The NFL Draft is approaching and the countdown is on for all 32 teams in the league. The 2021 NFL Draft will feature a bevy of future superstars along with some relative unknowns that could make a big splash in the NFL. In this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft, there won’t be any trades of picks, but that doesn’t mean that we won’t discuss possible trades that could happen. With teams looking to move up and down to grab a certain player, anything could happen in the draft! Here at PigSkinNut, we want to deliver the most unbiased and thorough analysis for every team during the NFL Draft season, so make sure you take a look at our wide variety of scouting reports, big boards, and mock drafts to prep yourself for every prospect!
With that being said, the Jacksonville Jaguars are now on the clock.
Round 1
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson
Urban Meyer starts off his new tenure as the Jags head coach by selecting the consensus QB1 of the NFL Draft. Lawrence had an incredible career at Clemson and comes into a rebuilding situation in Jacksonville. However, the Jags have a fairly solid core of young receivers for Lawrence to work with and the team will likely build the rest of the team in free agency and through the draft. If Meyer can properly utilize Lawrence’s skill set, especially in the run game, he could be a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.
2. New York Jets – Justin Fields, QB Ohio State
I know that I said we weren’t going to do trades in the mock draft, but I did say we would talk about some potential ones. Sam Darnold has gotten a bit of interest as a trade target. With Robert Saleh taking over as head coach, it’s a possibility he may want to take a younger quarterback to mold and develop. With Darnold entering the final years of his rookie contract, the time to move on from him might be now. Fields has the build and the tools to be a franchise quarterback, but still has plenty of room to improve. His mobility could make him a dangerous threat in Mike LaFleur’s Shanahan-esque offensive scheme.
3. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) – Penei Sewell, OT Oregon
A lot of Dolphins fans might be screaming for the team to take a wide receiver with this pick, but given the success rate at the position, it was best to go with the best player available. Miami takes Oregon’s stellar offensive tackle with the third pick to solidify their offensive line for their young quarterback. Sewell, the 2019 Outland Trophy winner, is one of the most technically sound offensive linemen to declare in recent years and still has plenty of growing to do, as he will turn 21 years old in October. He will be Miami’s anchor on the offensive front for years to come.
4. Atlanta Falcons – Zach Wilson, QB BYU
Matt Ryan’s time as a Falcon is likely coming to an end in 2022. The Falcons need to find his successor and with a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they find just the guy. BYU’s Zach Wilson has all the makings of an NFL franchise quarterback but allowing him to sit for a year under Ryan could be beneficial. His athleticism and accuracy are outstanding and he plays like a veteran already. Wilson does have a bit of history with injuries, though, including several shoulder injuries. If he can stay healthy long-term by adding more mass to his frame, it could mean an easy transition for the Falcons offense.
5. Cincinnati Bengals – Rashawn Slater, OT Northwestern
Joe Burrow took way too many shots during his rookie season and it eventually led to a devastating knee injury. The Bengals’ offensive line looked abysmal all season. By selecting Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater, they begin the process of building a solid wall for Burrow. Slater is a versatile lineman, capable of playing all five positions along the offensive line. Whether the team keeps Jonah Williams at left tackle next season or not is yet to be seen, but Slater has proven he is up for the task. A solid run blocker, he could also be the team’s starting right tackle for the future.
6. Philadelphia Eagles – Kyle Pitts, TE/WR Florida
The Eagles took the hit and traded away Carson Wentz to the Colts this offseason. So that means they have to take a quarterback in the first round, right? Not necessarily. With the team seeming to want to see what they have in Jalen Hurts, the team may look at bringing in a veteran to be a stop-gap. With that being said, the Eagles offense is in dire need of a boost. Florida’s Kyle Pitts is an electric offensive talent, capable of being an inline tight end or split out wide as an X receiver. His freakish athleticism and ball skills could help Philadelphia get back to some sort of normalcy on offense.
7. Detroit Lions – Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU
With the Lions trading Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff and picks, the Lions aren’t necessarily in the quarterback hunt right now. However, if Kenny Golladay isn’t franchise tagged, the team will desperately need a wide receiver. LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase is arguably the best receiver in this class. People seem to have forgotten how good he actually is because he opted out of the 2020 season, but Chase would be an instant impact guy for Detroit. Chase set the SEC receiving yards and touchdown record in 2019. He is excellent in several areas including his ball skills, blocking, and playmaking after the catch.
