Three-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft 4.0

After months of waiting we are just two days away from the 2021 NFL Draft. The following three-round mock is based on what I would do as GM of each franchise and accounts for team needs and scheme fits. I hope you enjoy!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence | QB, Clemson

There is no doubt that Lawrence will be the No. 1 pick on Thursday night. The odds are currently at -1000 and the Jags have even reportedly given him their playbook already. There isn’t much to say on this pick that hasn’t already been said. Lawrence is a generational talent who processes the game like a seasoned veteran. It will be interesting to see what he can do together with Urban Meyer.

2. New York Jets – Zach Wilson | QB, BYU

Much like the Jags’ pick, this one is pretty much a foregone conclusion too. Wilson was one of the most accurate quarterbacks in college football and has the ability to make plays at all three levels of the field. He excels outside of structure and the Patrick Mahomes comparisons aren’t without merit. He takes good care of the football too, with just four turnover-worthy plays in 2020, by far the lowest number amongst draft-eligible prospects. Wilson would be the perfect fit in Mike LaFleur’s play action-heavy offense. According to PFF, Wilson was the highest graded play action passer in college football last season.

3. San Francisco 49ers – Justin Fields | QB, Ohio State

This is where the draft starts to get interesting. The 49ers made the big move to come up to No. 3 and secure their quarterback of the future. They get that with Justin Fields. Fields offers elite accuracy, with his 80.8 per cent adjusted completion percentage ranking second in the FBS last season. He also brings an athletic dimension that the 49ers are currently lacking with Jimmy Garoppolo. The last time Kyle Shanahan got to work with a mobile quarterback was with RG3, who helped to the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Fields could help to get this team back to the summit of the NFC.

4. Denver Broncos – Trey Lance | QB, North Dakota State

TRADE: Falcons receive No. 9 overall, No. 71 overall, and the Broncos’ 2022 1st round pick.

With Atlanta tied into Matt Ryan until at least 2023, I can’t see any way they take a quarterback here. The best move is to trade back and accumulate draft capital, which is what they do here. The Broncos have a solid roster, but need a better quarterback under center if they are to have any chance of competing for the AFC West. Lance would give them that immediately. He doesn’t have a tonne of experience as a starter, but he offers the high end traits you want in a quarterback. His arm strength is elite and he offers legitimate ability as a ball carrier. Lance averaged 7.3 yards per carry and forced 0.32 missed tackles per attempt throughout his career. These numbers are comparable to the top running backs in this year’s class.

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Ja’Marr Chase | WR, LSU

Offensive line is a need for the Bengals, but the signing of Riley Reiff gives them a pair of decent starting tackles. Their biggest pass protection issues are on the interior and that isn’t worth the No. 5 overall pick. Instead they can look to re-unite Burrow with his former LSU teammate. Chase would be the immediate WR1 and give the team a real deep threat. His 24 deep catches since 2019 are the second most in college football, despite him opting out of the 2020 season. Chase has a versatile skillset and can win in a number of different ways. Having a receiver who consistently creates separation will help Joe Burrow as much as a new offensive tackle would.

6. Miami Dolphins – Kyle Pitts | TE, Florida

The Dolphins need more weapons for Tua, and Kyle Pitts is the perfect option. He is too quick for linebackers and too physical for defensive backs to cover one-on-one. Unlike most tight ends, Pitts has the athleticism to consistently create separation in single coverage. He averaged 17.9 yards per reception last season and had 12 touchdowns in just eight games. The Dolphins run 12 personnel (one back, two tight ends) at the fifth highest rate in the NFL, and he would be a great player to pair with Mike Gesicki. Pitts would also provide Tua with a reliable pair of hands. He didn’t log a single drop on 43 catchable passes in 2020.

7. Detroit Lions – Jaylen Waddle | WR, Alabama

The Lions are another team who could consider offensive tackle at this spot, but it is difficult to ignore their need at receiver. As things stand they have Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams as their starters heading into 2021. Neither of these players are genuine difference makers at the position and the Lions can start their rebuild with one of the best pass catchers that college football has to offer. Waddle has elite speed to win at every level of the field. Prior to his injury, he was Alabama’s leading receiver in 2020, with 557 yards and three touchdowns through four games. He is a true big play threat and averaged 18.9 yards per reception throughout his career.

8. Carolina Panthers – Penei Sewell | OT, Oregon

The Panthers are resting the hopes of their franchise on Sam Darnold. The best thing they can do now is give him the protection he lacked in New York. There is no better way of doing that than by selecting the best tackle prospect in a decade. Sewell has the dream combination of size and athleticism and moves like a tight end in space. He was one of the most dominant players in the country as a 19-year old in 2019, becoming the first sophomore to win the Outland Award for best FBS lineman. Sewell is an excellent pass protector, allowing just 15 pressures on his 706 career pass blocking snaps. He is an excellent run blocker too, leading the country with 13 big-time blocks in 2019.

9. Atlanta Falcons – Patrick Surtain | CB, Alabama

The Falcons could go in a number of different directions with this pick, but it makes a tonne of sense to address their need at corner. They ranked 26th in EPA allowed per dropback in 2020. A.J. Terrell allowed a league-high 901 yards, whilst Isaiah Oliver wasn’t far behind on 845. New defensive coordinator Dean Pees will be bringing a change in defensive approach and you can expect plenty of blitzes with man coverage in the secondary. Few players fit the bill better than Surtain. A three-year starter in Tuscaloosa, Surtain allowed a passer rating of just 68.7 across his career. He is excellent at the catch point, with 25 career forced incompletions.

10. Dallas Cowboys – Christian Darrisaw | OT, Virginia Tech

With Surtain off the board, there isn’t another cornerback that I would consider at No. 10 overall. Instead the Cowboys can select their left tackle of the future in Christian Darrisaw. La’el Collins and Tyron Smith are a talented duo, but they barely saw the field last year. Smith hasn’t played a full 16 game season since 2015. Darrisaw is an immensely talented prospect who excels in the running game. His 94.5 PFF run blocking grade led all FBS tackles in 2020. He is surprisingly athletic for his size too, and this helps him in pass protection. Darrisaw didn’t allow a single sack or hit on his 293 pass blocking snaps in 2020.

11. New York Giants – Micah Parsons | LB, Penn State

Linebacker isn’t the Giants’ biggest need, but it is really hard to pass on a talent like Parsons. He is the best defensive prospect in the class, although his off-field concerns may see him slip down boards on draft day. On the field he is elite, with the high end athleticism you rarely see in a linebacker. He excels as a run-stuffer and reads the game really well. He is a secure tackler too, with just 11 misses on 188 career attempts. Parsons also provides value as a pass rusher. A former five-star defensive end recruit, he is capable of winning one-on-one off the edge. He generated 36 pressures and eight sacks on just 135 career pass rushing snaps.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Rashawn Slater | OT, Northwestern

TRADE: Eagles receive No. 14 overall and No. 119 overall.

Trading up makes way too much sense for the Vikings in this situation. They are in dire need of a starting left tackle and this move allows them to jump ahead of the tackle-needy Chargers. Slater is perhaps the most polished technician at the position in this year’s class. Whilst he lacks ideal length, he makes up for this with excellent athleticism. He is quick out of his stance and has some of the best footwork in the class. He is reliable as a pass protector too. Slater allowed just five pressures on his 355 pass blocking snaps in 2019 and held up well against the likes of Chase Young and A.J. Epenesa.

