2021 NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Trevor Lawrence Goes No. 1 & All 1st-Round Pick Predictions

Marcus Mosher lays out his 2021 NFL Mock Draft for the first three rounds. Read as The Game Day’s NFL Draft expert breaks down and predicts each pick from Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 of the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s his full 2021 Round 1 Mock with 2021 NFL Draft Round 1 pick predictions.

The first few waves of 2021 NFL free agency are over, and the 2021 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away. Team needs and potential landing spots for the nation’s top players are starting to take form. We are looking a three-round mock draft after the first week of free agency. So without further ado, let’s get into the picks!

Read our full 2021 NFL Draft Guide for more picks, predictions, bets, and more analysis.

2021 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

[2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1 • ROUND 2 • ROUND 3]

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

The best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. Lawrence should make the Jaguars a contender in the AFC South by Year 2. But it will be up to Urban Meyer to build the right type of offense around him going forward.

• Read Trevor Lawrence’s NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report.

2. NEW YORK JETS

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Arguably the most “fun” quarterback in this class, Wilson has the right demeanor and play style to thrive in New York. The initial learning curve might be rough, but he has All-Pro upside. New York must do a better job of surrounding him with talent than they did with the recently traded Sam Darnold or this has a chance to be another disaster.

• Read Zach Wilson’s NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report.

3.  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (From Texans via Dolphins)

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

After trading the No. 12 pick and two future first-round picks to move up to No. 3, the 49ers basically revealed they are taking a quarterback. But which one? The tea leaves are saying Trey Lance; he has the size, speed, and arm talent that Kyle Shanahan can develop in San Francisco.

With Jimmy Garoppolo staying on for the 2021 season, this allows Lance to sit for a year a la Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. With some seasoning, Lance could become a superstar in the loaded 49ers offense.

• Read Trey Lance’s 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report & Prospect Profile.

4. ATLANTA FALCONS

Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

The Falcons would love to trade out of this pick, but instead, they are forced to stay and select a generational talent at tight end. Pitts, alongside Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, would be a terror for defenses in Arthur Smith‘s offense.

• Read Kyle Pitts’ 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

5. CINCINNATI BENGALS

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU

You can certainly make the case that the Bengals should go offensive line here. But after signing Riley Reiff in free agency, they might be inclined to pick a playmaker for Joe Burrow. Chase had an all-time great season in 2019 with Burrow at LSU and projects as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

This wouldn’t be my ideal pick, but it seems like this is where we are heading. Buckle up, Bengals fans.

• Read JaMarr Chase’s 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

6. MIAMI DOLPHINS (From Eagles)

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

The Dolphins made two separate trades to get back inside the top six picks, which means they want to secure a No. 1 receiver for Tua Tagovailoa. Miami could easily roll with Ja’Marr Chase or Jaylen Waddle here, but instead, the ‘Phins will take the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner and Tua’s former Alabama teammate to group with DeVante Parker and Will Fuller.

• Read DeVonta Smith’s NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report.

7. PROJECTED TRADE — LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (from Detroit Lions)

Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Now that the Chargers have the franchise quarterback in place, it’s time to protect Justin Herbert. Los Angeles is aggressive in this mock, trading up for Herbert’s college left tackle in Penei Sewell. This trade-up might cost the Chargers a few high picks in 2022, but grabbing a generational tackle prospect is worth it.

• Read Penei Sewell’s 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

8. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Though the Panthers just acquired Sam Darnold from the New York Jets, I’m guessing they’ll still look quarterback here. (Teddy Bridgewater probably will wind up with a different club via trade or release.)

With three straight quarterbacks likely coming off the board to start the draft, don’t be surprised if the Panthers are the next team to make a move inside the top five or follow suit with whoever falls.

For now in this exercise, they wait patiently at No. 8 in this mock, grabbing Justin Fields. The Panthers get a franchise quarterback with the tools to thrive in Joe Brady’s offense. If he is available at this selection, it’s a home run for Carolina.

• Read Justin Fields’ 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report.

9. DENVER BRONCOS

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

After addressing their needs at cornerback in free agency with Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller, the Broncos can take the best defender on the board in Micah Parsons. In Vic Fangio‘s defense, Parsons would have plenty of opportunities to blitz and that is where he is at his best.

• Read Micah Parsons’ 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report.

10. DALLAS COWBOYS

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Dallas needs another proven outside cornerback, and they select Surtain to pair him with his former Alabama teammate in Trevon Diggs. Surtain isn’t the flashiest cornerback, but he’s reliable, durable and fits new coordinator Dan Quinn‘s scheme.

11. NEW YORK GIANTS

Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

Joe Judge wants to build up their offensive line and Slater has the position flexibility to play all five spots. He would likely start his career at guard, but could eventually slide over to either tackle spot, if needed. But he has Zack Martin-like potential at either guard spot.

12.  PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from Dolphins)

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

There have been some rumors that the Eagles might explore a trade to get back up into the top 10 because they want to add speed to their offense.

Waddle is the fastest receiver in the class and would be a perfect fit alongside 2020 first-round pick Jalen Reagor. Together, they would threaten defenses horizontally and vertically with their elite speed.

• Read Jaylen Waddle’s 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

13. PROJECTED TRADE — DETROIT LIONS (from Los Angeles Chargers)

Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

After sliding down from No. 7, the Lions take arguably the best pass rusher in the draft in Kwity Paye. Detroit needs a lot of help on defense, but Paye’s athleticism and motor will allow him to fit in right away. Picking him at No. 7 would be a reach, but moving down to No. 13 while adding a pick makes a lot of sense for a rebuilding team.