8. Carolina Panthers – Christian Darrisaw, OT Virginia Tech
There’s a lot of rumors that Matt Rhule is actively looking for a quarterback to take over for Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater was even included in trade talks for Matthew Stafford. However, in this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft, the Panthers decide to solidify their offensive line with one of the biggest risers in the class. Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech has great strength, length, and mobility for an NFL tackle. He could be an instant fit for Joe Brady’s offensive scheme.
9. Denver Broncos – Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech
Could the Broncos take a quarterback to replace Drew Lock? Possibly, but in this mock draft, Vic Fangio and new GM George Paton add a potential star cornerback to their struggling secondary. Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley is a perfect fit for Fangio’s defense. At 6’2″, Farley has great size and physicality at the position, along with the speed necessary to play against the stiff competition in the AFC West.
10. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain II, CB Alabama
With Chidobe Awuzie expected to hit free agency and the lack of talent in the Cowboys’ secondary, it’s no surprise that they take a cornerback with the tenth overall pick. Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II has all the makings of a star NFL cornerback. The son of an NFL player, Surtain II plays a very physical game and utilizes the boundary very well. He plays very disciplined and collected on the short side of the field, squeezing receivers down to the sideline.
11. New York Giants – Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama
The Giants are in need of offensive weapons. Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton aren’t true number one receivers and Daniel Jones needs a real receiving threat. Jaylen Waddle out of Alabama makes perfect sense for the Giants, who finished 31st in total offense. Waddle has the versatility to play either outside or in the slot or even out of the backfield. With fantastic hands and after-the-catch ability, Waddle could remind Giants fans of another Odell Beckham, Jr., without the diva personality.
12. San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State
Surprise, surprise. The Niners take a quarterback in the first round of this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft. San Francisco has been active in looking for a replacement for Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, including being heavily involved in the race for Matt Stafford. NDSU’s Trey Lance makes a ton of sense for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which features plenty of rollouts and play-action concepts. Lance is definitely a developmental project, but his age and his potential allow the Niners to properly develop him into a superstar at the NFL level.
13. Los Angeles Chargers – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL USC
The Chargers found their quarterback of the future in Justin Herbert. Now it’s time to build their offensive front to protect him. USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker is a versatile lineman who could honestly play either guard or tackle. His athleticism and play strength will be big factors in where he plays at the next level. With so many questions along the Chargers offensive line, Vera-Tucker could be one of the answers they need.
14. Minnesota Vikings – Christian Barmore, IDL Alabama
The Vikings have several pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball. The interior defensive line is one they can’t neglect in the 2021 NFL Draft. Alabama’s Christian Barmore is a force in the interior and has the versatility to play in either the 1-tech or 3-tech alignment. Stopping the run and creating interior pressure will be crucial for the Vikings in the NFC North.
15. New England Patriots – DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama
New England enters the 2021 offseason with the worst wide receiver corps in the entire league. They desperately need an upgrade and they get one in Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. Smith is a lanky receiver but flashes great route running ability and finishing skills after the catch. Despite his small size, he isn’t afraid to make the contested catch in tight windows. Whoever the quarterback is for the Patriots in 2021 should enjoy Smith’s presence on the field.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina
As of right now, the Cardinals and Patrick Peterson appear to be heading towards a divorce. The team has expressed interest in bringing the veteran back. However, if they aren’t able to, they can find his replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft. South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn, the son of former NFL receiver Joe Horn, would be just the player the Cardinals need to replace Peterson. His ultra-physical play and bully mentality would be extremely useful in a division that features D.K. Metcalf, Cooper Kupp, and Brandon Aiyuk.
17. Las Vegas Raiders – Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan
Clelin Ferrell has been a disappointment for the Raiders. Despite being drafted in the same class, Maxx Crosby has vastly outplayed the former Clemson EDGE who was a top-10 pick. The Raiders add a dynamic player in this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft with Michigan’s Kwity Paye. Paye is an explosive edge defender with a lot of size (6’4″, 277 lbs) and burst. He has some work to do as a pure pass rusher, but his run defense is what really catches your eye. His ability to turn the corner at his size is uncanny and should put fear into opposing running backs.
18. Miami Dolphins – Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota
The Dolphins selected a stalwart on the offensive line with their first selection in this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft. With their second pick, they give Tua Tagovailoa a true number one receiver to throw to. Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman could end up being the best wide receiver in this draft class. He has good size, is a nuanced route runner, and could possibly feature sub-4.4 speed. His playstyle is very reminiscent of Allen Robinson in the way he tracks the football and runs very smooth routes.