13. Los Angeles Chargers – Christian Barmore | IDL, Alabama

This may seem a little high to some, but Barmore is arguably the best pass rusher in this year’s draft. He generated 65 pressures and 11 sacks on just 492 career pass rushing snaps. His best performances came against top competition and he had 12 combined pressures in his playoff games against Notre Dame and Ohio State. Part of the reason for Brandon Staley’s success with the Rams was Aaron Donald’s ability to generate consistent pressure from the interior, allowing the team to utilise light boxes and focus on stopping the pass. Whilst Barmore isn’t Donald, he is the closest thing you will find to him in this year’s class.

14. Philadelphia Eagles – Devonta Smith | WR, Alabama

The Eagles trade back for a second time and still get one of the top prospects in this year’s class. There will of course be concerns about Smith’s size, but there is no doubting his on-field talent. Last season he became the first receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991, racking up 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns on 117 catches. He is an exceptional route runner who consistently creates separation with his technique. Philadelphia need to surround Jalen Hurts with talent and there aren’t many better than Smith.

15. New England Patriots – Mac Jones | QB, Alabama

If Jones was to fall to the Patriots at No. 15 on draft night it would be to the delight of Belichick and New England. They have been ultra-aggressive in free agency and just need a quarterback who can take them to the next level. Jones might not have the athletic upside of the top four quarterbacks, but there is no questioning his production. He is incredibly accurate and led the FBS in adjusted completion percentage last season. He does a nice job of progressing through his reads and getting the ball out on time. Jones’ average time to throw of 2.51 seconds was the third fastest of any draft-eligible prospects.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn | CB, South Carolina

I’m not particularly high on Horn, but this is a fit that just makes too much sense. With Patrick Peterson gone, the Cardinals are in dire need of more quality at cornerback. Vance Joseph’s scheme is known for being aggressive and asking its corners to play in single coverage behind a blitz-heavy front seven. Horn fits that bill perfectly and is the best press-man corner in this year’s class. His production in 2020 speaks for itself. He allowed a 33.3 per cent completion rate and gave up just 116 yards through seven games.

17. Las Vegas Raiders – Teven Jenkins | OT, Oklahoma State

The Raiders appear to be intent on tearing down their offensive line this offseason. As things stand, Brandon Parker is set to start at right tackle in 2021. He logged a PFF grade of 48.9 last season, which ranked 86th at the position. Jenkins would immediately fix that problem and would give them a solid pair of starters at tackle. He is a mauler in the running game, with tremendous power at the point of attack. He is also a polished pass protector, allowing just 11 pressures over the past two seasons. Jenkins hasn’t allowed a single sack since 2018.

18. Miami Dolphins – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | LB, Notre Dame

There are a number of directions the Dolphins can go at No. 18, but it is difficult to pass up a talent like Owusu-Koramoah. Brian Flores’ defense relies on versatility and that is exactly what JOK brings to the table. He is the best coverage linebacker in this year’s class, allowing a passer rating of just 77.3 in 2020. He also offers the versatility to kick out into the slot and cover tight ends and receivers. The Dolphins blitzed at the second highest rate in the NFL last season and need linebackers who can get after the quarterback. Owusu-Koramoah ticks that box and generated an impressive 27 pressures and seven sacks on just 133 career pass rushing snaps.

19. Washington Football Team – Elijah Moore | WR, Ole Miss

Quarterback and offensive tackle are Washington’s biggest needs but there isn’t any value left at either spot. Instead they can look to invest in an offense that ranked just 28th in EPA per play last season. Moore would join Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, giving them three quality starters at the position. He was one of the most productive receivers in college football last season, leading the FBS with 149.5 yards per game. Despite standing at just 5’9″ and 178 lbs, Moore is a gritty receiver who plays with physicality. He had a 73 per cent success rate on contested catches, the third highest in this year’s class.

20. Chicago Bears – Caleb Farley | CB, Virginia Tech

Farley was my CB1 for the vast majority of the pre-draft process, but his recent back surgery will see him slip down boards. The Bears are the beneficiaries in this scenario and get a player with top 10 quality all the way down at No. 20 overall. Farley could serve as the long-term replacement for Kyle Fuller and add more quality opposite Jaylon Johnson. In 2019, Farley allowed a completion rate of 36 per cent and gave up just 257 yards on his 50 targets. He is excellent at the catch point, and accounted for 13 forced incompletions. His passer rating when targeted of 26.8 was the best of any Power Five cornerback.

21. Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye | EDGE, Michigan

Paye is one of a number of edges with limited collegiate production and high upside athletic potential and that is exactly the kind of player the Colts target under Chris Ballard. They struggled to generate consistent pressure off the edge last season and they have since lost Denico Autry and Justin Houston to free agency. Paye is a raw prospect but showed promising signs in 2020. He accounted for 22 pressures on just 138 pass rushing snaps and his 25.8 per cent pass rush win rate ranks second amongst draft-eligible prospects. He is a tremendous athlete, and his 6.37 three-cone would be the third fastest time by any player regardless of position since 1999.

22. Tennessee Titans – Rashod Bateman | WR, Minnesota

Defense may be the most obvious need for the Titans, but as things stand their offense could struggle to replicate its form of the last few seasons. They have lost Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith to free agency, leaving A.J. Brown as the only quality receiving weapon on the team. Tennessee loves to run the ball, but they need to be able win with the passing game too. Bateman would be a quality option who could start immediately as a boundary receiver. He is arguably the best route runner in this year’s class, with the ability to consistently get off press coverage. He can threaten at all three levels and offers the ability to win from a variety of alignments.

23. New York Jets – Greg Newsome II | CB, Northwestern

The Jets’ cornerback room is amongst the worst in the NFL and was a big factor in their defense ranking 27th in EPA allowed per play last season. Newsome would bring a tonne of talent to this secondary and would be a great fit in Robert Saleh’s defense. Saleh runs a variant of the Seattle Cover 3 scheme, which needs long and physical corners who can cover the vertical tree. Newsome fits the bill and didn’t allow a single completion of 20+ yards in 2020. He has fluid hips and elite change of direction ability to translate well to the NFL. He allowed a passer rating of just 31.7 this season, the best amongst draft-eligible corners.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Asante Samuel Jr. | CB, Florida State

Offensive tackle might be the Steelers’ biggest need, but there is no real value at this spot. Instead they can look to pick up the last remaining top tier corner in this class. Their secondary was excellent in 2020, but the loss of Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton will be significant. Samuel can help fill the need and provide them with another ball hawk on the back end of their defense. He posted a forced incompletion rate of 19.7 per cent during his time at Florida State, which ranks amongst the best in the class. He has elite short area quickness and would fit right into the Steelers’ zone-heavy scheme.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevon Moehrig | S, TCU

Safety is an underrated need for the Jags this offseason, with Rayshawn Jenkins and Jarrod Wilson as their presumptive starters. Moehrig would provide them with an instant improvement in their secondary and has the versatile skillset to fit Joe Cullen’s defense. Cullen loves to blitz and leave his secondary in single coverage and Moehrig excels in that role. He played a tonne of quarters coverage at TCU, which often asked him to play man-to-man against slot receivers and he did so to great effect. Moehrig allowed a passer rating of just 54.7 across his career and had 28 forced incompletions.

