With the Senior Bowl packed, NFL draft the season has officially started. To get this going, I’m dropping a fully fleshed out 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft. After Saturday night’s blockbuster trade, that will ship Matthew Stafford to the Rams and Jared Goff for the lions, I try to project where the top four quarterbacks could end. I also identify some team fit with different top prospects. Let’s get started.
And after reading this 7 round mock version, you can start your own PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator!
2021 7-Round NFL Mock Draft | Round one
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
We all know this choice. While we can discuss the merits of Urban Meyer’s appointment as head coach, Meyer took this job only to coach Trevor Lawrence.
With players like DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault Jr. to throw at, Lawrence will have some guns early in Jacksonville. I know it’s boring, but this pick is the only one in this 7-round NFL Mock Draft that I’m comfortably writing in a Sharpie.
2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
This choice is where the design really begins. From now on, here are two scenarios happening in my mind. Scenario A is the taking of the Jets Zach Wilson. It seems pretty clear at this stage that he will be the second quarterback off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Jets have plenty of ammunition to build around him, and he fits the San Francisco 49ers plan that Robert Saleh and his staff will deploy.
Scenario B is the Jets acting to build Sam Darnold. However, since I’m avoiding all trades in this 2021 7-round NFL Mock Draft, let’s move on to scenario A.
3. Miami Dolphins (via HOU): DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
PFN Insider Benjamin Allbright said DeVonta Smith to the dolphins can be “colored. “The Heisman winner will have the opportunity in Mobile to work directly with the dolphins’ staff. Concerns about size don’t seem to be enough to push him down from draft boards.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Atlanta is in an interesting scenario here. Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot have made history for emphasizing offensive lines, so Penei Sewell could be in the game here. However, you don’t often pick high enough to get a quarterback of the future when you have a good starter ahead of you.
As such, Atlanta Justin Fields here. He can sit behind Matt Ryan for a while and feel comfortable in Smith’s attack until the Falcons can move on with Ryan’s contract.
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
The Bengals’ line of attack played pretty bad in 2020. While some of the recordings did According to Sewell are wild on both sides of the aisle, it doesn’t change the fact that Sewell is a talented attacking lineman. The Bengals must keep bringing talent to that offensive line to protect Joe Burrow.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
I went back and forth on whatever WR I would go to Philadelphia here. Head coach Nick Sirianni has worked with such players as Mike Williams, Michael Pittman and Tyrell Williams who are bigger goals. But he has also worked with Travis Benjamin, TY Hilton and Parris Campbell.
As a result, I decided to just take the player who was higher on my board. While the Eagles just lined up Jalen Reagor, that shouldn’t discourage them from adding Jaylen Waddle to their inconsistent reception room at best.
Detroit Lions: Trey Lance, QB, State of North Dakota
Matthew Stafford has officially left the Detroit building. The Lions traded him away to the Los Angeles Rams for two first-round picks – one in 2022 and one in 2023 – plus an additional third-round pick this year. The Lions are also taking on Jared Goff in the deal. Still, acting for Goff shouldn’t stop the Lions from conquering the quarterback of the future. The Lions may cut / trade Goff after next season with minor financial consequences.
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Trey Lance has more than a few question marks surrounding his inexperience and adjustment to the NFL. However, he’s an incredibly talented passer-by with a lot of athletic ability to boot. With the workforce Detroit is building, it’s clear they are looking to rebuild. Letting Lance develop while Goff goes out and plays would be a wise move for Detroit.
Carolina Panthers: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
With no top quarterbacks on the board here in this 2021 7-round NFL Mock Draft, Carolina is in a tough spot.
So the team turns to its next greatest need: offensive gear. Russell Okung and Taylor Moton are projected free agents. While the team will likely invest to bring Moton back, the left tackle spot needs to be filled. Sounds like Rashawn Slater will be a top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Caleb Farley is the most perfect Vic Fangio corner in recent years. I’d be surprised if Farley wasn’t the best choice for Denver here at number nine with the need to make a corner.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
With the Cowboys currently expected to lose both Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis, corner is a huge priority. Reunification Patrick Surtain II with college teammate Trevon Diggs would be an attractive combination. Dan Quinn’s defense likes long turns with ball skills, and Surtain passes precisely.
11. New York Giants: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
The Giants are likely to leave Golden Tate as a cap victim this off-season. While Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard are good players, there is no real WR1 type.
Enter Yes’Marr Chase – Chase’s height and aggressive pass-catcher mentality can help alleviate some of Daniel Jones’ placement issues and provide the Giants with a reliable target for the red zone.
12. San Francisco 49ers: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, Dontae Johnson, Jamar Taylor, Emmanuel Moseley, Ken Webster.
That’s the list of every San Francisco cornerback looking to become a free agent this off-season. Any turn that made a defensive hit for the 49ers becomes a free agent. Even if the 49ers bring back a few, that’s enough sales to be had.
Enter Jaycee Horn – a snappy, long angle that plays with attitude.
13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Chargers added Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga to the right side of the offensive line, but have to take care of the left side out of season. Christian Darrisaw is my personal OT2 with his excellent strength, height and movement skills. Joining him on the left protects franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.
Minnesota Vikings: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Mike Zimmer expressed disappointment in his defense several times during the season. When Zimmer’s defense was at its best, the edge rushers took over games. Everson Griffen, Brian Robison, and Danielle Hunter all impacted high-level games together, and I think Zimmer will want to after investing so heavily in the corner room last year.
15. New England Patriots: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
The Patriots and a huge, explosively tight game. Need I say more? Kyle Pitts is a freak of nature on the football field. No matter who the patriots have at QB, a gun like Pitts will make his life much easier.
Arizona Cardinals: Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Micah Parsons will be a difficult evaluation for many. It doesn’t fit seamlessly like a traditional linebacker. Additionally, several issues with him off the field and character have surfaced.
However, his skills could serve him well in Arizona. The team enjoyed a breakout season from Haason Reddick this year, and Parsons is totally in that shape. Should Reddick leave in free service, Parsons would be an ideal replacement.