19. Washington Football Team – Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan
With the need for quality starting offensive tackles in the nation’s capital, the Washington Football Team finds one in a rising star in this class. Jalen Mayfield out of Michigan can play either side of the offensive line, but the upgrade with Mayfield would likely be on the blind side. Mayfield is a high-upside talent who has already faced a myriad of elite pass-rushers in college. With his physical mentality and room for improvement, he can fill the void at left tackle.
20. Chicago Bears – Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas
I’m sure Bears fans might’ve been hoping for a wide receiver or maybe even an edge rusher here. However, Chicago’s starting offensive tackles are less than ideal and they need to better protect whoever the starting quarterback will be in 2021. Texas tackle Samuel Cosmi is a high-upside, athletic tackle who works surprisingly well in open space. He’s big enough and physical enough to handle the bull rush and athletic enough to take on speed rushers. With some room for development, Cosmi can be a steal with the twentieth pick for Chicago.
21. Indianapolis Colts – Liam Eichenberg, OT Notre Dame
We’re seeing a bit of a tackle run in this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft. The Colts made a big trade to find their Philip Rivers replacement in former Eagle Carson Wentz. Long-time left tackle Anthony Castonzo called it a career after 2020, so the Colts need to find a replacement. Enter Notre Dame offensive tackle, Liam Eichenberg. Playing alongside fellow former Irish Quentin Nelson, Eichenberg will be a plug-and-play starter for the Colts. He offers great patience and physicality at the point of attack.
22. Tennessee Titans – Joseph Ossai, EDGE Texas
Since the Jadeveon Clowney experiment didn’t work, the Titans need to find a different answer off the edge opposite Harold Landry. Joseph Ossai out of Texas seems like a match made in heaven for the Titans. An athletic edge defender who can play either standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He’s still relatively new to the sport, but he has the explosiveness and power to make plays in the backfield.
23. New York Jets (from SEA) – Najee Harris, RB Alabama
Normally, I wouldn’t mock a running back in the first round, but in this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft, there’s an exception. Alabama’s Najee Harris could be the explosive playmaker that the Jets need to get some pressure off of rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who they took second overall in this mock. Not only is Harris a strong runner, but his pass-catching skills out of the backfield are not to be ignored.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami (FL)
The Steelers could very well move on from Bud Dupree, especially after his devastating ACL injury in 2020. With the need for a playmaker across from T.J. Watt, the Steelers get an intriguing prospect in Miami’s Gregory Rousseau. Before opting out of the 2020 season, Rousseau produced an astonishing 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in the 2019 season. He brings great size and versatility, either rushing off the edge or from the interior with explosiveness and eye-popping strength.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) – Teven Jenkins, OT Oklahoma State
After taking Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick, the Jags do the right thing and add protection for him with their second first-round pick. Teven Jenkins has been one of the biggest risers in recent weeks and the Oklahoma State tackle could very well be their answer at left tackle. He plays with an absolute mean streak, but still has room to grow and develop.
26. Cleveland Browns – Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Syracuse
The Browns have room to upgrade their secondary and they can do so with this selection. Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu shows great patience in reading wide receivers on the outside or from the slot alignment. He has great size and fantastic athleticism for a corner. His physical style of play and patience makes him a great fit for either press or zone schemes.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Creed Humphrey, IOL Oklahoma
The Ravens will be facing a lot of questions along the offensive line this offseason. Orlando Brown, Jr. may be on his way out of town, but the interior of the line has the most questions. They can start answering these by picking Creed Humphrey, the center from Oklahoma. Humphrey is a veteran starter who can be an instant impact player along the offensive line. His background as a wrestler comes in handy when utilizing his leverage inside.
28. New Orleans Saints – Micah Parsons, LB Penn State
This might just be one of the biggest falls from other mock drafts. With some potential serious off-field issues on the table, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons has other questions that caused this massive drop. Is he an edge rusher? Is he a true off-ball linebacker? He offers incredible speed and athleticism but can be a slow processor at times. However, if he can get his name cleared and develop as a WILL linebacker in the Saints defense alongside Demario Davis, this would be the steal of the draft.
29. Green Bay Packers – Terrace Marshall, Jr., WR LSU
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hoping for a receiver in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Instead, the team traded up to draft Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. In this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft, the Packers grant Rodgers’ wish. LSU’s Terrace Marshall, Jr. is one of the relatively overlooked receivers in this class, but his production with the Tigers can’t be ignored. He averaged over 100 receiving yards a game and recorded double-digit touchdowns for the second straight year, despite only playing seven games in 2020. His size, hands, and route running will be an excellent complement for Davante Adams.