26. Cleveland Browns – Jaelan Phillips | EDGE, Miami

The Browns recently signed Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal, but that shouldn’t prevent them from thinking about the long-term. Teams will want to do their due diligence on Phillips’ injury history, but there is no doubting his on-field talent. Phillips was the No. 1 overall recruit back in 2017, ahead of players like Chase Young and Tua Tagovailoa. Injuries disrupted his career with UCLA and he transferred to Miami for the 2020 season. He finally showed what the hype was all about and logged 42 pressures and nine sacks on just 284 pass rushing snaps. He is the most polished pass rusher in the class and has the size and power to stuff the run too.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Dillon Radunz | OT, North Dakota State

The Orlando Brown Jr. trade leaves the Ravens in need of a starting tackle ad they get that with Radunz. He would be the ideal fit in their power run offense and excelled as a run blocker at North Dakota State. His hand usage is particularly impressive and once he establishes control he is a strong finisher. He was also comfortable as a pass protector and allowed just 11 pressures on his 383 pass blocking snaps since 2019. He had an excellent Senior Bowl and showed that he is capable of holding his own against top competition.

28. New Orleans Saints – Rondale Moore | WR, Purdue

The Saints need more talent at wide receiver, with just Tre’Quan Smith and Deonta Harris behind Michael Thomas. Moore is one of the most explosive receivers in this year’s class, logging a 4.29 40-yard dash and a 42.5″ vertical. At 5’7″ and 180 lbs he is on the smaller end of the receiver scale, but he is electric with the ball in his hands. 70.8 per cent of Moore’s collegiate production came after the catch and he forced 53 missed tackles on 208 career touches. He has reliable hands and showed he could produce to a high level as a true freshman, racking up 1,258 yards on 114 catches.

29. Green Bay Packers – Samuel Cosmi | OT, Texas

With the top corners and receivers off the board, the Packers can address their other major area of need at this spot. As things stand, they have Billy Turner as their starting right tackle in 2021. He started seven games there last season, allowing 17 pressures and logging a PFF pass blocking grade of just 59.2. Cosmi would be the perfect fit and fits the Packers’ archetype of selecting outstanding athletes. Cosmi posted a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score at his pro day and would be excellent in the Packers’ wide zone-heavy offense. He is one of the most polished pass protectors in the class too, allowing just 22 pressures across 962 pass blocking snaps since 2019.

30. Buffalo Bills – Jayson Oweh | EDGE, Penn State

The Bills don’t have any glaring needs on their roster heading into 2021, but investing at edge would make a tonne of sense. Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are both the wrong side of 30 and set to hit free agency next summer. The team invested in A.J. Epenesa in last year’s draft, but having two talented young edges is never a bad thing. Oweh is a raw prospect, but is one of the freakiest athletes to come out in recent years. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 257 lbs and he has ideal length, with 34.5″ arms. He didn’t have a sack in 2020, but he was still productive, logging 20 pressures on 171 pass rushing snaps. Oweh is also one of the better run defending edges in the class.

31. Baltimore Ravens – Alijah Vera-Tucker | IOL, USC

Two offensive linemen in the first round might not be the most exciting move for the Ravens but it is a smart one. Their running game took a noticeable step backwards in 2020, following the retirement of Marshal Yanda. The team fell from 3rd in Adjusted Line Yards to 8th, and they will be keen to rectify that this offseason. Getting a player like Vera-Tucker would be a really savvy move at this spot. He is an extremely talented guard who excels in the running game. He is also one of the most technically sound pass protectors and allowed just 16 pressures on 975 career pass blocking snaps.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Azeez Ojulari | EDGE, Georgia

The Bucs are in the enviable position of having no major needs on their roster and can take the best player available. In this instance that is Azeez Ojulari. Jason Pierre-Paul is entering the final year of his contract and will be turning 33 next season. Ojulari would help the team to secure the long-term future of the position and add to an already stacked front seven. He is the best pure speed rusher in this class and produced to a high level against top SEC competition. His athleticism is a major plus point and he looked comfortable when asked to drop back into coverage. This makes him an ideal fit for Todd Bowles’ zone blitz-heavy scheme.

33. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kadarius Toney | WR, Florida

If Trevor Lawrence is going to hit the ground running with the Jaguars, Urban Meyer will need to surround him with talent. They already have a number of decent names at receiver, but it is a position where you can never have too much talent. Toney is one of the shiftiest receiving prospects to come out in recent years. Whilst he might not be the most developed route runner, his ability to consistently create his own yardage is special. Throughout his college career he averaged 8.5 yards after the catch, and his 0.36 forced missed tackles per attempt is more than the likes of Travis Etienne and Najee Harris.

34. New York Jets – Ronnie Perkins | EDGE, Oklahoma

The Jets have struggled at edge rusher for a number of years now. Tarrell Basham led the team with just 32 pressures in 2020, which ranked 48th at the position. The signing of Carl Lawson should go a long way to improving things, but they need more than just one quality starter. Perkins would give them that and possesses an exciting set of traits. He is an explosive pass rusher with real burst off the line. In 2020 he played just six games, but generated 32 pressures on just 176 pass rushing snaps. Despite lacking great edge size, Perkins has powerful hands and does a good job setting the edge against the run.

35. Atlanta Falcons – Richie Grant | S, UCF

The Falcons need to address edge, but with the big five off the board there isn’t a tonne of value left. Instead they can address one of their more underrated needs. As things stand they have Erik Harris and Jaylinn Hawkins as their starters in 2021. Harris will turn 32 next offseason, whilst Hawkins has just 47 career coverage snaps to his name. Grant was one of the most reliable coverage players in college football last year, allowing a passer rating of just 32.2. He provides the versatility to play both safety spots and is also comfortable moving down into the slot. He is a secure tackler, with a 7.6 per cent miss rate in 2020.

36. Miami Dolphins – Landon Dickerson | IOL, Alabama

Investing in the offensive line is a real need for the Dolphins this offseason. Not only do they need to do a better job of protecting Tua, but they need to improve their running game. The team ranked just 24th in adjusted line yards in 2020 and have since lost Ted Karras in free agency. Dickerson would be an immediate starter at center and give Miami the heft they need in the ground game. He excelled in Alabama’s varied blocking scheme and led college football with 14 big-time blocks in 2020. He is a competent pass protector too, allowing just 11 pressures on 805 pass blockings since 2019.

37. Philadelphia Eagles – Nick Bolton | LB, Missouri

The Eagles’ linebacking corps ranks amongst the worst in the NFL heading into the draft. Jonathan Gannon will be running a defense similar to the one Mike Zimmer runs in Minnesota and this is built around containing the run as a first priority. That is what makes a player like Bolton such a perfect fit. Whilst he might not be the athletic freak that some linebackers in this year’s class are, he brings several years of quality college play to the table. Bolton has good sideline-to-sideline speed and is a hard-hitting tackler. He also brings some underrated skill as a coverage player and had 13 forced incompletions on his 62 targets since 2019.

