Josh Norris’ One Week Out 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Josh Norris
Underdog Sports
8 min readApr 23, 2021

--

32 picks and prospect fits.

1. Jaguars — QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

Trevor Lawrence is in a tier of his own in this class, and enters a situation surrounded by D.J. Chark, Marvin Jones, Laviska Shenault and James Robinson. Not bad!

2. Jets — QB Zach Wilson, BYU

It will be fascinating to watch a QB who played behind a dominant OL that created throwing highways during his final season line up and face Bill Belichick, Brian Flores and Sean McDermott six times per year.

3. 49ers — Trey Lance, NDSU

This is the pivot point for all mock drafts. The closer we get, the less likely I think Mac Jones is the selection. Kyle Shanahan asked Trey Lance to work with John Beck, a friend, after the Bison already worked with Quincy Avery… how often does that happen? When has a decision-maker had such a heavy hand in a prospect’s pre-draft process? Justin Fields also worked with Beck pre-draft.

I simply can’t wrap my head around trading two future firsts, plus a third-round pick, to draft “more of the same.” Now is the time to get a quarterback who elevates the ceiling when the plan of the play is figured out. In the end, though, only Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch know the answer. So any “league source” not named Shanahan or Lynch likely has the same level of knowledge that we do.

4. Falcons — TE Kyle Pitts, Florida

Massive decision for the Falcons here that shapes their franchise for the next five or so years. Do you take the young quarterback while in the Top 5, a position you never want to be in again, or create possibly the best WR-WR-TE pairing in the NFL? There are numerous teams with Kyle Pitts as the №1 player on their board.

5. Bengals — WR Ja’Marr Chase, LSU

Cincy will have one of the top two players on their board reach this selection. That is a tremendous spot to be in. On our podcast, Bengals legend Joe Goodberry seemed comfortable saying Chase would be selected over Penei Sewell — as the Riley Reiff signing likely indicates the team is comfortable with both tackle spots.

6. Dolphins — WR Jaylen Waddle, Alabama

Kyle Pitts dropping to this slot would be Miami’s dream. Even if Chase is on the board, I could see the Dolphins prioritizing Waddle. Why? Will Fuller and DeVante Parker threaten the outside, with Waddle and Mike Gesicki operating over the middle of the field. Moving back from №3, to №12, then back up to №6 is a clear indication Chris Grier wants to exit this draft with one of the top three pass catchers for Tua.

7. Cardinals (TRADE via DET) — WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama

The fact that Peter Schrager suggested the Cardinals trade up in back to back mock drafts is a big flashing sign to me… but would they do it for DeVonta Smith? Whispers now suggest Smith might be available in the teens. The team only has two picks in the top four rounds, but Steve Keim and Kliff Kingsbury might feel they don’t have much time left to get this right — while watching the Rams and 49ers make massive moves this offseason. Is it the Cardinals turn?

8. Chargers (TRADE via CAR) — T Penei Sewell, Oregon

This trade could totally be made at №7. After drafting Joey Bosa, I remember Tom Telesco saying he waited “an entire year” to draft the pass rusher. How Bosa’s player magnet sat at the top of the team’s draft board for an entire season. I get the feeling Penei Sewell has done the same — at an area of need and with a pre-existing relationship with the team’s franchise quarterback.

9. Bears (TRADE via DEN) — QB Mac Jones, Alabama

For weeks it felt like Mac was destined for San Francisco, to the point that we never speculated where he might end up if he’s still on the board beyond №3. Let’s run it back with Ryan Pace, who once signed Mike Glennon in the same offseason he drafted Mitchell Trubisky. Pace and Matt Nagy must do something to change the course of their franchise — because Andy Dalton certainly isn’t going to do that. The pre-existing relationship with Vic Fangio might help get this one done.

10. Cowboys — CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

It feels like there are four players under consideration for the Cowboys: Surtain, Jaycee Horn, Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater. This might change in the final mock, but for now I’ll go with the steady pro-ready corner.

11. Giants — EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

How do you think Dave Gettleman will feel if he is able to draft the №1 pass rusher on his board? Fantasyland. Nirvana, with total confidence in his evaluation. OL is certainly a possibility at both tackle and guard after Kevin Zeitler’s release, but I’m not ready to give up on Matt Peart starting at one of those spots.

12. Eagles — CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina

The Eagles have searched for an alpha corner for years. Sidney Jones, Rasul Douglas, Ronald Darby, Darius Slay. Horn definitely has the mentality and frame to match the league’s top wideouts. From Kyle Pitts to Elijah Moore to Devonta Smith to many more — he has been tested to a staggering degree.

13. Panthers (TRADE via LAC) — OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

It was difficult to project a trade out for Carolina with Sewell on the board, but there is a chance they prefer Rashawn Slater. Overall though, the №1 priority might be to acquire more picks this year and next year. Slater would pair perfectly with Taylor Moton on the other side, with Matt Paradais at center and multiple names to fit in at guard. It has the makings of a solid OL. It’s all very reminiscent of how the Bills built their group.