• Read Kwity Paye’s 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

14. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama

Minnesota signed Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency, but they need a pass-rushing defensive tackle to pair with him. Barmore is raw and inexperienced, but the former Alabama star has Fletcher Cox-like potential as a pass rusher.

15. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

New England is expected to be aggressive in the quarterback market in the draft. But in this mock, they stay at No. 10 and grab Jones. He’s got some Jimmy Garoppolo-like qualities and can be a solid starter in the right scheme.

• Read Mac Jones’ 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

16.  ARIZONA CARDINALS

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

After Patrick Peterson left in free agency, the Cardinals must upgrade their secondary. Grabbing Jaycee Horn at No. 16 would be a massive home run. He can play in both man and zone schemes and might have the highest upside of any cornerback in this draft.

17. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

It’s no secret that the Raiders need offensive line help after trading away three starters this offseason. Darrisaw is a college left tackle but could easily make the transition to right tackle in the NFL.

He’s a mauling run blocker who doesn’t get beat in pass protection. If he can work on finishing plays better, he might prove to be the best offensive tackle in this class.

18. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT, USC

Miami drafted Austin Jackson from USC at No. 19 last year, and he projects as the team’s future left tackle. In this 2021 NFL Mock Draft, the Dolphins add another USC offensive lineman in Alijah Vera-Tucker.

“AVT” has experience playing both guard and tackle, and his best immediate spot might be at right guard. However, they could potentially move Vera-Tucker to right tackle and kick Robert Hunt inside to guard. Either way, he helps improve this young offensive line.

19. WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

The defense is nearly set for Washington, but they need a speedy linebacker to play behind Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Da’Ron Payne, etc. “JOK” would be a perfect fit in Ron Rivera’s defense as he could play the Thomas Davis role in 2021.

20.   CHICAGO BEARS

Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State

Like Washington, Chicago would love to go up and get a quarterback. But with four quarterbacks going inside the top-seven, it’s just isn’t likely. Instead, the Bears fill their need at right tackle in Teven Jenkins.

21. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

The Colts need a left tackle and Eichenberg is the best one left on the board. He doesn’t have the best feet, but he’s got a ton of experience and is one of Notre Dame’s most decorated offensive linemen in school history.

22. TENNESSEE TITANS

Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

After whiffing on Isaiah Wilson last year, the Titans try again at offensive tackle. This time, they take an athletic mover in Samuel Cosmi, who might have the best feet in the class. He needs to add strength, but he can play left or right tackle and would be a Day 1 starter for Tennessee.

23. NEW YORK JETS (from Seahawks)

Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

After filling their need at quarterback with Zach Wilson, the Jets take the best cornerback available in Greg Newsome. He’s not the longest or biggest cornerback in the class, but he’s a fantastic man or zone defender who is only getting better.

24. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Pittsburgh is trying to make one more run under Ben Roethlisberger and they go with a player that can help right away. Etienne is a big-play machine and a huge upgrade over James Conner and Benny Snell.

• Read Travis Etienne’s 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

25.   JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (from Rams)

Trevon Moehrig, FS, TCU

The Jaguars continue to rebuild their secondary, but they could use a versatile defensive back like Moehrig to help their young cornerbacks. Moehrig is at his best near the line of scrimmage, but can also play free safety or split safety in a pinch.

26. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Cleveland added Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, but he signed just a one-year deal. Ojulari could be a rotational rusher as a rookie and take his job in 2022. He is just 20 years old and led the SEC in tackles for a loss, sacks and forced fumbles in 2020. The sky is the limit for Ojulari, and he would be the perfect pick for Cleveland here at No. 26.

27. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

The Ravens are never afraid to let the board come to them and they snag arguably the best cornerback in the draft in Caleb Farley.

With the depth the Ravens have at cornerback, they can afford to be patient here and let Farley heal up from his recent back surgery. However, expect him to be a contributor for the Ravens sooner rather than later.

28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Collins has bulked up to 270 pounds and can play both on the edge and as an off-the-ball linebacker. He would be a perfect fit in the Saints’ hybrid defense that uses both 4-3 and 3-4 looks.

29. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss

Is this the year the Packers finally surround Aaron Rodgers with weapons? Yes. Moore would be an ideal fit as he can play on the outside in the slot. His game is similar to Randall Cobb, who thrived under Rodgers earlier in his career.

30. BUFFALO BILLS

Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

Buffalo doesn’t have many needs on their roster, so they swing for the fences with Rousseau. He had 15.5 sacks as a freshman in the ACC, but still needs a lot of work. If he hits his ceiling, he could be a Danielle Hunter-like player in the NFL.

31. NEW — BALTIMORE RAVENS (from Kansas City Chiefs)

 Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

After acquiring a second first-round pick, the Ravens can now add a dynamic weapon in Bateman. The Ravens need a receiver who can win on the outside with route-running and physicality. That’s just where Bateman excels. Pairing him with Marquise Brown would make a ton of sense.

• Read Rashod Bateman’s 2021 NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report.

32. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

After winning the Super Bowl, the Bucs are in a position to take a gamble. Philips might have been a top-10 pick if it weren’t for a few injuries, but he is healthy now and ready to be a star.

[2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1 • ROUND 2 • ROUND 3]

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