38. Cincinnati Bengals – Pat Freiermuth | TE, Penn State

The Bengals need to invest in their offensive line, but there is a tonne of value in the later rounds. A position where there is not is tight end, and I have just three within the top 100 of my Big Board. As things stand, Drew Sample is the presumptive starter, with C.J. Uzomah as the backup. Freiermuth isn’t the most dynamic athlete in this class, but he offers the perfect blend of receiving ability and run blocking prowess. He earned the nickname “Baby Gronk” during his time at Penn State, and whilst he is a long way from matching Gronk’s talent, it gives a great indication of the kind of player he is.

39. Carolina Panthers – Elijah Molden | CB, Washington

The Panthers had a defense-only draft in 2020 but they still ranked just 24th in EPA allowed per play. Their starting slot corner Corn Elder left in free agency and the team are yet to find a suitable replacement. They could also benefit from more depth at safety around Jeremy Chinn. This all makes a player like Molden a no-brainer at this spot. The clear best slot corner in the class, Molden can also play at safety. His instincts in coverage are exceptional, with 17 forced incompletions through his last 17 games. His sure tackling will make him a nice fit for Matt Rhule’s zone-heavy defense.

40. Denver Broncos – Jabril Cox | LB, LSU

The Broncos fixed their major offseason need at cornerback, and by grabbing a quarterback in the first they look set for an exciting 2021. One area they may look to invest in is linebacker. Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson were solid enough in 2020, but both are free agents next summer. Zaven Collins might be the better prospect, but doesn’t fit the Fangio defense. Instead they get a player like Cox, who offers exceptional coverage ability for a linebacker. He has the smooth hips and fluid movement skills to be effective in man coverage and rare ball skills at the position. He had 19 forced incompletions throughout his career and gave up a passer rating of just 62.3, the best at the position.

41. Detroit Lions – Jamar Johnson | S, Indiana

The Lions defense was a disaster in 2020, setting a franchise record for the most yards and points allowed in a single season. Aaron Glenn has come in from New Orleans to be their defensive coordinator and he looks set to retain the man-heavy principles from the Patricia era. The Saints ran Cover 2 Man at the highest rate in the NFL last season and that system relies on quality safety play. Johnson would be the perfect player for that defense and offers elite coverage instincts. His 29.5 per cent forced incompletion rate ranks second in this year’s class and he allowed a passer rating of just 32.2 when targeted. For context, the passer rating of a throwaway is 39.6. Glenn also likes safeties who can rush the passer and Johnson had great success on limited snaps, racking up 11 pressures and four sacks on 33 career pass rushing snaps.

42. New York Giants – Terrace Marshall | WR, LSU

Daniel Jones will be entering his third season as the Giants’ starter and the team need to surround him with weapons to succeed. The signing of Kenny Golladay is sure to help, but there is no harm in adding a player like Marshall to the mix. He possesses an intriguing blend of size and speed and is capable of winning from the boundary or the slot. He is physical at the catch point and won 82 per cent of his contested catches in 2020, easily the best rate in the class. Marshall is surprisingly effective after catch too, with 14 forced missed tackles on 106 career receptions.

43. San Francisco 49ers – Quinn Meinerz | IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater

In an ideal world the 49ers would get a corner at this spot, but there aren’t a tonne of players who fit their scheme worth taking this high. Instead they can add some much-needed talent to their interior offensive line. Meinerz would be the perfect fit for Shanahan’s outside zone scheme and excels playing out in space. He was one of the biggest winners at this year’s Senior Bowl and held his own against top FBS competition. His guard/center flexibility would be welcomed in San Francisco and he could be the eventual successor to Alex Mack at center.

44. Dallas Cowboys – Alim McNeill | IDL, N.C. State

The Cowboys are in a similar spot to the 49ers, where there are no corners at this spot who fit their scheme. They still have a major need along the interior of their defensive line though and McNeill would be an immediate impact starter. He played primarily as a nose tackle in college, but has the versatility to play anywhere along the interior. McNeill has rare burst for his size and this makes him a real handful for opposing linemen. He is already an accomplished run stuffer and his 92.1 PFF run defense grade ranked third amongst FBS defensive linemen in 2020. He is still raw as a pass rusher, but has the tools to develop that aspect of his game.

45. Jacksonville Jaguars – Walker Little | OT, Stanford

The Jags secure their franchise quarterback of the future in Trevor Lawrence and now need to make sure they protect him in the pocket. Their tackle tandem of Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor looks to be one of the worst in the NFL and they allowed a league-high 98 pressures in 2020. Little is an excellent pass protector, with a rare combination of size and athleticism. He allowed just 12 pressures across his 508 pass blocking snaps since becoming a starter in 2018. A knee injury and an opt out limited him to a single start over the past two years, but his tape at Stanford was first round quality.

46. New England Patriots – Zaven Collins | LB, Tulsa

If Collins fell to the Patriots in the second round it would be a match made in heaven. Dont’a Hightower is 31 and entering the final year of his contract in New England. Collins offers a very similar skillset and could be his long-term successor. His ability as a blitzer would be a nice fit in Belichick’s defense and he racked up 16 pressures on just 51 pass rushing snaps in 2020. Tulsa often used him as a defensive end and he could easily transition to this role in the NFL. He is also underrated as a coverage player, allowing just 59 yards on 14 targets last season. He had four interceptions and a pass breakup, allowing a passer rating of just 68.5.

47. Washington Football Team – Jamin Davis | LB, Kentucky

TRADE: Chargers receive No. 51 overall and No. 124 overall.

Washington’s defensive line ranks amongst the best in the NFL but they have a dire need at linebacker. It makes far too much sense to jump ahead of the Raiders and take the last top tier player at the position. Davis was only a one-year starter in Kentucky, but put together some really promising tape. He has the ideal combination of size and athleticism and was a really solid run defender. He has a huge tackle radius and did a great job of wrapping up in space, with just 11 misses on 140 career attempts. Davis had one of the best pro days in this year’s class, running a 4.47 40-yard dash and setting a positional record with a 42″ vertical jump.

48. Las Vegas Raiders – Andre Cisco | S, Syracuse

The matchup of the Raiders and Andre Cisco just seems too perfect. The team are known for their love of athletic freaks and Cisco ticks that box, running a 4.33 40-yard dash. Jonathan Abram is set to play in the box in Gus Bradley’s defense and they need a player who is comfortable playing as a single-high safety in their Cover 3-heavy scheme. Cisco fits that bill and he has the range you want in a prospect. His ball skills are rare and he logged 26 forced incompletions in just 22 career starts. His 34.6 per cent career forced incompletion rate is easily the best in this year’s class. Cisco’s game is still a little inconsistent, but he offers intriguing upside.

49. Arizona Cardinals – Travis Etienne | RB, Clemson

We are midway through the second round and the first running back finally comes off the board. This would be the ideal scenario for Arizona. They have signed James Connor to a one-year deal in free agency but Etienne would immediately become their RB1. He produced to a consistently high level in college, averaging 7.2 yards per carry throughout his four years with the Tigers. There are few that can match his breakaway potential and almost 20 per cent of his career carries went for 10+ yards. His ability as a receiving back would also be welcomed in the Cardinals’ offense. Etienne would feast on the light boxes created by Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid scheme.

