that defense.

55.   Pittsburgh Steelers

Javonte Williams

RB

North Carolina

58

He’s also one of the youngest running backs in this class, as he won’t turn 21 until the week before the draft. The addition of Williams could help the Steelers commit to the run game after finishing last in the league in yards per carry, and in the bottom five in rushing attempts.

56.   Seattle Seahawks

Joseph Ossai

OLB

Texas

45

The Seahawks continue to get younger on their defense, and this would be another tally in that effort. The former Longhorn can also come off the edge on passing downs which is also a bonus given that Bruce Irvin is on the free-agent market as well.

57.   Los Angeles Rams

Joe Tryon

OLB

Washington

51

In this scenario, I think the Rams would be delighted with their outcome as Tryon is a uber-talented edge rusher with his best football ahead of him. He has all the tools to be a successful outside linebacker in this system, and had he played in 2020, his stock would be in the first-round conversation.

58.   Baltimore Ravens

Trey Smith

OL

Tennessee

65

Still, his natural fit is to line up next to Ronnie Stanley as the left guard, where he spent most of his time in Knoxville. There are concerns about Smith’s health stemming from blood clots in his lungs that caused him to miss significant time in college. Still, if his medical checks came back favorably, he may not last to the 58th pick.

59.   Cleveland Browns

Nico Collins

WR

Michigan

71

Collins reminds me a lot of Michael Pittman from a year ago, and the Colts certainly didn’t regret drafting him in the second round. It’s scary to imagine what this offense would be capable of if the passing attack were as dangerous as their ground game. This pick could make that a reality.

60.   New Orleans Saints

Rondale Moore

WR

Purdue

39

However, I could see Sean Payton integrating Moore into a prominent role in his offense. Despite being shorter than he was listed at Purdue, the former Boilermaker has a sturdy build that will help him at the NFL level. He’s one of the most explosive players in this draft, and I can only imagine the gadget plays that Payton will scheme up to utilize Moore’s skill set.

61.   Buffalo Bills

Eric Stokes

CB

Georgia

63

Stokes is an incredible athlete with track speed and good size for the position. I would have liked to see him spend one more year in college refining his skills, but that responsibility will now fall on his future coaching staff. Still, if his coaches can be patient with his development, he can be the long-term solution opposite Tre’Davious White.

62.   Green Bay Packers

Tutu Atwell

WR

Louisville

44

Yes, playing in the NFL at 155 pounds isn’t ideal, but Atwell has possibly the best short-area quickness of any player in this class. Strictly speaking, as a pass-catcher, his slight frame isn’t an issue until teams get ahold of him, and that’s not going to be easy considering his athleticism.

63.   Kansas City Chiefs

Spencer Brown

OT

Northern Iowa

67

A third-round selection a year ago, coming out of TCU, Chase Young pointed to Niang as the most formidable offensive lineman he faced while at Ohio State. That’s quite the compliment given the production Young had in his college career, and I believe he and Brown would give Kansas City a solid pair of bookends. I had my concerns about Brown’s ability to go from playing at Northern Iowa to the NFL, but his performance at the Senior Bowl showed that he can be a day-one contributor on the right side.

64.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tyson Campbell

CB

Georgia

68

For a cornerback with 32-inch arms, I’d love to see him be more disruptive at the line of scrimmage or early in the route. Still, watching Tampa Bay’s corners was a bit of a roller coaster ride a year ago, and while they are young, you can never have enough talented corners.