30. Buffalo Bills – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame
Matt Milano is likely hitting the free-agent market this offseason. Replacing his production will be no easy task for the Bills, but they get a possible upgrade with this pick. Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is an athletic linebacker who could be a safety hybrid at the next level. He plays with next-level instincts and speed, along with delivering punishing hits on opposing players. He could be a possible tone-setter for the Bills defense.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Alex Leatherwood, OL Alabama
If the Super Bowl was any indication of how bad the Chiefs’ offensive line was, this pick is completely necessary. Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood played left tackle for the Crimson Tide, but better projects as a guard at the next level. He shows great strength and aggressiveness in run blocking but struggles with wide pass rushers. The Chiefs need to upgrade their interior offensive line and do so with Leatherwood.
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jaelen Phillips, EDGE Miami (FL)
The Super Bowl champs have the final first-round selection of this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft and fill a key position. The Bucs have some big decisions coming up for their impending free-agent edge defender. Shaq Barrett is likely to get a big payday, which could mean they cut Jason Pierre-Paul and save $12.5 million in cap space. Jaelen Phillips could be a great replacement piece if they part with the 31-year old Pierre-Paul. The Miami edge defender has a great blend of size, speed, and explosiveness to go along with great technique against the pass and the run.
Round 2
33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Asante Samuel, Jr., CB Florida State
34. New York Jets – Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
35. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) – Nick Bolton, LB Missouri
36. Atlanta Falcons – Travis Etienne, RB Clemson
37. Cincinnati Bengals – Eric Stokes, CB Georgia
The Bengals have several impending free-agent corners. Expect them to be aggressive in free agency, as well as the draft. Georgia’s Eric Stokes has blazing speed and is great at creating turnovers. He can develop into a quality starter in coming years but should be primarily a zone coverage corner to start out.
38. Philadelphia Eagles – Kadarius Toney, WR Florida
39. Detroit Lions – Aaron Robinson, CB UCF
40. Carolina Panthers – Daviyon Nixon, IDL Iowa
41. Denver Broncos – Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia
42. Dallas Cowboys – Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State
The Cowboys’ offensive line didn’t look the same as it has in recent years. Upgrading the interior of the line may be necessary. Ohio State’s Wyatt Davis is an absolute mauler who could be an instant starter in Dallas at guard.
43. New York Giants – Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State
44. San Francisco 49ers – Greg Newsome II, CB Northwestern
45. Los Angeles Chargers – Dylan Moses, LB Alabama
46. Jacksonville Jaguars (from MIN) – Trevon Moehrig, S TCU
47. New England Patriots – Pat Freiermuth, TE Penn State
It’s only right that the Patriots select the player coined as “Baby Gronk” in the second round of this 2-round 2021 NFL mock draft. Penn State’s Pat Frieirmuth is an athletic tight end with good size and developmental blocking skills. The Patriots need more offensive weapons and Freiermuth certainly fills the void at tight end.
48. Arizona Cardinals – Landon Dickerson, IOL Alabama
49. Las Vegas Raiders – Mac Jones, QB Alabama
50. Miami Dolphins – Richie Grant, S UCF
51. Washington Football Team – Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
52. Chicago Bears – Nico Collins, WR Michigan
The Bears have several wide receivers that could hit the free-agent market this offseason, including Allen Robinson II. The Bears get a solid replacement in Michigan’s Nico Collins. Collins has fantastic size for an outside receiver and would be a downfield threat for the Bears’ offense.
53. Indianapolis Colts – Carlos Basham, Jr., EDGE Wake Forest
54. Tennessee Titans – James Hudson, OT Cincinnati
55. Seattle Seahawks – Trey Smith, IOL Tennessee
56. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dillon Radunz, OT North Dakota State
57. Los Angeles Rams – Baron Browning, LB Ohio State
The Rams could use an upgrade at the linebacker spot. Baron Browning has the skills to be an impact starter at the NFL level. He works extremely well in coverage and has the athleticism to make plays from several alignments.
58. Cleveland Browns – Joe Tryon, EDGE Washington
59. Baltimore Ravens – Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR USC
60. New Orleans Saints – Jevon Holland, S Oregon
61. Green Bay Packers – Paulson Adebo, CB Stanford
62. Buffalo Bills – Levi Onwuzurike, IDL Washington
Vernon Butler could be a potential cap casualty for the Bills, saving them about $5 million on the cap. The team could find a solid replacement in Washington’s Levi Onwuzurike. His play strength and instincts against the run could help open up more opportunities for Ed Oliver.