50. Pittsburgh Steelers – Liam Eichenberg | OT, Notre Dame

TRADE: Dolphins receive No. 55 overall and No. 140 overall.

The Steelers are in dire need of a new starting tackle and make the trade to jump ahead of the Chargers and Bears. Eichenberg is the latest in a long line of talented Fighting Irish linemen. A three-year starter in South Bend, Eichenberg is one of the most technically proficient linemen in this class. He is a solid pass protector and hasn’t allowed a single sack since 2018. Run blocking might be his biggest strength, and he has excellent power at the point of attack. He isn’t the longest or most athletic tackle in the class, but makes up for this with his refined and polished technique.

51. Los Angeles Chargers – Alex Leatherwood | OT, Alabama

Offensive line has been a persistent problem for the Chargers in recent years. The acquisitions of Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler help secure the interior, but they still lack a quality starter at tackle. Leatherwood was a three-year starter at Alabama and has played both guard and tackle to a high level. He has prototypical tackle length and the anchor strength that you want in a prospect. He excels as a run blocker, with the grip strength and power to take defenders out of the play completely. Some view him as a guard at the next level due to his below average athleticism, but wherever he ends up he will be a welcome addition.

52. Chicago Bears – Dyami Brown | WR, North Carolina

The Bears franchise tagged Allen Robinson, but it isn’t clear whether or not they will be able to get a long-term deal agreed. Aside from him, the team has Darnell Mooney and little else. Brown would be an excellent third option and help to elevate an offense that ranked just 24th in EPA per play last season. He was used primarily as a deep threat in UNC’s offense and his 26 deep receptions over the past two years is the most in college football. He offers good physicality and showed that he could have success running a more diverse route tree when given the opportunity.

53. Tennessee Titans – Kelvin Joseph | CB, Kentucky

The Titans’ secondary was major problem last year and they’ve lost Adoree’ Jackson and Malcolm Butler this offseason. The signing of Janoris Jenkins should help things, and getting another talented corner to play across from him would be a great move. Joseph is a raw prospect, but he has all of the tools to develop into a top quality NFL starter. He was a one-year college starter after his transfer from LSU and has the footwork and fluid hips you want at the position. He is still developing the nuances of playing the position, but showed some promising ball skills, with five forced incompletions on 34 targets last season.

54. Indianapolis Colts – Tay Gowan | CB, UCF

With Xavier Rhodes and Kenny Moore the Colts have a solid pair of starters at corner but it makes sense to add depth at a valuable position. Gowan didn’t put together a tonne of tape at UCF but what he showed was incredibly promising. In 2019 he allowed just 274 yards on his 50 targets and logged an 18 per cent forced incompletion rate. He was given a variety of coverage roles and looked equally comfortable in man, zone, press coverage, and off coverage. His combination of length and athleticism is the kind of things that the Colts prioritise under Chris Ballard and Gowan has the potential to develop into a quality start in the NFL.

55. Miami Dolphins – Javonte Williams | RB, North Carolina

This would be the perfect situation for the Dolphins, who trade down five spots and still get the player they would have taken at 50. Their running game was underwhelming in 2020 and they are in need of a reliable back to lead their ground game. Williams is coming off an elite 2020 season that saw him average 7.4 yards per carry. He is a physical runner with some of the best contact balance you will ever find at the position. He set a college football record with 0.48 forced missed tackles per attempt and is a constant big play threat. 23.2 per cent of his career carries went for 10+ yards.

56. Seattle Seahawks – Carlos Basham | EDGE, Wake Forest

The Seahawks only have three picks in the 2021 Draft so they can use their first to secure a player at a valuable position. They struggled to generate pressure consistently last season. Carlos Dunlap led the team with just 40 pressures, ranked just 34th at the position across the NFL. Basham has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football over recent years, with 137 pressures and 23 sacks over the last three seasons. He is a polished technician, with a good variety of pass rushing moves.

57. Los Angeles Rams – Jevon Holland | S, Oregon

The Rams’ defense was the best in the NFL last season, though the departure of John Johnson will be keenly felt. Their defense asks a lot from their safeties and there aren’t many with better football intelligence than Jevon Holland. The former Oregon Duck split his time between safety and slot corner and looked excellent at both spots. His ability in coverage was a major strong point in college. He allowed a passer rating of just 61.1 across his 109 career targets and chipped in with 20 forced incompletions.

58. Green Bay Packers – Ifeatu Melifonwu | CB, Syracuse

TRADE: Chiefs receive No. 62 overall, No. 173 overall, and No. 214 overall.

The Packers need for more quality at corner was painfully evident in the NFC Championship game last season. They have since brought Kevin King back on a one-year deal but Melifonwu could be the long-term solution. At 6’3″ and 213 lbs he is one of the biggest corners in the class and combines this with legitimate explosiveness. He excelled in off zone coverage at Syracuse, which would be the perfect fit in Green Bay. He allowed a completion rate of just 53.9 per cent across his 128 career targets and was competitive at the catch point, with 23 forced incompletions.

59. Cleveland Browns – Milton Williams | IDL, LA Tech

The Browns are in the enviable position of not having any major holes on their roster entering the draft. They recently released Sheldon Richardson though and some investment along the interior of their line wouldn’t go amiss. Williams has been one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process and it is easy to see why. He tested in the 99th percentile in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and three-cone, as well as setting the positional record with a 38.5″ vertical. He moved to the interior last season and had 30 pressures and six sacks on just 248 pass rushing snaps. His 20.9 per cent pass rush win rate led all interior linemen.

60. New Orleans Saints – Gregory Rousseau | EDGE, Miami

If the Saints could get a player like Rousseau at this spot it would be ideal. Cam Jordan and Marcus Davenport are a decent edge pairing, but with Jordan turning 32 this summer they need to thing about the long-term future of the position. Rousseau is something of a boom-or-bust prospect, but he flashed real potential during his one season as a starter in college. He has the versatility to win from the edge and the interior and his 16 sacks in 2019 ranked behind only Chase Young. He is incredibly raw as a pass rusher and would benefit from a year or two developing behind Jordan and Davenport.

61. Buffalo Bills – Wyatt Davis | IOL, Ohio State

There has been a tonne of talk about the Bills needing to invest at running back, but both Zack Moss and Devin Singletary are quality options. The main issue was their offensive line, which ranked just 15th in adjusted line yards. Davis would be an immediate improvement at guard and could fill in as a starter from day one. He has ideal strength and one of the stoutest anchors you will find in this year’s class. His hand usage is a major strong point and he does a nice job of maintaining control once he gets inside the frame of his opponent. Davis allowed just 33 pressures on his 865 career pass blocking snaps.

62. Kansas City Chiefs – Payton Turner | EDGE, Houston

The Chiefs struggled to generate consistent pressure off the edge last season. Frank Clark led the team with just 44 pressures and his 10.2 per cent pass rush win rate ranked just 93rd at the position. Turner would be a nice fit in Steve Spagnuolo’s 4-3 defense and has the size and length to cause a tonne of problems for opposing tackles. He combines this with legitimate speed and athleticism. He already possesses a good variety of pass rushing moves and does a good job of setting the edge against the run.

63. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Stokes | CB, Georgia

The Chiefs had one of the best late round picks in last year’s draft, with fourth rounder L’Jarius Sneed developing into a quality starter at corner. Still, the team only ranked 19th in EPA allowed per play and could benefit from more depth at the position. Steve Spagnuolo loves his corners to play aggressive in press coverage and there aren’t many players who fit the bill better than Stokes. He brings a physical playstyle and consistent production, allowing a passer rating of 62.6 throughout his career. He is one of the best tacklers in the class too, with just five misses on 89 attempts.

64. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Najee Harris | RB, Alabama

Tampa Bay have two quality running backs in Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette, but neither of them offer much in the passing game. Both are also entering a contract year and it makes sense for the Bucs to consider the long-term future of the position. Harris is an excellent back who has the rare combination of size and elusiveness. He is also one of the best receiving backs in this year’s class, with soft hands and route running skill. Over the past two seasons he accounted for 729 receiving yards and just two drops on 72 catchable passes.

65. Jacksonville Jagaurs – Levi Onwuzurike | IDL, Washington

There are going to be a tonne of changes in Jacksonville this offseason and one of those will see the team move from a 4-3 front to a 3-4 under Joe Cullen. Interior defensive line is one of a number of weaknesses on the Jags’ roster and Onwuzurike could start from day one. He has surprising explosiveness for a player of his size and possesses an excellent bull rush move. He didn’t have a tonne of sacks in college but produced to a high level, racking up an impressive 57 pressures on 466 pass rushing snaps. His stoutness against the run would also be a welcome addition in a Jags defense that ranked 25th in rushing EPA per play last season.

66. New York Jets – Kendrick Green | IOL, Illinois

The Jets need to invest in their offensive line and they could do far worse than a player like Green. He has been one of the big risers during the pre-draft process and he enjoyed a really impressive pro day. He tested in the 95th percentile or above in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump. Green split his time at Illinois between guard and center and could play either spot in the NFL. His biggest strength is his run blocking and he is particularly effective on wide zone runs that allow him to work in space.

67. Houston Texans – Benjamin St-Juste | CB, Minnesota

The Texans are the only team in this year’s draft who don’t have a pick within the first two rounds. With a roster that went 4-12 last season there are plenty of holes to address and one of the most obvious is cornerback. St-Juste is a great player, with all of the traits to develop into a quality NFL starter. He didn’t play a tonne at Minnesota, but he put together some really promising tape. He logged a 17.7 per cent forced incompletion rate and showed himself to be one of the best tacklers in this year’s class, with just two misses on 58 attempts.

68. Atlanta Falcons – Joseph Ossai | EDGE, Texas

Edge rusher is a major need in Atlanta and was a big reason their defense struggled so much last year. Dante Fowler led the team with just 30 pressures, which ranked just 85th in the NFL. New defensive coordinator Dean Pees tends to work with a 3-4 front and Ossai would be the perfect fit for that kind of defense. He spent much of his college career as a hybrid linebacker/edge player, before transitioning to the edge full-time in 2020. He excelled in his new role, racking up 33 pressures on 312 pass rushing snaps. Despite his lack of size he has also shown himself to be an accomplished run defender.

69. Cincinnati Bengals – Jackson Carman | OT, Clemson

After investing in offensive weapons with their first two picks, the Bengals can address their offensive line in the third round. Carman was a two-year starter at left tackle in Clemson and proved himself to be adept as a run blocker and pass protector. His hand technique is excellent and he has the ideal combination of size and athleticism to translate to the NFL. He also offers the versatility to play either guard spot. He would be an immediate starter along the interior for Cincinnati, with the potential to take over from Riley Reiff at tackle.

70. Philadelphia Eagles – Tyson Campbell | CB, Georgia

Joanthan Gannon’s scheme relies on athletic corners who are comfortable getting physical at the line of scrimmage. Campbell would be a perfect fit and fill a need at the position. He has ideal length and got plenty of experience in press coverage in Kirby Smart’s defense. His 2020 tape was particularly impressive and he allowed fewer than 50 yards in all but one of his games. He is an excellent tackler too, with just two misses on 37 attempts in 2020.

71. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Carter | RB, North Carolina

After losing Todd Gurley to free agency the Falcons are in dire need of a new running back. Carter feels like one of the more underrated prospects in this year’s class and is entering the draft off the back of an exceptional season. In 2020 he racked up 1,245 yards at an average of 7.9 per carry. Despite lacking ideal size he is tough to bring down and averaged 0.28 forced missed tackles per attempt throughout his career. He is adept as a receiving back too and is comfortable running a variety of routes.

72. Detroit Lions – Aaron Robinson | CB, UCF

The Lions’ secondary was woeful last year and won’t be fixed with a single pick. Jeff Okudah should continue to develop in his second year but they need more around him at corner. As things stand, Mike Ford is set to start in the slot and he has just 380 career coverage snaps to his name. With new coordinator Aaron Glenn running plenty of man coverage it makes sense to get a player like Robinson. He was a sticky man corner from the slot at UCF, with plenty of physicality to his game. He allowed just 665 yards on his 113 targets in college.

73. Carolina Panthers – Tylan Wallace | WR, Oklahoma State

The Panthers have D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson at receiver but need a third option to replace Curtis Samuel. Wallace has been consistently productive in college, with 3,306 yards and 26 touchdowns over the past three seasons. Despite lacking elite speed he was used primarily as a deep threat at Oklahoma State and averaged 16.7 yards per catch. He is incredibly physical at the catch point and his 43 contested catches since 2018 are the most of any player in college football.

74. Washington Football Team – Brady Christensen | OT, BYU

Washington could look to address tackle in the first round, but in this scenario they get a potential starter way down in the third. Christensen is one of the older prospects in the draft, turning 25 during his rookie season, but showed himself to be one of the best tackles in the country last season. He is an excellent run blocker, with incredible power and grip strength. He also tested out as one of the most athletic linemen in the class, setting the positional record with a 10’4″ broad jump. This showed in his pass protection and he allowed three pressures on 409 pass blocking snaps in 2020.

75. Dallas Cowboys – Ar’Darius Washington | S, TCU

The Cowboys added depth to their front seven in the second round and get some much needed help in their secondary here. They secured a box safety with the signing of Keanu Neal and Washington gives them a nice developmental option at free safety. He is a little undersized, but plays the game with real physicality. His instincts rank amongst the best in the class and it showed in his ball production, with 12 forced incompletions on 37 career targets. He was unplayable at times in college and allowed 20+ yards just twice in his 15 starts at TCU.

76. New York Giants – Creed Humphrey | IOL, Oklahoma

The Giants’ offensive line was a major problem last season and has only got worse with the decision to cut Kevin Zeitler. Nick Gates is set to start at center in 2021 and adding some depth at the position would be a great move. Humphrey was a three-year starter at Oklahoma and won All-Conference honours every season. His background as a wrestler shows on tape and his hand usage is amongst the best in this year’s class. He has good power at the point of attack and is a solid run blocker. Humphrey also did not allow a single sack throughout his college career. His ability to play guard would be a welcome addition in New York.

77. Los Angeles Chargers – Jaelon Darden | WR, North Texas

Justin Herbert’s rookie campaign was one of the biggest surprises of the 2020 season. With Brandon Staley coming in as the team’s new head coach they will want to surround him with weapons on offense and that is exactly what Darden gives them. He is one of the most electric players with the ball in his hands in this year’s class and is capable of creating something out of nothing. His 23 forced missed tackles led all receivers in 2020. He became UNT’s first All-American in over 50 years, racking up 1,190 yards and 19 touchdowns on 74 receptions.