14. Vikings — T Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

The Vikings’ OL is in flux. Longtime LT RIley Reiff is off to the Bengals. Shifting Brian O’Neill to left tackle is a possibility, as is moving Ezra Cleveland out there. Jenkins is a people moving right tackle with athleticism. It would not be a shock for Spielman to move up for Sewell or Slater, nor would it be a surprise if Mike Zimmer talked the team into drafting Jaelen Phillips.

15. Patriots — QB Justin Fields, Ohio State

If Justin Fields makes it beyond №3 and №8, I have absolutely no clue where he will land. This would be such a great fit. Look up any comment that Bill Belichick said about Deshaun Watson and Cam Newton (before he signed). Bill appreciates pocket passers with plus athleticism.

16. Lions (TRADE via ARI) — T Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech

Brad Holmes knows what is key to Jared Goff’s success: a tremendous offensive line. Other pieces are there — Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow. Maybe Jonah Jackson can continue to grow and Big V stay healthy. In this case, Darrisaw would move to right tackle, which is a projection.

17. Raiders — LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

It’s no secret that the media believes the Raiders are enamored with Micah Parsons. It is easy to see Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden falling in love with his on-field play.

18. Dolphins — RB Travis Etienne, Clemson

Jaylen Waddle and Travis Etienne, along with Will Fuller this offseason. That is some real juice. Najee Harris is absolutely a possibility, but Etienne offers that extra gear to his game.

19. Washington — OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Even if Trey Lance makes it beyond the №3 pick, I’ve been told Washington is unlikely to trade up for him. Ryan Fitzpatrick will make this offense entertaining on a weekly basis, especially attached to Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson. The one critical flaw might be the offensive line, and AVT is a step in the right direction.

20. Broncos (TRADE via CHI) — LB Zaven Collins, Tulsa

Zaven Collins showing up to Indy medical checks at 270 lbs is *shocking*. Collins is very different than Roquan Smith, who was another Vic Fangio first round pick, so perhaps someone like Jamin Davis is closer to his “type.”

21. Colts — T Samuel Cosmi, Texas

Cosmi’s playstyle and possible progression might be similar to Joe Staley. The Colts need to keep a strength a strength, and bringing in a starting LT would do that. There are a handful of possibilities in the 20–40 range.

22. Titans — CB Greg Newsome II, Northwestern

The Titans are good. Their 2020 offseason was a disaster. Kristian Fulton, Janoris Jenkins and Kevin Johnson seem to be the team’s cornerback trio. Newsome is a joy to watch. I could also see Jon Robinson avoiding prospects who have missed time, which would eliminate Newsome and Caleb Farley.

23. Jets — EDGE Joe Tryon, Washington

There’s a tier of pass rushers here, and each team likely ranks them differently. Let’s go with Tryon, who boasts a very similar athletic profile to Robert Quinn, without the same kind of edge bend. We know Robert Saleh values defensive line depth and talent. Guard remains a massive need, and I believe the Jets should target a YAC threat like Rondale Moore in Round 2. I was tempted to place Elijah Moore here.

24. Steelers — RB Najee Harris, Alabama

The Steelers beat seems certain Harris will be the pick if on the board. He’s solid, but it simply does not make sense if the Steelers repeat their style from 2020… with arguably a worse offensive line.

25. Jaguars — TE Pat Freiermuth, Penn State

This pick is far more likely on Day 2, but I just want to put it in pencil early. Freiermuth’s old position coach is now with Jacksonville, and the team has a massive need at the position.

26. Browns — WR Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

This is possibly the final season for Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham (zero guaranteed money left after 2021) on the Browns. Bateman was amazing in 2019, then suffered from COVID-19, lost weight and played inside more often in 2020. He’d be a great addition to Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

27. Ravens — EDGE Jayson Oweh, Penn State

Baltimore’s secondary remains one of the best in the league. But a team with a proud pass rushing history has been yearning for a primary outside threat. Oweh is an unreal athlete, which gives him an instant advantage in 1 on 1 situations.

28. Saints — WR Elijah Moore, Ole Miss

*Just* Michael Thomas is okay when Drew Brees is your quarterback. Jameis Winston/Taysom Hill need more. I wonder if Sean Payton sees some Brandin Cooks in Elijah Moore’s game.

29. Packers — S/LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

The Packers have searched and searched for a safety/linebacker hybrid — Josh Jones and Oren Burks namely. Maybe Gutekunst believes JOK is his next opportunity to nail that role.

30. Bills — EDGE Azeez Ojulari, Georgia

Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison are entering contract years. Ojulari plays with outstanding strength, especially as a force player in the run game.

31. Chiefs — T Liam Eichenburg, Notre Dame

There are a number of tackles who fit this area of the draft — Eichenberg, Brady Christensen, Alex Leatherwood. We all know it remains a massive need for the Chiefs, who attempted to sign Trent Williams in free agency.

32. Bucs — EDGE Jaelen Phillips, Miami

It seems every mock alludes to questions in Phillips’ evaluation, but for a team that is returning practically every player from their Super Bowl winning season, adding a pass rushing threat to rest Jason Pierre-Paul for a few more snaps per game would be a wise move.

Sign up to discover human stories that deepen your understanding of the world.

Membership

Read member-only stories

Support writers you read most

Earn money for your writing

Listen to audio narrations

Read offline with the Medium app

--

--