78. Minnesota Vikings – Trey Smith | IOL, Tennessee

Offensive line is a major need for Minnesota this offseason and their interior line ranks amongst the worst in the NFL. Mason Cole and Dru Samia are the presumptive starters at guard, so picking up a player like Smith would be a smart move. A former five-star recruit, Smith’s college career was disrupted by medical issues but the worst seems to be behind him. He is an incredibly powerful player, with genuine pop in his hands. His ability in the ground game would be a welcome addition in Mike Zimmer’s run-heavy offense.

79. Las Vegas Raiders – Osa Odighizuwa | IDL, UCLA

With the decision to cut Maurice Hurst, the Raiders look to have one of the weakest interior lines in the NFL. Gus Bradley’s defense relies on the front four getting pressure so they need added investment. Odighizuwa is a little undersized for an interior lineman, but has the rare combination of length and natural leverage. He has great initial burst and played along the defensive line at UCLA. He was consistently able to make plays in the backfield in college, with 22 tackles for loss over the last three seasons.

80. Las Vegas Raiders – Trill Williams | CB, Syracuse

The Raiders already brought in one Syracuse defensive back with Andre Cisco in the second round and get his teammate here in the third. Williams is an intriguing prospect, who offers plenty of upside. He played principally as a slot corner in college, but is likely to move out to the boundary in the NFL. He has the ideal combination of size and athleticism to succeed at the next level and is comfortable getting physical with opponents. Williams allowed a passer rating of just 79.1 throughout his time at Syracuse.

81. Miami Dolphins – Baron Browning | LB, Ohio State

The Dolphins took a linebacker in the first round, but Browning offers a completely different skillset to Owusu-Koramoah. He had a fantastic pro day, with his 9.98 Relative Athletic Score ranking as the fifth highest of any linebacker since 1987. In truth, his future in the NFL may be as a full-time edge rusher. He has a good variety of pass rushing moves and has shown the ability to beat offensive tackles one-on-one. Browning logged 35 pressures and eight sacks on just 141 career pass rushing snaps and would give Brian Flores another versatile weapon to work with.

82. Washington Football Team – Davis Mills | QB, Stanford

With the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington secured a decent starter for 2021. That said, they need to think about the long-term future of the position and so developing a player like Mills behind him would be a smart move. Mills was a five-star recruit and the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in the 2017 recruiting class. He was limited to just 11 starts at Stanford, but showed plenty of promise in his limited snaps. He is very accurate, with his 78.8 per cent adjusted completion rate ranking fifth amongst draft-eligible quarterbacks. His 2.42 second average time to throw ranks second behind only Trevor Lawrence.

83. Chicago Bears – Stone Forsythe | OT, Florida

Offensive line was one of the Bears’ biggest weaknesses last season and the team ranked 25th in adjusted line yards. Forsythe would be a nice value option in the third round and could develop into a solid starter. At 6’8″ and 307 lbs he is one of the biggest tackles in the class and pairs this with legitimate athleticism. He has great power at the point of attack and creates a tonne of movement in the running game. He saw plenty of true pass sets at Florida, with 337 over the past two seasons.

84. Philadelphia Eagles – Rashad Weaver | EDGE, Pitt

The Eagles were one of the best pass rushing units in 2020 and their 27.9 per cent pressure rate ranked second in the NFL. That said, Brandon Graham recently turned 33 and won’t be their starter for much longer. Weaver would be an excellent developmental option and will be a nice fit in Jonathan Gannon’s 4-3 front. He was consistently productive during his time in college, with 93 pressures on his 630 pass rushing snaps since 2018. He is a refined pass rusher, with a good variety of moves and the ability to combo effectively.

85. Tennessee Titans – Tommy Tremble | TE, Notre Dame

The Titans’ offense is built around their running game and they ran more 12 personnel than any other team last season. They need to replace Jonnu Smith, and there aren’t many better ways to do it than by adding the best blocking tight end in this year’s class. Tremble was given a versatile role in Notre Dame’s offense, playing H-back, inline, and out in the slot. He pairs this with legitimate athleticism too, and is explosive off the line of scrimmage. He didn’t get a tonne of opportunities as a receiver in college, but has the tools to develop into a quality starter.

86. New York Jets – Khalil Herbert | RB, Virginia Tech

The Jets’ running game was abysmal last season, ranking 29th in rushing EPA per play. They currently have Tevin Coleman and La’Mical Perine as their starters and Herbert would be a excellent addition. He is a patient runner, with excellent contact balance and tackle breaking ability. His average of 4.74 yards after contact was the most in college football last season. 22 per cent of his carries went for 10+ yards, the fourth highest rate in the country. His lateral agility and proficiency on outside zone plays make him an excellent fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense.

87. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kyle Trask | QB, Florida

Ben Roethlisberger restructured his contract to remain with the Steelers in 2021, but he is 39-years old and has one year left on his current deal. Trask might not offer the high end traits of some other quarterbacks in this class, but he looked excellent with Florida last season. He threw for 4,278 yards, with 43 touchdowns and eight picks. He excelled as a deep passer and led college football with 41 big time throws. For context, the next best draft-eligible quarterback was Mac Jones with 32.

88. Los Angeles Rams – Divine Deablo | S, Virginia Tech

One of the Rams’ biggest weaknesses entering 2021 is a lack of quality at linebacker. Whilst Deablo played mainly as a safety in college, he looks set to transition to linebacker in the NFL. At 6’3″ and 226 lbs, he has ideal size to move down into the box and his 78.9″ wingspan helps him to wrap up consistently as a tackler. He was a good run defender at Virginia Tech and also offers solid ability as a coverage player. He had a 25 per cent forced incompletion rate in 2020 and allowed a passer rating of just 56.8.

89. Cleveland Browns – Cameron McGrone | LB, Michigan

The Browns don’t have a tonne of weaknesses to their roster but they could definitely do with some more options at linebacker. McGrone is an interesting prospect, with the high end traits you want at the position. He is an excellent run defender, with ideal sideline-to-sideline agility. He is also one of the most reliable tacklers in this year’s class and didn’t miss a single attempt in 2020. McGrone is still developing a feel for coverage, but has all of the athletic traits to develop that aspect of his game.

90. Minnesota Vikings – Dayo Odeyingbo | EDGE, Vanderbilt

The Vikings’ inability to create pressure was painfully obvious last season. With Danielle Hunter out injured they logged a pressure rate of just 19.6 per cent, ranked 29th in the NFL. Hunter will be back in 2021, but they need more around him to succeed. Odeyingbo would be an ideal fit in the Vikings’ 4-3 front and offers a solid combination of size and athleticism. He was never in a great position to succeed on a woeful Vanderbilt defense, but already possesses a diverse pass rushing attack. He has the versatility to win from a number of alignments and played along the defensive line in college.

91. Cleveland Browns – Josh Palmer | WR, Tennessee

The Browns have a solid receiver duo in Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, but a quality third option wouldn’t go amiss. Although their offense is built around heavier personnel groupings they still ran three receiver sets on almost half of their offensive snaps last season. Palmer seems to be going under the radar in this year’s draft and looks to be one of the more underrated receiver prospects. He was hamstrung by terrible quarterback play at Tennessee, but showed the ability to win consistently downfield against top competition.

92. Green Bay Packers – Cade Johnson | WR, South Dakota State

The Packers have arguably the best receiver in the NFL in Davante Adams, but there isn’t much else around him. The team are noticeably lacking a shiftier slot receiver and Johnson would fit the bill perfectly. He was consistently productive at South Dakota State and proved to be one of the biggest winners at this year’s Senior Bowl. He averaged 9.3 yards after the catch and forced an impressive 36 missed tackles on his 163 career catches. Johnson is surprisingly physical for his size too and shows good effort as a run blocker. This would be the perfect fit in Matt LaFleur’s offense.

93. Buffalo Bills – Marvin Wilson | IDL, Florida State

One of the few areas of weakness on the Bills’ roster last season was their inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. The addition of Jayson Oweh in the first round would be a major help and Wilson could potentially provide a similar boost along the interior. His 2020 tape wasn’t nearly as impressive as his previous, but he has shown he has the potential to be a dominant force in the trenches. Between 2018-19 he racked up an impressive 60 pressures on just 596 pass rushing snaps. He is worth the gamble to see whether or not he can recapture that form.

94. Baltimore Ravens – Joe Tryon | EDGE, Washington

Yannick Ngakoue and Matthew Judon led the Ravens in pressures last season and both have since moved onto pastures new. As things stand, Pernell McPhee is the team’s leading edge rusher in 2021. Tryon opted out of the 2020 season, but has shown he possesses the traits to succeed in the NFL. He has great initial burst off the line and pairs this with powerful hands. He was often used in a hybrid role by Washington and looked comfortable when asked to drop into coverage too.

95. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – D’Wayne Eskridge | WR, Western Michigan

The Bucs have a number of talented receivers, but with Chris Godwin playing on the franchise tag it is smart to consider the future. Eskridge is an exciting player who was incredibly productive at Western Michigan. He offers elite speed and averaged 23.1 yards per catch in 2020. He is a weapon after the catch too, with his 14.4 yards after the catch leading all draft-eligible prospects. Eskridge only transitioned to the position full-time in 2020, having previously played as a cornerback.

96. New England Patriots – Nico Collins | WR, Michigan

The Patriots’ receiving corps was arguably the worst in the NFL last season. They have since brought in Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne in free agency, but it still doesn’t look like a particularly imposing lineup. Collins would give them more quality at the position. He has the ideal combination of size and speed and excels as a vertical threat. He is physical downfield and one of the best contested catch receivers in this year’s class. His production was impacted by poor quarterback play at Michigan but he could develop into a nice player at the NFL level.

97. Los Angeles Chargers – Jordan Smith | EDGE, UAB

The Chargers have one of the league’s best pass rushers in Joey Bosa, but need another threat. Jerry Tillery has been a disappointment since he was drafted in 2019 and the Chargers could chase the upside of a player like Jordan Smith. Smith began his career at Florida, before off-field issues saw him transfer to junior college and then to UAB. Since joining UAB he has been one of the most productive pass rushers in college football. He has logged an incredible 102 pressures and 13 sacks on 550 pass rushing snaps. He is the only player to rank inside the top ten in pass rush win rate in each of the past two seasons.

98. New Orleans Saints – Jamie Newman | QB, Georgia

It looks like the Saints are set to enter 2021 with a quarterback competition between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill. Whilst they may be serviceable enough options, it makes a tonne of sense to gamble on a player like Newman to develop behind them. The former Wake Forest quarterback never started a game in Georgia after transferring last summer, but there is a tonne to like in terms of his traits. He has the ideal combination of arm strength and athleticism, and Sean Payton could make the most out of him as a runner. He isn’t NFL ready, but offers serious upside.

99. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Johnson | EDGE, Tulane

Dallas have a solid pair of pass rushers in Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, but with Lawrence nearing 30 and Gregory entering a contract year it makes sense to invest in a viable third option. A three-year starter at Tulane, Johnson has been consistently productive, with 109 pressures and 24 sacks since 2018. His hand usage is excellent and he already has the ability to combo moves effectively. He plays with consistently good leverage and has more power than you would expect for a player at 240 lbs.

100. Tennessee Titans – Tre Brown | CB, Oklahoma

Earlier in the mock, the Titans picked up a developmental boundary corner to work alongside Janoris Jenkins. At this spot they can invest in a slot corner who would be a great fit in their man-heavy scheme. Brown is just 5’9″ and 185 lbs but plays with the physicality of a much bigger corner. He was a three-year starter for the Sooners, playing principally on the boundary, with plenty of experience in press coverage. His ball skills are really impressive and he is competitive at the catch point. His 33 career forced incompletions are the most of any draft-eligible prospect.

101. Detroit Lions – Kellen Mond | QB, Texas A&M

Despite not playing a single snap for the Lions, it already seems widely acknowledged that Jared Goff is not the long-term solution under center. The team might want to wait until the 2022 class, but they might as well take a player like Mond in the third round and see how he can develop. Mond was a four-year starter for the Aggies and is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the class. Whilst the high end plays weren’t ever there he was consistently reliable. His decision making is excellent and he rarely puts the ball in harms way. He also offers the athleticism to create plays outside the pocket.

102. San Francisco 49ers – Paulson Adebo | CB, Stanford

The 49ers are in dire need of help at cornerback after the departure of Richard Sherman. Their defense relies on physical corners who are adept at covering the vertical tree and Adebo fits that description. He tested as one of the most athletic corners in the pre-draft process, with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.55. He is comfortable playing press coverage and as a former receiver he does a nice job locating the ball downfield. His ball production was one of his best traits at Stanford and he logged 24 forced incompletions in his 21 career starts.

103. Los Angeles Rams – James Hudson | OT, Cincinnati

The Rams don’t have any immediate needs on their offensive line, but with Andrew Whitworth turning 40 next season they need to start considering long-term solutions. Hudson began his college career on the defensive line, before transitioning to offensive tackle. He became a full-time starter last season and looked really impressive. He is still developing the nuances of the position but didn’t allow a single sack or hit across his 319 pass blocking snaps in 2020.

104. Baltimore Ravens – Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR, USC

The Ravens need a big-bodied receiver who can complement the speed and quickness of Marquise Brown. They get just that with a player like Amon-Ra St. Brown. He offers slot/boundary versatility and was productive throughout his career at USC. He is one of the most refined route runners in this year’s class and proved that he can win at all three levels of the field. St. Brown offers a tough and physical playstyle and some of the most reliable hands you will find in a wide receiver prospect.

105. New Orleans Saints – Chazz Surratt | LB, North Carolina

Demario Davis will turn 33 during the 2021 season and the Saints will want to think about adding depth at linebacker. Surratt started his career at UNC as a quarterback, before moving to linebacker in 2019. He earned First Team-All ACC honours in each of his years as a starter and offers an exciting set of traits. The Saints’ defense loves to blitz its linebackers and Surratt would be a nice fit in that role. He was incredibly productive in college, racking up 62 pressures and 13 sacks on just 200 pass rushing snaps.